When to Quit (Jobs or People): How “Jolts” Drive Big Changes | Anthony Klotz

How do you know when to leave a job or relationship? Look for the jolts.

Ready to quit your job but unsure if it’s right? A single comment, missed opportunity, or subtle slight can suddenly make everything feel different. But is it really time to leave, or is something deeper happening?

We’ve all had that moment when work or even a relationship feels off. Maybe it’s a meeting that hits differently, a colleague who leaves, or a new role that doesn’t match what was promised. In this conversation, you’ll learn why these moments feel so powerful, and how to respond with clarity instead of impulse.

Anthony Klotz is a professor of organizational behavior at the UCL School of Management and the researcher who predicted the Great Resignation. An award-winning scholar on the psychology of work and author of Jolted: Why We Quit, When to Stay, and Why It Matters, he studies why we leave jobs, why we stay, and how major career decisions shape our lives.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The hidden psychological trigger that explains why a small workplace moment can suddenly feel career-altering
• A simple diagnostic process to determine whether it’s truly time to quit, or time to recalibrate
• The surprising reason the first year in a new job is the most likely time to leave
• How “quiet quitting” can be reframed as a strategic reset instead of disengagement
• The overlooked cost of leaving, including the social capital and goodwill you may not realize you’re giving up

If you’re questioning your job, wrestling with burnout, or navigating uncertainty about your career path, this conversation will help you slow down, think clearly, and make a wiser next move.

You can find Anthony at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode Transcript

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