In the last couple of months I've watched 2 episodes of a long running reality show. At the end of each, I've come to the same conclusion- the show has run its course, and it's time for the participants to get day jobs. When I mentioned this to my mom, she said she has had the same thought.
I've also had this happen with a book series. An author wrote several books featuring a main character that I really enjoyed. When I read what was to be the final book in the series, it was clear that it should be the last. The voice of the character was so different all the others that I wondered if it had been written by someone else. Recently I found out the author has revived the series by writing new books. I read one. While better than the supposed end of the series, it is clear the author is running thin on plots. I won't be reading any more.
Knowing when to say it's the end is tough. Inertia itself is a powerful force. Keeping on doing what we're doing is often times much easier than stopping and doing something new. Also, change is scary. In addition, both of the examples are about money- for the reality show subjects, the studio, the author, and the publisher.
I experienced what happens when you don't say "the end" soon enough in my own career. For several years I was in a job that was very good for me professionally and personally. Then, in a series of management changes that even to this day I'm not sure how they happened, it became a horrible job. At first, I did my best to change the situation, however, I eventually realized what would have to change in the situation was me. I had to leave. It was to the point that I told myself I could leave without another job if I didn't find a new one by a certain date, not a decision you should make lightly. Looking back, I tell people my mistake was that I stayed 3 years too long. Interestingly, not long before the management changes, I got an invitation to explore another career opportunity that was potentially a really good fit. At this time, I was comfortable and happy in my job. I regret to this day that I didn't explore the option. I don't know that it would have been the right path for me, but I'll never know because I didn't look into it.
My hope for you and for myself is that as we go through life, we will pay attention to signs that things are at their end. Change is scary, but staying too long in something is far worse in the long run.
