Pope's career advice--accept your limitations and move on

Pope Benedict XVI shocked the religious world when he tendered his resignation effective February 28. This is the first papal resignation in 600 years. At 85 years old, the pope’s physical and mental health is in decline and to his credit he realizes and accepts the fact that he cannot be at his best. Bravo.

Have you ever come to a point in your career when you realized that you could no longer be at your best? Are you there now? Whether you’re ready to leave your position for health reasons and you’re just ready to move on, knowing when and how to leave is important. Even when you know that your entrepreneurial venture is going down the tubes or your position just isn’t working, you may be inclined to hang on for dear life, sometimes to your own detriment or the detriment of others.

Before thinking about when to quit, it's useful to understand why we won't quit when we know we should, says Daniel Gulati, author of “Passion & Purpose: Stories From the Best and Brightest Young Business Leaders.” Why is it so hard to let go, even when on some level you know you should? According to social psychologist Heidi Grant Halvorson, for one thing it's embarrassing to admit to others that you’re not as sharp as in the past or that you’re overwhelmed, or even that you've made an error of judgment. However, once you've made up your mind that quitting is the right move, don’t dwell on it—just move on.

Halvorson also advises to replace thoughts about regret with thoughts that focus on what you gain from walking away and moving on. The trick is to try to cut your losses, take what you learned, and move forward, says finance expert and self-made entrepreneur, Elle Kaplan.

Human Resources consultant Susan Heathfield, cites the top 10 reasons to leave your job:

1. Your company is experiencing a downward spiral.
2. Your relationship with your manager is damaged beyond repair.
3. Your life situation has changed.
4. Your values are at odds with the corporate culture.
5. You've stopped having fun and enjoying your job.
6. Your company is ethically challenged.
7. You have behaved in ways that are considered improper at work.
8. You've burned your bridges with your co-workers.
9. Your stress level is so high at work that it is affecting your physical or mental health and your relationships with your friends and family.
10. You are unchallenged, need more responsibility, and seek opportunities that just don't exist for you in your current organization.