So let me tell you a story. For years, we hear about tenure. Stay long enough to earn your stripes, but what about knowing when it’s time to leave? In this episode, I get honest about that moment—figuring out when you’re truly ready to jump, and (just as importantly) when it’s better to stay and stretch.

Here’s the thing. You might find yourself restless at work. Is it boredom, or have you hit your ceiling? Maybe you’re frustrated, or maybe your body is sending you signals that you can’t ignore—like when I found myself covered in hives and losing hair from a job that just was not a fit. These physical reactions weren’t about pushing through. They were my body telling me it was time for an exit.

But not every signal is a green light to walk out. Sometimes boredom just means things are quiet, and your next big stretch could be right around the corner. If you’re jumping because your colleague got promoted or your cousin became a VP, pause. Your journey is your own, and FOMO is a bad reason to make big decisions.

One thing I learned is to ask yourself tough questions. Are you making this move for you, or because you’re comparing yourself to others? Is it a tough boss stretching you, or a toxic culture telling you to go? What if they offered you more money—would you still want to leave?

If your values no longer fit, and you feel dread getting out of bed for work, pay attention. Alignment matters, especially in leadership. Understand your own signals—physical, emotional, and professional—before making your next move.

Here are some key chapters to guide you through this episode:

00:00 Why tenure isn’t everything—and how I learned to recognize readiness

01:57 How signals show up: internal vs. external cues

03:09 Stretch vs. ceiling: the moment I knew I was ready to move on

05:11 Boredom, frustration, and restlessness—don’t misread the signs

06:28 When powering through becomes dangerous: my hives & hair loss story

09:35 Values misalignment and its impact on senior leaders

11:36 Tough boss vs. toxic boss: how to know the difference

13:30 Pressure, FOMO, and making sure your decision is truly yours

15:37 Asking yourself the key exit questions

17:23 What really calls for an exit—and how to do it right

If you know someone caught in that should-I-stay-or-should-I-go limbo, share this episode. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’re first to hear part three, where we dive into how to write the story of your own exits and own your narrative.

Thanks for listening to Don’t Let the Smile Fool You. Hope you keep smiling—and making moves that are truly yours.

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