How to Know When It’s Time to Leave the Company You Founded

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Founding a Business

Founding and running a business is an unpredictable ride. Some days, you feel unstoppable: your business is thriving, you’re living your dream, and you’re building something meaningful. Other days, you wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake. Payroll looms, exhaustion takes hold, and everything seems to go wrong—sometimes all in the same hour.

When you’re caught in the ups and downs, especially during the lowest points, the idea of walking away becomes tempting. But how do you know when it’s truly time to step away?

Signs It May Be Time to Step Away as CEO

At the end of 2019, as the co-founder and CEO of Conscious Company Media, I found myself grappling with this exact question. Our journey had been incredible: launching Conscious Company Magazine, fundraising, scaling, selling the company, and creating initiatives like the World-Changing Women’s Summit.

Yet despite the external success, I felt my soul struggling. My heart’s message was clear and consistent: It’s time.

Some of the questions that plagued me included:

• What if the company explodes after I leave?

• What if it collapses?

• Will anyone take my calls anymore?

• Can I ever create something as special again?

• Am I even employable outside of this role?

Despite recharging and recommitting multiple times, nothing worked. The voice inside me remained constant over many months.

The Internal Debate: Stay or Go?

Leadership energy is contagious. If you, as the leader, are no longer all-in, your team feels it. The wellspring of ideas dries up, and company culture begins to suffer.

I reached a point where I had to choose:

1. Recharge and recommit (which had worked before).

2. Step away and allow new leadership to bring fresh energy.

Ultimately, I chose the latter.

How I Made the Hardest Decision of My Career

On New Year’s Eve, my husband and I had a heart-wrenching conversation about my next step. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I officially transitioned out in March 2020.

Even now, I experience both joy and grief. Joy from not carrying the weight of an entire company and excitement for new ventures. Grief for the special moments of building something from scratch with an incredible team.

When I speak to other founders, many describe it as raising a child and then handing it to new guardians when you know you no longer have the energy to give it what it needs.

What Life Looks Like After Leaving Your Business

There are good days and hard days. I’ve come to accept that both are valid parts of this unique journey. I’m proud that I made the decision with integrity and care for both myself and the company.

If your heart is telling you it’s time to go, listen. Whether it’s to step away or to find ways to reignite your passion, the most important thing is to honor the voice within.

Key Takeaways

• Founder burnout is real and can affect your business.

• Leadership energy impacts company culture and performance.

• If you can’t recharge, it may be time to transition leadership.

• Leaving with intention and heart is the ultimate act of leadership.