Elizabeth’s Best - Is It Time to Quit? How to Know When a Job Isn’t Aligned With Your Version of Success

Elizabeth’s Best

Real Questions. Honest Answers. From the Heart.

Dear Elizabeth,

I started a new job a few months ago, and I just don’t feel like I fit in. The culture is fast-paced and cutthroat, and I’m more of a “breathe and be kind” type. I’m afraid to leave because I worked so hard to get here. How do I know if it’s time to move on—or if I just need to adjust?— Not Clicking in Cleveland

Dear Not Clicking,

First of all, I want to tell you what I wish someone had told me a long time ago: just because something looks like “success” on paper doesn’t mean it’s success for you.

So let’s pause. Breathe. Take a full inhale, and a full exhale. Now ask yourself this:Is this job aligned with your values—or are you twisting yourself into someone else’s idea of success?

You said something so important: “I’m more of a ‘breathe and be kind’ type.” That’s not something to adjust out of—it’s something to honor. You’re not broken for wanting peace in your workplace. You’re not soft for wanting collaboration over competition. You’re clear. And that’s powerful.

In The Success Guidebook, I redefine success using ten core principles—one of which is “Align.” That means living, working, and leading in a way that reflects your heart, not just your resume. True success isn’t about squeezing into a title that drains you—it’s about creating a life that sustains you.

So here’s my advice:

1. Check for alignment. Do your daily actions match your personal values? Or are you just surviving your way through them?

2. Redefine your why. If you’re staying because “you worked hard to get here,” that’s not enough. You can honor your past efforts and choose something better now.

3. Trust your discomfort. Feeling out of place isn’t failure—it’s information. It’s your intuition telling you, this may not be your space to thrive.

There’s no shame in leaving something that isn’t working. There’s only wisdom in recognizing it sooner rather than later. You’re not quitting—you’re choosing peace. And in my experience, every time I’ve made a decision from a place of alignment, my next chapter has always been brighter.

Your kindness is not a weakness. Your calm presence is not a flaw. They are leadership qualities the world needs more of—not less.

You don’t need to adjust your soul to fit into a system that doesn’t see your value.You need to believe that your version of success is worthy—and go build it, breathe by breath.

With you all the way,Elizabeth

💛 About Elizabeth

Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a globally recognized personal development leader, master life coach, and bestselling author. She is the founder of the Best Ever You Network, a trusted resource dedicated to helping people elevate their lives and live with greater purpose, success, and peace.

Elizabeth’s books, including the award-winning The Success Guidebook and The Change Guidebook, have inspired millions to redefine success on their own terms and create meaningful, values-based lives. Her work has been featured on ABC, NBC, Forbes, and beyond, and she is known for her grounded wisdom, heart-led leadership, and empowering voice.

Discover more at BestEverYou.com.