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

An episode of the Good Life Project podcast, hosted by Jonathan Fields / Acast, titled "When to Quit (Jobs or People): How “Jolts” Drive Big Changes | Anthony Klotz" was published on March 9, 2026 and runs 51 minutes.

March 9, 2026 ·51m · Good Life Project

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Summary

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-alteringA simple diagnostic process to determine whether it’s truly time to quit, or time to recalibrateThe surprising reason the first year in a new job is the most likely time to leaveHow “quiet quitting” can be reframed as a strategic reset instead of disengagementThe overlooked cost of leaving, including the social capital and goodwill you may not realize you’re giving upIf 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 TranscriptNext week, we're sharing a really meaningful conversation with Charles Duhigg about the hidden science of why our best advice often backfires, and how to finally feel truly understood by the people you love.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Description

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

Next week, we're sharing a really meaningful conversation with Charles Duhigg about the hidden science of why our best advice often backfires, and how to finally feel truly understood by the people you love.

Check out our offerings & partners: