I’m ready to give up.
I started my business 7 months ago. It was my big bold career move- to follow my dream, to start my own business, to be an entrepreneur. Since starting my business I’ve failed. A lot.
A few weeks ago I thought long and hard about giving up. Let’s be real, giving up would make my life so much easier and so much less painful. I gave myself permission to give up.
And I haven’t given up. At least not yet.
Most days I hear stories of women stuck in their jobs and they’ve all but given up. Some of them really have given up. Some of them haven’t given up on their dreams, but they’ve given up on the idea that they’ll ever get anything better than what they’ve got right now.
How do you know when it’s time to give up? Here’s how I knew for me it wasn’t time for me to give up.
When Not To Give Up
When you haven’t really gotten started
Anything worth your time takes time.
If you’re facing a big career change, give it at least 6 – 12 months. That could be 6 – 12 months to network, job search, or pursue a graceful exit from your current job.
When you aren’t good at it yet
When you try something new, it takes time to get good.
Don’t give up because you don’t know what you’re doing- learn how to do it, practice doing it, and don’t quit until you’re good at it.
When you haven’t asked for help
You can accomplish far greater things with help than without.
Get help before you quit- just make sure the help comes from a reputable source like a trusted mentor or career coach.
When you’re comparing yourself to someone else
Comparison is a sure way to settle for less.
Don’t worry about what someone else has– do what you can to do your best and be your best.
When you’re not choosing for yourself
Are you basing your decision on what’s best for someone else, or what’s best for you?
If you’re not making you’re own choices, you’re never making the choice that’s right for you.
When you’re afraid
Are you making a fear-based decision?
Doing something amazing is downright terrifying, but don’t let that stop you.
When it’s hard
It’s hard to make a change in your career. Don’t give up just because it’s hard.
When you failed
Failure is a sign of progress. If you failed, learn from your failure. Keep trying.
When to give up
Sometimes it is okay to give up. And that’s when what you’re doing isn’t working. You know, when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and burned out.
It may be time to give up what you’re doing to do something different, or it could be time to do it differently. Just know when you do something different, you’re probably going to want to give up as you get started.
Are you ready to give up? It may be time to ask for help from someone like me. Go ahead, ask.