It’s the dream of millions to be able to quit their stressful job, to live a life of happiness, or to follow their heart’s true passion. Culture frequently romanticises this notion; however, the experience of quitting is far from simple and straightforward.

The Emotional Side of Leaving a Job

Parting ways with a job can be similar to breaking up with a close friend. Like breakups, when you leave a job, it can fill you with sadness, regret, and nostalgia. People may regret their decision and long for the comfort of their old routine and colleagues. We develop this emotional connection because work relationships are closely connected to our identity and daily experiences.

Job dissatisfaction often stems from feeling disconnected—whether from the job itself or from the company. For somepeople, their self-doubt may manifest as a “crisis of identity”, when they begin doubting whether their career still aligns with who they are or when they feel “stretched too thin” by heavy workloads. Others feel like “runner ups”, people on the brink of success but never finding it, or like “underappreciated stars” whose work is ignored.

There’s a psychology to wanting to quit

The impulse to give up is often a craving for progress and control. People leave jobs not only because of low pay or long hours but because they feel stuck without a way to grow. Mostworkers would love the chance to leave toxic workplaces, take charge of their careers, use their skills, or advance in life.

But it is not always easy to simply quit your job. Many people don’t fully understand why they want to quit until after they have done so. The decision is based on a combination of mixed emotions and practical considerations (like money and jobs). Mental health difficulties can also be a factor but tend to mix with things like low self-esteem and procrastination rather than being a direct cause of quitting.

What Lottery Winners Can Teach Us About Quitting

The psychology of lottery winners provides something of an analogy for why it’s so tantalising and difficult to quit. Quitting a job, like sudden wealth, tantalises us with the promise of freedom and a fresh start. Lottery winners often find it difficult to remain happy after their win because they have new uncertainties and pressures. Likewise, leaving a job can feel like a great relief but also can incite concern about the uncertain future.

There’s no direct research on the psychology behind lottery winners who have quit their jobs. But this comparison makes us realise that any type of sudden change, whether it’s financial or job-related, can bring on mixed feelings and unanticipated difficulties.

Final Thoughts

Romanticizing quitting comes from a natural desire to escape dissatisfaction and find happiness. Yet quitting involves complex emotions, practical challenges, and the realities of capitalism, which often places heavy demands on workers’ mental health and limits their options. Understanding these factors can help people make more informed decisions about their careers and well-being within the systems they navigate.