We quit for all sorts of reasons. The key is not to quit without a purpose.

Quit strategically.

In 2014, I reached the end of my effectiveness. I was frustrated. My boss was annoyed with me. My colleagues were exhausted too. The future wasn’t bright. There was no hope that conditions would improve. It was a Dead-end.

I was tempted many times to say the heck with it and just walk away. But there was too much to risk, and as a professional, it was not the responsible thing to do. So I found some time to consider my options, if I had any.

Deep down I still had a sliver of confidence that I could do my job well if given another chance. So I dusted off my resume, trimmed up my professional file, and began looking elsewhere.

I decided to narrow my search to just one job opening. If they took interest in me, then I would know that my career wasn’t over. That they saw promise in me. My self-confidence was very low and I needed to be reassured.

They did see promise in me, and offered me the position. This provided a new purpose, and a definite place to go. That’s when I quit.

I had no assurance that I would succeed in the new position. But the prospect and possibility of it blew fresh wind into my droopy sails. I could chart a new course. I could follow where it would lead. I was excited again.

Quitting strategically is done for this very purpose. To regain excitement for a new set of challenging adventures. Without that, work is a bore. One dreary day after another.

If you need to quit, quit into something that promises to reenergize you and give you room to grow.