Welcome to The Quiet Rich, the weekly email that gives you a “rich life” and a “quiet mind.” Today, I’m sharing the most valuable advice nobody talks about: the right time to leave.
CONTEXT
I have a hot take: The most dangerous job isn’t the one you dislike. It’s the one you “don’t mind” and stay in for decades (holding you back from your true potential).
I learned this the hard way during my last decade in the tech industry. For years, I confused familiarity (or being “good” at a job) with fulfillment. I mistook a good salary for a good fit. In reality, staying was preventing me from pitching the book deal of my dreams and building the business I now own.
The problem? Most of us wait for a dramatic "final straw" moment to make a move. But by then, we've already sacrificed months (or years) of growth, energy, and opportunity cost.
What if there was a way to recognize the subtle warning signs earlier? A pattern I’ve noticed in successful people: they are excellent at listening to those signs and leaving at the right time (for something better).
5 signals that can save you years of walking the wrong career path:
THE 5 SIGNS
Signal 1: Your Growth Flatlined
Remember when you used to learn something new every week? When that stops, it's time to move on.
Red flags:
- You're copy and pasting the same tasks you did two years ago
- Your LinkedIn profile is collecting dust (because there's nothing new to add)
- You do your job on autopilot and are secretly bored by how easy it's become
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Signal 2: Lack of Recognition
Hard work deserves acknowledgment. Full stop.
What this looks like:
- Less qualified teammates get promoted while you're overlooked
- Your wins get minimized, but your mistakes get scrutinized in public
- You've stopped sharing innovative ideas because they either get stolen or ignored
—
Signal 3: The Sunday Scaries Never Leave
You know that pit in your stomach when Monday morning approaches? If it's happening every week, pay attention.
What to watch for:
- Your heart rate spikes when you see your manager's name in your inbox
- You find yourself checking job boards "just to see what's out there"
- You've started counting down the hours until you can sign off each day
Work should energize you, not drain you. Your body knows before your mind admits it.
—
Signal 4: Your Values Are Compromised
When your moral compass points a different direction than company culture, listen to it.
Warning signs:
- You avoid telling people where you work at dinner parties
- You find yourself apologizing for company policies you disagree with
- Leadership decisions occasionally make you cringe
—
Signal 5: You're Becoming Someone You Don't Like
No salary is worth losing yourself. Ever.
How this shows up:
- You're adopting toxic traits you used to criticize in former colleagues
- Your family doesn't recognize you when you're on work calls
- Your relationships are deteriorating from constant stress and overwork
The Litmus Test: If you're experiencing 3+ of these signals consistently for 3+ months, start planning your exit strategy. It’s time.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
We're conditioned to think that loyalty equals success. That grinding it out through the tough times shows character. And sometimes, that's true!
But there's a difference between staying when “the going gets tough” vs. staying when things get toxic. The resilience to stay when things get difficult is an important quality IF you're growing, being recognized, and working towards something you believe in.
I spent way too many nights lying awake, stressed about a job that was slowly fading my spark. When I finally took the bet to work for myself, everything changed. Better opportunities. More energy. Excitement about Monday mornings.
The bravery to leave at the right time isn't just about career advancement—it's about honoring your potential and refusing to settle for work that doesn't light you up.
Your career should evolve with you, not trap you in a version of yourself you've outgrown.
Trust your signals. Your future self will thank you.
Until next week,
Jade
Can’t believe I’m saying this. In 2.5 years, I’ve grown from 1k - 900k followers across LinkedIn, Instagram, and my newsletter. 👀
And it has changed the entire trajectory of my career. In 2023, I had a handful of LinkedIn connections and a ton of Imposter Syndrome. Now I’m writing a major book with one of the world’s top publishing houses, I’m getting featured in articles from Forbes and Business Insider, and I’m sponsored by brands I absolutely adore.
If you’re ready to build your brand as a thought leader on LinkedIn, Ben Meer and I teamed up to teach you exactly how we did it. Archimedes is our private 12-week coaching program for LinkedIn thought leaders. You’ll get the proven systems that helped me, Ben, (and 800+ others) grow incredibly fast.
Our next Archimedes cohort starts September 29th. We’ll start sending out acceptance letters in 2 short weeks. Read the member reviews and apply now at JoinArchimedes.com. (The application takes 3 mins.)
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