When Letting Go is a Good Decision: Understanding the Difference Between True and Truth in Career Choices

"You know the saying about not giving up? While it is true, it is not always the truth; there are moments when it's wise to let go."

This statement might seem paradoxical, but it highlights a crucial distinction between what is "true" and what is "truth." True is dependent on context, while Truth remains unchanging. A statement may be true in the present but could be considered false when subjected to a different condition or context.

In research, there is a concept known as the "test of reliability." This test is conducted to determine whether an instrument can consistently produce the same results, regardless of the time or location of its use. Similarly, our beliefs and decisions can change over time as we grow and evolve.

Consider a 21-year-old boy who tells a 19-year-old girl, “I love you; I can’t imagine my life without you…” As he matures, his desires evolve, leading to a shift in what he believes he wants. While his initial declaration of love was true, it has transformed due to this change in preference. What is true is not always synonymous with the truth.

It’s okay to quit when:

• The path was chosen in the first place to please someone else.
• That is not who you are anymore.
• You have lost enjoyment and the work no longer feels rewarding.
• You’ve tried numerous strategies to make it succeed, but nothing seems to work.
• You’ve been feeling emotionally drained, frustrated, or angry for quite some time.

Yesterday, I had a conversation with a close friend who was venting about his ongoing frustration with his job. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time we’d had this discussion—we’d revisited the same topic in 2021, 2023, 2024, and now again in 2025. Each time, his dissatisfaction seemed to linger, yet nothing had fundamentally changed. After listening patiently and letting him express his feelings, I finally asked him, “Bro, how long are you going to keep doing this to yourself? You’re clearly not happy in this job. The real question is, what’s your exit plan? Life is too short to spend four years—or more—in a work relationship that just isn’t working.”

While no job or business is perfect, and there will always be moments of monotony or frustration, there’s a difference between temporary challenges and a fundamentally unfulfilling role. If the only positive thing you can say about your job is the paycheck, and you don’t feel like you’re making a meaningful impact, whether it’s contributing to solving a significant problem, helping others, or even just feeling aligned with your values—it might be time to seriously reassess your situation.

For example, are you part of an organization that’s addressing a real need in the world? Are you contributing to something bigger than yourself, like environmental sustainability or social change? If not, it’s worth asking whether this is where you want to invest your time and energy.

Not every business or career path is suited to everyone. Your personality, strengths, and passions play a huge role in determining where you’ll thrive. Some businesses or roles might help you move from survival mode to stability, but they might not align with your long-term goals or bring you genuine fulfillment. It’s important to recognize that while financial stability is crucial, it’s not the only measure of success. If you’re stuck in a role that drains you emotionally or mentally, it might be time to explore other opportunities that better align with who you are and what you want out of life.

Ultimately, think about what you truly want from your career and life. Is it just a paycheck, or is it a sense of purpose, growth, and fulfillment? If it’s the latter, then it’s time to start planning a way out and taking steps toward a path that truly resonates with you. Life is too short to stay stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction.