Have you ever found a job that you just love but it is not helping you with your future goals? I just left a job like that for a job in completely uncharted territory…and right now it isn’t going to well.

See, everybody always tells you to “keep your head up” and “it will get better.” But I am here to tell you that it might not, and THAT IS OKAY! I am a pessimistic, glass half empty kind of girl, and everybody tries to change me and my outlook. I happen to love my outlook and I don’t need sunny, bubbly people telling me that there is something wrong with me because I do not think everything will get better.

I worked in Admissions for about four months and absolutely loved my job, even though I went to school for Communications and English. I got to travel, meet students and other counselors, and I had my own office at twenty-one (which was WONDERFUL). But, the job was temporary and I chose to leave rather than stay on because I got a “better” job offer.

Now, “better” is obviously a relative term. Here is what it meant for me:

• Higher pay
• Closer to home
• In the industry I got my degree in
• A way to get experience to move to a bigger company

For all of those people who believe in “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life,” I am here to disprove your theory. See, at this new company, I am doing what I love. I get to design spec sheets, post on social media, and redesign an ENTIRE website! So, you might be wondering, why am I not happy and jumping from bed to go to work in the morning? The company isn’t a good fit for me.

Not every company or industry is meant for you. And that is okay! It might not get any better, and that is okay too! You can work there for a few months, get some experience, and then leave. Don’t feel like you have to stay because all the optimists are telling you it will get better. Don’t stick it out because something might change in a year. That is the same as being in a failing relationship where you no longer have anything in common with your loved one.

I left a job I loved for some benefits that I viewed as being more beneficial, and I am sure that my bank account and car will agree with me on that. I was not wrong in leaving, I needed to continue to grow both as a person and as a professional. But, I don’t feel trapped in my job because I know that I do not have any obligation to stay forever. I do not listen to all those people who tell me it will get better. I listen to my gut, and my gut says stay until you get nothing else out of it, and then leave.

Leaving a job that you love for a job that will help you advance is always a good idea. You just need to expect bumps along the way and understand that the next job might be a stepping stone, and it might suck, but do not be afraid to make the leap because of that. And do not be afraid to leave if you do not fit in or just do not feel it. It could get better, or it could not, either way, you need to do what is best for you.

Do not let your job treat you like a failing relationship. Do not wait around for the job to improve, set out and find one that makes you happy.