Why Quitting Is Okay

This photo has NOTHING to do with the topic, but sometimes a pretty view just brings me a little sliver of peace

Okay first off, I want to say that I still 100% struggle with remembering that quitting something does NOT equal failure.

I am not the face of doing it right all the time, but I’ve made a huge effort lately to lean into this truth: life isn’t about who can do the most. It’s about alignment, peace, and being honest with yourself—even when that honesty is uncomfortable.

Back in September, I thought I wanted to go back to grad school to become a Psych NP. I applied, got accepted, and started the journey. But the entire time, there was this little voice in the back of my mind saying, “This isn’t your path.” I ignored it. Pushed through. Because that’s what we’re taught to do, right?

By December, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. I realized I was investing time, energy, and a large chunk of money into something that I might not even enjoy once I graduated.

So… I quit.

And more recently? I did the same thing with my primary job. It didn’t align with my values. When I pictured the Erin I want to be in 10 years, she wasn’t working that job. IT drained my energy and was bringing so much negativity to my life that I couldn't shake. So, I put in my notice—with nothing lined up as a backup.

Now, I want to make something very clear: I’m extremely aware that this is a huge privilege. Jonathan and I don’t have kids. We’ve saved money from my travel nursing days. I have two other sources of income. I don’t take any of that for granted. I know not everyone can just “up and quit.”

But even if you’re not in a position to make a big leap right now, I want you to think about this:

What does the future version of you look like?

What does she do for work?

What lights her up?

What kind of energy does she carry when she walks into a room?

What’s her hobby?

Her routine?

If what you’re doing right now doesn’t support that vision, it might be time to take a step in a new direction. It doesn’t have to be drastic. It just has to be honest.

So, what can you do if you’re feeling stuck or misaligned?

Here are a few small, but powerful steps you can take right now:

1. Visualize Your Future Self

• Where does she work?

• What does her life look like?

• What makes her excited to wake up?

Don’t get caught up in the “how.” Just let yourself imagine freely.

2. Check for Alignment

Ask: Does my current path support that vision?

• If yes → great! Keep building on that.

• If no → that’s okay. Awareness is the first step.

3. Start With Micro-Shifts

You don’t have to burn it all down to begin again.

• Hate your job? Update your resume, or reach out to someone in a different field.

• Curious about a new path? Sign up for a free course or workshop.

• Want more creativity? Block 30 minutes this weekend for a hobby.

Progress is still progress, even if it’s not flashy.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Pivot

You are allowed to outgrow things that once made sense.You are allowed to listen to your inner voice.You are allowed to choose peace over people-pleasing.

5. Lean Into Community

Talk to people who’ve made bold moves. Let their stories remind you that you’re not alone in this—even if it feels that way sometimes.

Quitting isn’t failing.

Staying stuck when you know better? That’s what chips away at your energy, your creativity, your spark.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing what’s best for your future self.

Keep taking those aligned steps—big, small, or somewhere in between—and trust that it’s all unfolding exactly how it’s meant to.

What is something that you have contemplated walking away from or quitting? Drop your answers in the comments-we would love to support you anyway we can!

XO, Coach Erin