Quitting doesn't always mean giving up, it means making room for something better

Sometimes, It's Okay to Quit

Starter

We’ve all heard the saying, "Quitters never win, and winners never quit." While persistence is often necessary to achieve success, sometimes knowing when to walk away is the most courageous and empowering choice you can make. Quitting doesn’t have to mean failure—it can be the first step toward finding something that truly fulfills you. I learned this firsthand during one of the most intense periods of my life.

Main Course

In May 2020, I became an ICU nurse at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience was challenging, transformative, and, at times, overwhelming. I kept pushing through burnout and exhaustion, even when I knew my heart wasn’t fully in it anymore. In pursuit of a change, I became a travel nurse, earning great money only to discover that no amount of money could fix the deep burnout I felt. Something needed to change.

In 2023, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life: I quit bedside nursing. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I had just completed my MBA, and while facing rejection after rejection in my search for new opportunities, I refused to settle. Through the tough times, I rediscovered my true passions coaching, entrepreneurship, and healthcare technology.

Since then, I’ve taken bold steps to build a career that aligns with my purpose and brings me joy. Here are a few milestones that have shaped my journey:

• Founded Insight 2 Action: Through this business, I’ve helped incredible entrepreneurs and students find their own path, helping them navigate the obstacles in their careers and businesses.

• Co-founded Connecting Knox, LLC: I’m currently developing an app that will revolutionize how Knoxville’s community connects, combining my passion for technology and local engagement.

• Dove into Digital Health & AI: My love for healthcare technology led me to pursue opportunities in AI, where I can blend my clinical background, coaching expertise, and business acumen.

It hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve questioned my choices more times than I can count, and there are still plenty of unknowns. But when I remember why I made this change when I focus on the work that fills my soul cup it becomes clear that quitting bedside nursing was the best decision I could have made.

Digest

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away from something that no longer serves you. If what you’re doing is causing more stress than joy, or if your heart just isn’t in it anymore, maybe it’s time to reassess. Quitting isn’t giving up, it’s making space for something greater. Don’t be afraid to make a change if it means moving closer to your true purpose.

The Insight Toolbox:

Key Takeaways:

• Quitting isn’t failure: It can open doors to new opportunities that are more aligned with your passion.

• Listen to your heart: If something feels off, reassess and consider whether it’s still the right path for you.

• Find your why: Remember why you started in the first place, and let that guide your decision to move forward or make a change.

• Success takes courage: Sometimes, walking away from the familiar takes more strength than staying.

• Be open to the unknown: Change can be scary, but it’s often where true growth happens.

About The Author

Patrick Miley Jr. is a business and career coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate career transitions and unlock their full potential. With a diverse background in both healthcare and business, Patrick leverages his unique experience as an ICU nurse and his MBA in Organizational Management to empower solopreneurs, minority business owners, and healthcare professionals to thrive in competitive industries. He is the founder of Insight 2 Action, where he provides strategic coaching and marketing consulting services. Patrick is dedicated to teaching the art of strategic communication—a skill that has transformed his own career.

When he’s not coaching, Patrick enjoys paddleboarding, running half marathons, and leading discussions in the Knox Book Club. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company, Insight 2 Action.