I just want to quit everything and start over

The idea of quitting it all, moving to a remote city in the middle of Spain, and enjoying the simplicity of nature has been in my mind more than once

I like to think it’s natural, maybe even healthy, to aspire to live something different.

What feels more serious (not necessarily in a bad way) is when these thoughts keep coming back, again and again.

When we think about “quitting” with a bit of a smile, it shows an aspiration, something we fantasize about.

But ...

 when “quitting” becomes an ongoing mantra, something we eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner… then it’s when I believed it’s time to pause

Thinking of a new career? A new country? A completely new identity (yes, that’s possible, I have seen it!). If you’ve been thinking about all this lately, you’re obviously not alone.

I did a bit of research, and here’s what’s clear:

Who actually quits?

📊 Studies show that women are more likely than men to leave jobs for personal fulfillment, whereas men often cite financial reasons.

📊 Expats are 2x as likely to consider career changes than non-expats due to cultural challenges, work-life (im)balance, and job dissatisfaction.

📊 Mid-career professionals (35-45 years old) are the most likely to make a major career pivot, very often after burnout, or (for mothers) after having kids. Suddenly, the need for meaningful work feels obvious. I belong to that latter group.

For those on an expat package, the financial perks that once felt like the biggest advantage can become your biggest obstacle. Quitting means stepping away from a very  comfortable life, without knowing what’s next.

Hence the importance to unpack what’s really behind the urge to start over.

I bet you’ve never openly talked about it

Why? Because society celebrates perseverance.

We admire people who "stick it out" even when they’re unhappy.

Quitting, on the other hand, is often seen as failure. And you might , yourself, see it as such.

For expats, the idea of quitting after already “investing so much” can feel almost unacceptable.

But let’s look at it from another angle.

If quitting isn’t failure, what is it?

A challenge? A re-birth? A motivation boost to keep you alive? That sounds like a more constructive way to look at it

What are people really trying to escape?

When people say, “I want to quit everything,” they rarely mean everything. More often, they want to escape:

🚫 A job that’s exhausting or uninspiring

🚫 A career that no longer aligns with their values

🚫 A lifestyle that feels suffocating or "empty"

So many opportunities between staying and leaving

I have been there, and if you’re like me, you probably can’t answer these questions with complete certainty.

But one thing is clear: something needs to change.

And by experience, most of the time, the answer isn’t black or white, it’s somewhere in between.

Maybe you don’t need to quit your job, but start a side business. Maybe you need to set a clear exit plan, give yourself 2 years, create a strategy, and work towards a goal that keeps you motivated.

You don’t always need to quit everything to create something new.

If it’s a refresh you’re after, quitting a toxic environment while staying in the same country might be enough.

In reality, there’s a whole spectrum of possibilities in between, options that could expand your opportunities rather than limit them.

Sometimes, all you need is a fresh pair of eyes to help you see them.

 Trust yourself,

Stephanie

If you want to know more about how I can help you in your situation - expat or not! – feel free to reach me out here on Linkedin, or on my email: [email protected]

You can also visit my website: http://bit.ly/45vRsJE

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