Making Hard Decisions: Why It’s Okay to Walk Away
There’s a certain point in every senior manager’s career where the question arises: Do I stay, or do I go? For some of you reading this, you might be wrestling with that question right now, feeling stuck in a toxic work environment. It’s a place where the energy is draining, the stress is high, and despite all your best efforts, nothing seems to change.
As an executive coach, I’ve seen this dilemma time and again. You’re not just thinking about your role; you’re thinking about the team you lead, the promises you’ve made, and the fear that leaving might signal defeat. But let’s pause for a moment. Is staying in that environment serving you, or are you staying because you feel like you should? Because the idea of quitting feels like failure?
Let’s break that down.
Here’s a simple exercise I often use with my clients:
Write down the reasons why you’re staying in your current situation. Are you staying because you feel a sense of duty, or because it aligns with your values and goals?
Make a list of the consequences of staying versus leaving. What would change if you made a different decision? Are you holding onto something that no longer serves you?
Brainstorm solutions. If your reason for staying is fear of financial loss, for example, what alternative income streams or career options could you explore?
This type of reflection can reveal that the hardest decisions often come with the greatest growth. As a senior manager, you’ve already proven that you have the skills and determination to succeed. Now, it’s time to focus on aligning your career with your values, making empowered decisions, and finding the fulfillment that comes from leading with clarity and purpose.
Why Do We Stay in Toxic Workplaces?
It’s often rooted in perfectionism. Many of us, especially those in leadership roles, have internalized the idea that pushing through and grinding harder will eventually lead to success. We tell ourselves that if we can just fix this one thing or influence that one situation, we’ll turn it around. But here’s the harsh reality: sometimes, the environment you’re in isn’t something you can fix, and staying only chips away at your well-being.
I recently reflected on this in my podcast after reading an article from The New Yorker. The piece was all about how we punish ourselves by staying in situations that no longer serve us because quitting feels like failure. But what if the real failure is staying in an environment that’s causing you pain?
The Cost of Staying
I’ve had clients tell me they’ve stayed in toxic work environments for years, convinced they could fix the problems, only to find themselves sick, burned out, and emotionally exhausted. I’ve been there too—working long hours, ignoring my health, and constantly trying to prove myself. For me, it led to physical sickness, to the point where I kept getting bronchitis because I refused to stop. And guess what? I ended up with asthma. My body forced me to confront the fact that I was sacrificing my health for something that wasn’t worth it.
So, ask yourself: Is the cost of staying higher than the cost of leaving?
Do You Like Your Reasons?
When I work with clients who are struggling with this decision, I always ask them to reflect on their reasons for staying. Are you staying because you believe you can make a meaningful impact, or are you staying because you’re afraid of what leaving might mean? Are you trying to prove something to yourself or to others? Be honest with yourself.
Sometimes we need to lean into imperfection and say, “I’ve done everything I can, and it’s okay to move on.” There’s no shame in that. It doesn’t mean you’re weak, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re recognizing that this situation is no longer aligned with your values, your health, or your well-being.
When It’s Time to Go
It’s easy to convince yourself to stay. The pay is good. The title is prestigious. You’ve built relationships. But what’s the true cost of staying? If you’re compromising your mental and physical health, it might be time to walk away.
Yes, it’s hard to make that leap, especially when fears of financial insecurity, uncertainty, or judgment creep in. But here’s the truth: there are always solutions. You can find a healthier work environment. You can create multiple streams of income. You can take care of yourself while still leading with integrity. It’s about making decisions that serve you in the long run.
So if you’re sitting at your desk, feeling that familiar tension in your chest, dreading another week in a place that doesn’t value you or your well-being, ask yourself: What am I staying for? And do I like those reasons?
Embrace the Change
Leaving a toxic work environment isn’t about giving up. It’s about stepping into the next chapter of your life, one that aligns with your values and allows you to lead from a place of strength and authenticity. Don’t let fear hold you back. Don’t let the narrative that quitting equals failure stop you from making the choice that’s best for you.
If this resonates with you, and you’re struggling to make that decision, reach out. Let’s talk through it together. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
I’m rooting for you.
Jaime Gennaro is a seasoned business consultant and coach with over 20 years of experience helping companies achieve sustainable growth and leadership success. She has held leadership roles in marketing and operational strategy across various industries, including tech startups and creative agencies. Jaime specializes in business coaching for entrepreneurs and guiding leaders in balancing personal and professional growth. She focuses on reducing burnout, achieving business clarity, and developing entrepreneurial leadership strategies for long-term success.
If you're ready to take the next step in your journey, I invite you to explore my 90-day private coaching package.
