Quitters Never Win? Think Again: The Truth About Job Switching"

What if I told you that quitting your job could actually be the best career move you’ll ever make?

Job switching has long been seen as a taboo subject. The popular adage “winners never quit” has been ingrained into our minds, but let’s be real—this mindset can often lead to stagnation. The truth is, knowing when to quit and embrace a change can be a strategic advantage in both your personal and professional life. In fact, sometimes quitting is the key to winning.

Let’s talk about the idea of quitting and switching jobs. It’s time we rethink the narrative.

The Case for Job Switching

There’s a common misconception that those who switch jobs are “quitters” and, by extension, somehow weaker than those who stay in the same role for years. But according to the book Range by David Epstein, this mindset doesn’t hold up. Epstein argues that the more you explore and try out different fields—whether in careers, hobbies, or life experiences—the more you actually set yourself up for success. The argument for “late specialization” is powerful. It’s like dating your high school sweetheart and assuming you’re destined to be together forever. As you grow, you realize that things change. Interests, values, and even what you want from life might evolve. Sticking with one path without considering the alternatives may lead to complacency.

Here’s the kicker: Most people choose their careers before they can even think for themselves. Think about it—at 10, 15, or even younger, we’re encouraged to pick a career path. Imagine the career you have now was chosen by your 15-year-old self. What are the odds that a teenager, who’s still figuring out the world, could pick the right career path for their adult self? It’s like flipping a coin. Some got it right because they followed an inner voice, but many of us were influenced by neighbours, parents, or a wealthy uncle’s career. The important lesson here is: Don’t let that be you. Keep moving until you find the career that fits, and keep adjusting until you’re in a place of strength—because that’s when you can contribute most meaningfully to society.

As Gandhi once said, "I heard a voice inside me that speaks." It’s that voice we all need to listen to. Your voice. Don’t get stuck doing something just because it’s what others expected of you. You need to find your why—and only then can you truly find your place in the world.

A Little Inspiration from Naveen Jain

If you ever listen to Naveen Jain, the entrepreneur behind companies like Moon Express, you’ll hear him say, "If you're an expert, you're useless. Get out of there as you would a burning house." Some people may want to stay within their comfort zone, savoring local fame or the security of familiarity, but those who seek to make a real impact never settle for being local heroes. They want to be global change-makers. It’s not enough to think outside the box—Jain’s advice is to leave the box entirely. But I would take it a step further and say: Throw the box away entirely and think without any box.

That’s the mindset that leads to the next level. You’re no longer restricted by conventional paths or limited ideas about what you “should” be doing.

The Freakonomics Survey

It’s also interesting to note the results from a Freakonomics survey on job switching. Turns out, people who change jobs are generally happier six months after making the switch. If that’s not a sign that quitting, or rather switching careers, is a winning move, I don’t know what is. This data doesn’t just support the idea of change—it proves it.

Now, let’s circle back to the saying “winners never quit.” That’s a poor piece of advice, according to Freakonomics author Stephen Levitt. Even Winston Churchill, famous for his "never give up" mantra, clarified that “except for the convictions of honor and good sense," quitting when necessary is sometimes the best course of action. Individuals who excel in their fields often recognize early on when something isn’t working, and they pivot fast.

The Difference Between Quitting and Giving Up

Now, here’s the important distinction: Quitting doesn’t mean giving up because something is hard or because you had a bad day. That’s not what I’m advocating for. What I’m advocating for is quitting when you realize the path you’re on no longer aligns with your goals, interests, or growth potential. A recalibration of focus, a change of direction, or simply realizing there’s something more suited to your abilities is all valid reasons to switch things up.

Knowing when to quit is a strategic advantage, and the challenge is understanding the difference. It’s about knowing when you’ve reached a point where staying is more detrimental than moving on.

Conclusion: Make Job Switching Great Again

So, let’s start a new conversation around job switching. Don’t feel bad for quitting a job that isn’t right for you. Don’t let the world tell you that staying in one place is the only way to succeed. Job switching is not a failure—it’s part of the journey toward personal and professional growth.

Remember, the real winners are those who are unafraid to make changes, adapt, and pursue something that truly resonates with them. So let’s make switching jobs great again. After all, if you don’t quit when it’s time, you could be stuck in a dead-end job, never reaching your full potential.

As Peter Diamandis famously said, There are two important days in your life: the day you were born, and the day you find out why. Keep moving, dear friend, until you discover your why.

What’s your take on switching jobs? Has quitting ever been your path to success?