QUIT or STAY? Make Career Moves with Purpose, Not Pressure

We all have moments when we daydream about a better job, a different boss, or a whole new career. We stare at our work, sigh deeply, and wonder,

Is this really what I want to be doing?

Photo: Thomas Barwick

So, what's the right move? Do you stay in your current role, or is it time to move on? It's a big decision, and the answer isn't always obvious

Why This Question Feels So Heavy

The stay-or-go dilemma feels particularly challenging because it goes beyond the job itself. Our careers are deeply intertwined with our identity, financial well-being, and long-term aspirations. The true complexity lies in how most professionals approach this junction—focusing primarily on surface-level factors like salary, workload, or a frustrating manager—without taking a structured, deeper look at what’s actually working (and what’s not).

The Pressure to Decide Quickly

Today's workplace culture often promotes a troubling narrative: anything less than 100% satisfaction warrants an immediate exit. But meaningful career transitions should be intentional, not reactive. Made with purpose not pressure. Before drafting that resignation letter, pause and reflect. There's wisdom in thoughtfully remaining where you are while you gain clarity—the key is making this a conscious choice rather than defaulting to inertia.

NOTE: If your current situation is damaging to your mental or physical health to the point of urgency, you'll need a different game plan.

A Better Way to Approach This Decision

Rather than defaulting to "stay or leave," consider a more strategic approach:

1. Assess your current role holistically (spoiler: most people don’t know how to do this thoroughly).

2. Identify hidden opportunities where you are. Sometimes, the change you need is closer than you think.

3. Recognize the signs that it is time to move on.

If you've been experiencing professional uncertainty or dissatisfaction, I invite you to keep reading.

Stay tuned for the next few posts where I'll explore these critical areas more.

Judy Garfinkel helps you clarify "what's next." Her expertise in building confidence and resilience supports personal development and the ability to navigate career and work transitions – especially now! She is a certified Trauma-Informed Coach. Judy also crafts bespoke resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and bios that open doors for her clients and land jobs. Judy is a Past President of the International Coaching Federation - Connecticut Chapter, where she led 250+ member coaches. You can reach her at judy@moveintochange.com.