You know, you hear a lot of inspirational messages saying things like, “Don’t give up!”, “Keep going!”, and “Push forward!” And, don’t get me wrong, I think all of that is great. I’m all for perseverance and giving things your very best effort.

But, there are still some instances when I think it’s totally OK to throw your hands up and walk away. No, I’m not recommending doing that the very second that the road gets rocky or the minute things seem too challenging. And, circumstances will vary depending on your unique situation. However, I do think that when perseverance is turning you into a stressed out, miserable mega-monster, you’re probably better off moving on than moving forward.

So, my fellow determined friends, here are four times I think it’s totally kosher to quit. Because, yes, those times really do exist—despite what your sixth grade motivational posters might have told you.

4 TIMES IT’S OK TO QUIT

1. WHEN THE REWARD DOESN’T MATCH THE EFFORT

Have you ever absolutely busted your tail at something, only to reach the finish line and have it be completely unsatisfying? There’s a big difference between working like crazy to achieve something you desperately want, and hustling like nobody’s business just because you feel like you have no other options.

So, if the end result doesn’t seem worth all of your hard work, it might be best to just cut your losses and walk away.

2. WHEN IT’S CAUSING YOU HARM

Sometimes the thing you’re committed to is actually hurting you. Maybe it’s a project so stressful that you end the day with double vision and headaches. Maybe it’s a toxic situation that makes you completely miserable. Or, maybe you just plain ol’ don’t like whatever it is you’re stuck in.

When something is having a huge negative impact on all other aspects of your life, you should weigh your options and see what’s involved in walking away. Because—let’s face it—some things just aren’t worth it.

3. WHEN YOUR GOALS CHANGE

Every now and then, you change course. And, sometimes that happens smack dab in the middle of something you’re already working on. Timing can be cruel that way.

But, if you find that you’re currently committed to something that no longer fits with your big goals and aspirations, it’s not the worst idea to drop it. We’re all working towards something bigger and better, so you want to make sure that you’re constantly chipping away at that—not wasting your precious time on something that won’t benefit you in the long haul.

4. WHEN SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG

Maybe there’s nothing actually wrong with whatever it is you’re currently committed to. That is, until something way better comes into the picture.

Things are constantly changing. And, just because you think something is amazing in the moment, doesn’t mean you need to stick with it for the rest of eternity. So, if there’s a better offer on the table, don’t hesitate to do what’s best for you! The rest will sort itself out.

Quitting something can be discouraging, and it definitely can feel inherently wrong. But, that doesn’t mean it’s something you can never do. So, take a deep breath, weigh your options, and remember these times when it’s totally legit to quit. C’mon, you knew I had to work that in somewhere.

Until next time!