Is Saying "I'm Leaving to Do What I Love" a Good Reason to Quit?

2 chihyeon92 4 5/27/2025, 7:57:09 AM
## Is Saying “I’m Leaving to Do What I Love” Really a Good Reason to Quit?

Today, as usual, I took a slow walk in the park near the office to clear my head when a small problem wouldn’t resolve. Moments like these often bring clarity and let past experiences resurface one by one.

Not long ago, I overheard someone’s reason for resigning: *“I’m leaving to do what I love.”* There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Having something you’re passionate about shows enthusiasm, and having your own direction is certainly admirable.

However, I’ve noticed that whenever people left with that reason, their departures often felt regrettable. That’s because most of them hadn’t truly given their all in their current roles.

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## What If You Focus Only on “What You Love” Instead of Your Assigned Role?

Work assignments at a company aren’t always what we choose ourselves. Yet, a “role” exists not for the individual alone but for the harmony of the organization and team. How you embrace that role becomes the measure of your *expertise and collaboration skills*.

Some might say:

> “I feel forced into a field I don’t care about.” > “I want to be evaluated properly in the area where I really excel.”

I understand those sentiments. But have you ever asked yourself:

> *“Have I truly been doing my best in the position I was given?”*

Let’s be honest:

> *“Those who run away from their current responsibilities tend to leave again for the same reasons in a new place.”*

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## True Professionals Shine on Their Current Stage

Among my acquaintances are people who, despite not being in frontend roles, helped colleagues and proactively sought out tasks the organization needed. They embraced any technology without reluctance and flexibly pushed beyond their boundaries—and were recognized for it.

One of them even earned a promotion through those efforts and now leads the frontend part of a major project, working harder than anyone else.

I recall what they said:

> “Even if your current work isn’t exactly what you desire, creating your own value within it can open paths far greater than the ones you dreamed of.”

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## “Running Away” Is Not a Direction but a Standstill

The phrase *“I’m leaving to find what I love.”* If it comes from genuine intent, I truly want to support it.

But reality is harsh:

> *“Someone who can’t take responsibility for their current tasks will struggle to shine in a new environment.”*

> *“If paradise were at the place you ran away from, those who fulfilled their responsibilities would have already created it.”*

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## “What You Love” Should Be the Result of Your Efforts, Not an Escape

Saying *“I’m leaving to do what I love”* isn’t inherently wrong.

However, when someone utters that upon resigning without having done their best, it sounds less like a bold new challenge and more like *an excuse to escape*.

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## To Those Who Persevere in Their Seats

Some will be recognized, some will leave.

But those who remain understand:

> *Who is truly prepared.* > *Who will ultimately endure.*

Those who give their all in their current position will do what they want—even without leaving.

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## And Now, to You Who Are Holding On

The job market is far from easy these days. There are fewer postings, fiercer competition, and many feel lost and exhausted.

But remember:

> *“Every bit of effort you invest today never goes to waste.”* > What you work on now, though unseen, is undoubtedly helping you grow.

I hope you don’t give up until you find the stage where you can prove yourself—and that when you step onto it, *you’ll shine with confidence*.

Those who endure to the end will find their opportunity. And those ready will seize it.

*A heartfelt round of applause to everyone who stands their ground today.* *Stay strong. Your path surely lies ahead.*

Comments (4)

JohnFen · 6h ago
I always thought that "I'm leaving to do what I love" meant basically the same thing as "I'm leaving because this position is a poor fit for me" or "I'm leaving to spend more time with my family."

It's a way to avoid saying why you're really leaving, because "none of your business" isn't a socially acceptable answer.

fjfaase · 16h ago
I am in the position that I could survive until retirement without having to work. Some five years ago, I decided that I would only work, if work was making me happy.

Last year, I was jobless for about half a year and I discovered that I found it hard to work on things I loved. Even when I had all the time to work on thing I loved, I still found myself procrastinating a lot. I had a hard time finding a new job and almost had given up finding a new job, concluding that due to my age I no longer was attractive for employers to be hired. Luckily, I did find a new job after some months.

I am strongly motivated when I can help others. For me it is important that I feel that my contribution has some added value. In my previous job that worked for the first years, but the last year, the organization forced me to work in a way that decreased my effectiveness and gave me a negative review due to this. While I had the feeling that I made a lot of efforts to deal with and help others as much as possible, I still got a negative review due some of my stance with respect to one project, which did not have the highest priority. After some struggles and realizing that I did not enjoy my work anymore, I decided to quit also because I felt I was on the brink of a burn-out.

fuzzfactor · 13h ago
Even when it's not a good reason to quit, it can still be a good thing to say, so there is that :)
mudliey · 17h ago
I was hit hard, but I gained strength