Learning to Let Go: Moving On from What No Longer Fits

Sometimes, the most unassuming objects hold stories of change and transformation. It might sound odd to say that a bottle of conditioner changed my perspective on life, but it wasn’t really about the bottle itself. It became a metaphor for feeling stuck, holding on too long, and finally finding the courage to move on.

We often hold onto things long past their purpose – not because we need them, but because we’re afraid to face what comes next. Whether it’s a job that no longer fulfills us or a routine that keeps us comfortable but stagnant, the process of letting go can feel overwhelming. This story is about recognising when it's time to move on – and finding the courage to do so.

The Unexpected Companion: Navigating Career Change

Back in 2017, I made what seemed like a simple decision to buy a bottle of shampoo online. A mix-up later, I found myself with a litre of conditioner instead. At first, I kept it, thinking it was still useful. Little did I know, that bottle would accompany me through some of the most challenging years of my life.

In the beginning, it felt like a smart purchase – a long-lasting product from an eco-conscious brand. But as time went on, I grew to resent it. It seemed endless, unchanging, and became a symbol of something deeper – a part of my life that felt equally stagnant and overwhelming. The result of an accident with no direction and no purpose.

The Weight of Stagnation: Feeling Stuck in Your Career

Sometimes, we project our emotions onto the simplest things. That bottle became more than just a conditioner; it became a reminder of feeling stuck – in a job I didn’t love, in routines that didn’t serve me, and in a version of myself I no longer recognised. I blamed the bottle for its unending presence, but in truth, I was angry at myself for staying where I didn’t belong.

Letting go isn’t always about physically moving on – it’s about the internal shift. It’s about acknowledging that something no longer fits, whether it’s a career, a relationship, or even a mindset. We cling to the familiar because the unknown is daunting, but the cost of holding on can be greater than the fear of change.

Coming to Terms: Owning My Choices

I wasn’t living the life I wanted. I wasn’t showing up as the person I wanted to be, and it felt like I was wasting my potential – making sacrifices for things I didn’t even truly want.

I was stuck in a version of my life that I hadn’t chosen, just allowed to unfold without question.

No one pushed me into this career or this way of living. It just happened while I wasn’t looking. And maybe that was the hardest part to accept – that I hadn’t been paying attention, that I had let it happen. The guilt of realising that it was my own complacency made the pain even more profound.

Finding the Strength to Move On: Career Change and Personal Growth

I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t continue as I was. I left that job, took time to rediscover myself, and gradually rebuilt my life in a new direction. Career change or transitioning from a stagnant situation can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to realign with your values, find purpose, and pursue what truly matters to you. The process wasn’t easy – it involved feeling the pain, confronting my fears, and daring to imagine a different future. But once I let go of the things that no longer served me, I began to find a sense of freedom.

That bottle of conditioner didn’t change, but I did. Eventually, I started to see it differently – as a companion through a hard time, a symbol of resilience rather than resistance. When it finally ran out, I realised that I was ready to move forward. I no longer needed to hold on to something just because it had been there for so long.

Embracing the Unknown: Letting Go of the Past

Letting go is not about erasing the past but making space for what’s next. It’s about honouring the lessons learned and stepping into the unknown with courage. Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting – it means allowing ourselves to evolve, to shed the layers that no longer fit, and to embrace new possibilities. Whether it's a career change, a new personal goal, or just a mindset shift, the process of moving on requires both courage and commitment.

So, if you find yourself clinging to something that doesn’t feel right anymore – whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a long-empty bottle – take a moment to consider what it represents.

Sometimes, holding on is more painful than letting go. Trust that when you make space for something new – whether it’s a career shift, a personal change, or a mindset reset – it can lead to growth, healing, and unexpected joy.

And just like that bottle of conditioner, it’s okay to say goodbye when the time comes. It’s okay to move on.

Moving On with Purpose

The journey of letting go and moving on is a deeply personal one, especially when it involves career change or redefining your sense of purpose. It’s about facing the discomfort, acknowledging the end of what was, and choosing to step forward despite the uncertainty. In the end, it’s not the objects we keep that shape us, but the strength we find within ourselves to keep moving forward.

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About the Author

Cecile Hemery helps quiet leaders navigate professional crossroads and find meaning, impact, and recognition in their careers. Drawing from 15 years' experience in the Tech and Gaming industry, she supports leaders who feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps to regain clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Cecile's approach empowers sensitive and human-centred professionals to embrace change and move forward with renewed focus.

Through her company, Walayance, Cecile enables professionals to find their authentic leadership voice while staying true to themselves. As a Professional Certified Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF PCC), she blends practical strategies with deep self-awareness to support transformative career journeys.

Feeling stuck or uncertain about your next move? Book a call with Cecile today and take the first step towards clarity and confidence.