This was also published as a Twitter thread here
Why “Premature Resignation” Is the Root of Many Missed Growth Opportunities
“Premature resignation” is, in my opinion, the root of many missed growth opportunities. Too often, people leave their roles too early, missing out on the potential for real career advancement. Here’s why this happens—and how you can avoid it. As Donald Knuth famously said, “Premature optimization is the root of all evil.” I’d argue premature resignation is a close second. Let’s break it down.
The Three Big Ways People Miss Out
1. Losing Sight of the Sea Over a Small Storm
When you’ve spent a few years in an organization, you’ve earned trust, a seat at some tables, and built significant value. But then a small storm hits—a disagreement with your manager, some work you don’t enjoy, or a phase that feels unpleasant. It’s easy to get caught up in that storm and spiral into negative thoughts.
The problem? If you leave during that storm, you’re leaving a lot of the value you’ve created on the table for someone else to pick up. Instead of focusing on the short-term discomfort, take a long-term view. Work around the immediate problems, talk to your manager, and bet on the bigger picture. Try to adjust things—maybe change teams, setups, or KPIs—and show your willingness to work toward mutual success.
The flip side is that even if you join a new organization, you’ll need 6–12 months to prove yourself again. So, when you’re in the middle of a storm, take a step back. Have an honest conversation with your manager. See if there’s room to tweak the situation, including team dynamics, responsibilities, or goals, to set both of you up for success.
2. Missing Out on Signs of Upward Currents
Sometimes, opportunities for growth are hiding in plain sight, but people miss them because they’re too focused on the present. One classic example: a manager leaves, creating a vacuum above you. This can be a massive opportunity—if you’re ready to step up.
The person with the most context on the team—often someone already in the role—has the best shot at filling that gap. It’s not always obvious, but spotting these upward currents is one of the highest-leverage growth opportunities you can find. Keep your eyes open for these moments, and position yourself to take advantage of them.
3. Missing Inflection Points
The flywheel effect is real. Some things start slow but, once they hit an inflection point, they create tremendous opportunities. This could be a product taking off, a market shifting, or a company hitting its stride. It’s easy to undervalue what you have and miss the bigger picture—especially when you’re frustrated or impatient.
These inflection points are game-changers, but you have to stick around long enough to see them. Don’t let short-term frustrations blind you to the long-term potential. Observe the signs, clear your mind of recency bias and clutter, and stay dispassionate. That ability to observe things objectively is a superpower—practice it, and use it.
How to Stay and Thrive
Most of these scenarios have clues and signs—learn to spot them. Clear your head of recent frustrations or noise, and really look at what’s happening around you. Observing things dispassionately, as I mentioned, is a critical skill.
Good smaller companies, in particular, are often very accommodative. Their best bet is the people they already have—those who understand the context and business inside out. Leverage that to fast-track your career growth instead of walking away and leaving value on the table for someone else to claim. Stick it out, work through the challenges, and position yourself for the opportunities ahead.
The Bottom Line
Premature resignation can cost you big in terms of growth and opportunity. Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture over a small storm, miss upward currents, or overlook inflection points. Take a long-term view, communicate with your manager, and stay observant. The rewards of staying the course can be massive—if you’re willing to see them through.