It’s Not Always a Bad Manager, Sometimes It’s Just the Wrong Job

There’s a common saying in the world of work: “People don’t leave bad jobs—they leave bad managers.”

It’s catchy. It circulates on LinkedIn all the time. And yes, sometimes it’s true. A toxic boss can absolutely drive people out the door.

But I think we’re doing a disservice when we repeat that line like it’s always the case.

Because sometimes you leave a job that’s filled with great people, supportive leadership, and a healthy culture, and still know it’s time to move on.

I know this because I’ve done it. Twice.

The job I outgrew

I was once a Training Manager at a nonprofit I still think of regularly. I loved that job. It’s what catapulted me into Human Resources. I built their training program from the ground up, rolled out a learning management system, and created resources I was proud of. My boss was one of the best leaders I’ve ever worked with. My colleagues were passionate, creative, and kind. I miss them all the time.

But after a few years, I hit a ceiling. There was nowhere else for me to grow in that organization: no new challenges, no expansion of the role, no room to build something new. I left not because something was wrong, but because I needed to keep developing professionally, and staying would’ve meant stagnation.

The job that just doesn’t fit

Now, as I prepare to leave my current role, the circumstances are different. This job isn’t a mismatch of values or leadership. Again, I have a fantastic team. My supervisor is thoughtful, generous with feedback, and a genuinely good human. I admire the work this department is doing within the hospital system.

But the role itself involves patient-facing responsibilities, and over the past year, I’ve learned that this just isn’t the right role for me. It’s not a failure. It’s clarity. If there were an administrative version in this department, I’d stay in a heartbeat.

So let’s be honest

Leaving a job doesn’t always mean you’re escaping something toxic. Sometimes, you’re just choosing to honor what you’ve learned about yourself.

Not every departure points to a leadership problem. Sometimes, the job just isn’t aligned with your skills, your needs, or your season of life. And that’s valid.

So the next time you hear someone say, “People leave managers, not jobs,” remember: sometimes we leave great managers too—because we’re choosing growth, alignment, or just a better fit.