Embracing Career Growth: The Power of Letting Go and Moving Forward

“I don’t give up. I don’t quit”

I wish people could hear this statement as much as I’ve heard it. Maybe then fewer would feel alone or shame in the decision to let go. Over the last five years alone, the number of people I’ve worked with, at all different stages of their career, that have hit a point where they’re ready for the next step, something new, something more challenging, a better fit, more supportive, more fulfilling, or a host of other reasons, but are held back by the fear of letting go… or the reflection and perception of letting go, has continuously increased.

Making the decision to move on to the next thing before there is a next thing is a huge hurdle in career growth. Accepting that it’s time to move on, and allowing yourself to move on, while recognizing "quitting" is not failure, is the first step. For whatever reason, we feel guilt when this thought first creeps in. The thought that we failed, or that we didn’t "have what it takes"; we have been trained to think longevity is the only form of success. I wish I could say this is a result of the change in how we show up in our careers today. That it’s a result of shifting from 40 years on the job and retiring, to now having a new job nearly every two-four years and the judgment in that changed behavior. 

That would be a much easier mindset to change... But this fear of letting go is rooted much deeper. 

While everyone is different in why or how this fear shows up, when it comes to career growth it seems to show up the most in a desire to belong, and a fear that we won't or don't. We want a community and a home. We want to know we’re wanted, valued, and have an impact. So through that "want" we cover, hide, hold back, and stay all too long. I'm not suggesting everyone go quit their job tomorrow or check stability at the front door, that's unrealistic. But I am encouraging people to take a hard look at how they spend their time on a daily basis, weekly basis, and year-to-year. Does it reflect what you're feeling and dreaming? If it's a no, then it's time to rethink, calibrate, and plan -- it's time to let go.

If I could share one learning with someone who is going through this feeling, despite where they are in their career journey, it would be that letting go is not a failure, letting go is an opportunity. I would encourage you to spend time exploring how you want to show up in life, in general, personally and professionally. How do you want to feel at the end of each day? Sure there's more to making the move, taking on the next thing, and closing this chapter, but first thing's first... accept that it's time to let go.

You deserve to show up in the way you’re envisioning. You deserve to feel full, valued, and respected. You deserve to be challenged and inspired. It might be a journey to get there, but you’re worth each step and every hurdle. Take that first step. Let go and let yourself dream of what’s next.