Thinking of Quitting? Lessons I Learned From Closing My Business

Hard-earned insights on how to quit with clarity, dignity, and a plan

Quitting is hard. Quitting while burned-out is even harder. What adds to the challenge: there are few resources, even fewer honest stories, and a lot of stigma around taking the leap. When I made the decision to shut down Utendahl Creative, I desperately searched for guides or insights from people who had walked this path before me. I wasn’t the first business owner to close their company—even one at its height—but what I found was startling: almost no one was willing to share how they quit, especially if they did it with grace and integrity. The stories that do exist tend to fall into two categories: dramatic collapses or billion-dollar sales.

But let’s be real—most of us live in the vast in-between. It’s a space where quitting isn’t about headlines or big payouts; it’s about necessity, integrity, and making the choice to move forward on your own terms. And that’s the hardest part: knowing when to let go.

I’m a big believer in quitting when you have momentum, but more importantly, quitting when you can no longer tolerate the misalignment between your work and your true desires. This year, I closed Utendahl Creative not because it failed or because I had no choice, but because staying was eating me alive. My own business—the one I built and celebrated—was burning me out.

So here’s my advice for how to quit. Whether you’re contemplating leaving a corporate job, freelance gig, nonprofit role, or even your own startup, I hope these lessons from my journey will help you take that leap with clarity and courage.

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HOW TO QUIT YOUR JOB/BUSINESS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

1. Accept That No One Cares as Much as You Do

This was one of the hardest truths for me to swallow: the world doesn’t revolve around your decisions. The hours I spent agonizing over what my team, clients, and even my parents would think of my choice were wasted energy. People are far more self-absorbed than we’d like to admit. Yes, they’ll have opinions, but those opinions will fade faster than you think. Quitting is your decision, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation beyond what feels right for you.

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2. Self-Designating a Quitting Date Works

When you’ve decided to quit, pick a date—and stick to it.

Having a concrete timeline gives you structure and accountability. For me, the decision to close my agency came in January 2024. I gave myself 4 months to prepare, plan, and execute the transition. This wasn’t just about logistics—it was about emotional readiness, too. Picking your date allows you to focus on the “how” instead of spiraling into the “what ifs.” It’s an act of taking control of your narrative, and trust me, you’ll need that sense of control in the chaos.

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3. Finding an Accountability Partner is Essential

Quitting isn’t something you need to do alone. I hired Jeanette Jordan, the most incredible coach (who is still my coach today!), to guide me through the process. Whether it’s a professional coach, a therapist, or a trusted friend, having someone who can hold space for you—and hold you accountable—is invaluable. They’ll remind you why you’re doing this when your confidence wavers and keep you grounded when the fear kicks in.

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4. Give Yourself and Your Team Time

If you’re in a leadership role, this step is critical. I told my team in March 2024 that we’d be closing the agency, giving everyone ample time to plan their next moves. Half of the team transitioned out by June ‘24, and the rest stayed on until September 24’. It wasn’t easy, but it was the most respectful thing I could do for them. They deserved clarity, and I chose to handle the process with care and transparency. Whether you’re managing a team or leaving a solo gig, quitting with integrity means being mindful of how your decision impacts others.

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5. Remember: Closure Takes a Minute—Let It

This one’s hard to accept: quitting doesn’t mean it’s all over. Even now, months after shutting down Utendahl Creative, I’m still tying up loose ends. Bank accounts, final client follow-ups, team transitions—these things don’t happen overnight. I’ve had to embrace the slow, frustrating process of truly letting go. The good news? Each step brings a little more freedom. Trust that closure will come, but it’ll be on its own timeline, not yours.

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6. Be Brutally Honest with Yourself

This is where the real work happens. Quitting forced me to confront the uncomfortable truths about why I started my business in the first place. Yes, I was proud to build a Black-owned, all-female creative agency that rivaled my white male counterparts. But if I’m being honest, the foundation of my business was rooted in a need to prove my worth—to others and to myself. I achieved everything I set out to accomplish: Forbes 30 Under 30, Adweek 100, millions in revenue. And yet, when I got to the top, it felt empty. That’s the thing about chasing external validation: it’s never enough. Quitting required me to admit that I’d built something incredible, but it wasn’t aligned with my true self. It’s hard to face those truths, but it’s also freeing. Only then can you figure out what you truly want.

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7. Believe in What’s Next

Quitting isn’t the end—it’s a beginning. I had to trust that on the other side of this decision was something better, something more aligned. And you know what? It’s true. While I am still figuring it out, my life now feels more expansive in a way it never did before. I get to create on my own terms, consult on projects I care about, and spend time writing and reflecting in this space. The abundance that follows quitting isn’t always immediate, but it’s real. You just have to believe in it.

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Quitting is messy and emotional and, at times, deeply uncomfortable. But it’s also necessary. It’s a way of reclaiming your time, your energy, and your life. I would by lying to you if I said it wasn’t a challenging process…but it was so worth it. Let this guide take you one step closer to where you want to be Xx