Work is more than just a job; it’s a relationship that shapes our lives and aligns with our values, goals, and sense of purpose. Like any meaningful connection, however, there comes a time when we may feel the pull to move on. As author Barbara Brown Taylor shares, “I have relational callings, I have professional callings…and I also think it’s possible to be called away from things I have been called to in the past…There are ‘goodbyes’ as well as ‘hellos’ in our callings.”
Knowing when to move on from a professional relationship can be challenging, but it’s crucial for growth. Leaving a role isn’t just about “quitting”; it’s about honoring our evolution and opening up to new possibilities. By recognizing that moving on is a natural part of any relationship’s life cycle, we can say goodbye with intention and clarity, making space for new opportunities.
Like personal relationships, our work connections are often based on shared values, aligned goals, or a feeling of belonging to a larger mission. Some work relationships foster growth, helping us develop skills and insights that may be hard to achieve alone. Others meet our needs for stability, accomplishment, or connection. And just as with personal relationships, the reasons we “connect” with a role or organization can shift over time.
We may even be drawn to certain roles or companies because they reflect familiar dynamics—both positive and negative—that echo the values and traits of those who nurtured us most closely, such as a parent, mentor, or guardian. Recognizing these patterns can help us make conscious choices, aligning us with work that truly supports us and knowing when to move on if it doesn’t.
Yet, as we grow and evolve, it’s essential to acknowledge when work relationships no longer align with who we’ve become. Poet Brian A. “Drew” Chalker reminds us, “people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” This wisdom applies equally to our relationship with work, helping us see when it’s time to move on.
Navigating the evolving nature of our work lives often requires us to know when to move on. Here are a few common reasons why we might decide to part ways with a job or career path:
Recognizing these signs is not a failure; rather, it’s an opportunity to embrace change and allow for personal transformation.
Sometimes, knowing when to move on from a role or career path is an invitation to grow and transform. Much like a caterpillar entering a cocoon to emerge as a butterfly, leaving a professional relationship can be a chance to evolve into something more aligned with our current values, gifts, and purpose. Embracing this calling can open up new pathways that bring us closer to our true potential, leading to opportunities we may not have envisioned.
Knowing when to move on and finding closure in work transitions can be complex. Sometimes, it’s a smooth and amicable parting; other times, it’s more abrupt. Like in personal relationships, work endings benefit from thoughtful reflection. On good terms, we might let the connection fade naturally. In other cases, we may need a more direct conversation to honor the relationship and bring closure.
To ease this transition, try a visualization exercise: imagine packing two boxes. In one, place all the positive aspects of the work relationship—new skills, experiences, friends, and networks. In the other, place any negative traits—stress, unresolved tensions, or toxic behaviors. Visualize leaving the second box behind in the office, carrying only the positive one with you. This exercise can help release lingering negativity, allowing you to move forward with a sense of gratitude.
Leaving a work relationship gracefully means respecting the lessons learned and honoring the people involved. Moving on from a job, especially after investing years of energy and commitment, can feel like a loss. Give yourself time to grieve. Talk with trusted colleagues, journal your reflections, or channel your energy into something that brings you joy.
Above all, appreciate the good in the relationship and release any negativity. Cherish the valuable experiences while letting go of what no longer serves you. In moving forward, you create space for new relationships and roles that align with your goals and future aspirations.
For a deeper exploration of knowing when to move on, listen to my recent conversation with Jason Lauritsen on Better Relationships, Better Work. Together, we discuss the importance of knowing when it’s time to move on, embracing change, and making room for new opportunities.
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