From youth, we have been always taught to stay strong in tough situations so that we can grow and become a better version of ourselves. We are seen as weak when we choose not to finish something whether that be an internship, job, or class. We are called a quitter when we decide that we no longer want to be a part of something, but what if the question wasn’t whether or not you could tolerate the place you were in, but instead whether this place is helping you grow in the way that you want to. Many times, we think we are the problem and stay in these difficult situations when in reality, it is time to move on.

Sophomore year, I was looking into Greek life, because who hasn’t at least thought about it in college? I was extremely interested and was ready to move on to the next stage. Yet, right before this step, something in me just had to question the entire process of me joining and I ended up removing myself from the group of girls. I was looked at as someone who was afraid of how time-consuming the organization would be thinking I couldn’t handle it. I knew that the real reason for me leaving was because I had this sudden urge to grow alone spiritually. In the midst of this recent decision, I came across an email for an internship opportunity in Cuba, and guess what? I went and had the time of my life. Had I not made my decision earlier in leaving the organization, I would not have been sitting in my lounge that day, going through my 2,000 unread emails and found that great one.

When it comes to decisions, we want to weigh the pros and cons while wondering which one will have the best outcome — which is normal and what you should do. But when deciding, take your thought process a step further by thinking about which decision will help you grow and, ultimately, make you mentally and emotionally happy. Yes, these feelings don’t pay the bills and land you that dream internship, but there’s just this crazy thing about life when you make a pure and genuine decision for yourself and something better always comes up.

It is easy to get caught up in the place you’re in. You set your happiness aside thinking you’re sacrificing it now for the better of tomorrow, but why not have both? Why can’t you go after your dreams while having a good time doing it? The internship and seminar in Cuba boosted my resume and offered me so many wonderful opportunities. Now, I am working with the same organization and going to Spain this August, and I am also getting paid to write articles for them.

Choosing between money and success for happiness is challenging. Leaving one place and not knowing where to go next is scary, but don’t forget that one job is not the only way to achieve your dreams. Happiness and fulfillment is detrimental in life, and we should never have to put that aside. So, if you’re not happy (and do not mistake this for a tough situation because we will always come across a hardship) and you truly do not see yourself growing, quit! Leave and go find your next opportunity, because quitting with a purpose is not the same as “just quitting.”