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Lessons from a Quitter

Author: Goli Kalkhoran

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It is never too late to start over. No matter how much time or money you’ve spent chasing degrees and jobs to get to your current position, if ultimately you’re unhappy, then it is time to quit. Each week, Goli Kalkhoran, a fellow quitter, will interview inspiring guests who have quit lucrative careers to forge their own path and create a life they love. Get insight, inspiration, tools, and resources to help you quit what you hate and figure out what it is that you love.
383 Episodes
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In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into one of the most powerful mindset shifts for breaking free from burnout in week 5 of the Burnout Breakthrough series: letting go of “manuals” for how others should act. We explore how much energy we waste trying to control people’s behaviors—believing our happiness depends on them changing—and how freeing it can be to drop those expectations. You’ll learn how to stop people-pleasing, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim your emotional peace by focusing on what you can control: your own thoughts and actions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to find calm and confidence in every relationship.
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the often-overlooked emotional side of career change—grief. When we outgrow an identity, a job, or a dream, it’s not just a pivot; it’s a loss. I’m joined by grief coach Laverne McKinnon to unpack how letting go of who we thought we’d be can open the door to who we’re becoming. We explore why it’s essential to honor our grief rather than rush past it, how to rebuild self-trust, and how embracing the messy middle can lead to a more authentic, fulfilling next chapter in your life and career.
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share Week 3 of my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. This session focuses on one of the biggest obstacles to rest and balance: guilt. We explore how guilt—often rooted in cultural, societal, or workplace expectations—keeps us trapped in burnout, pushing us to overwork, people-please, and ignore our own needs. I walk through how guilt feeds into shame, why it’s used as a tool of control, and how to separate cultural norms from your own values. You’ll learn practical strategies to redefine your beliefs and finally let go of unnecessary guilt.
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I continue sharing my Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator series. We dive into the second pillar of moving past burnout: uncovering the impossible standards we set for ourselves. From work expectations like never making mistakes or always going above and beyond, to personal standards of being the “perfect” partner, parent, or friend, we explore how these unrealistic bars keep us stuck in exhaustion and self-criticism. Through exercises and real-life examples—including a powerful story from a client—you’ll learn how to recognize these patterns and begin creating realistic standards that allow for success, joy, and sustainability.
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I’m kicking off a special six-week series called the Burnout Breakthrough Accelerator. After years of coaching professionals through overwhelm, I’ve distilled the key steps to help you move from constant exhaustion to more clarity, space, and joy. In Week 1, we start with an honest self-audit—writing down every “should” that weighs on us in work, home, health, and relationships. This eye-opening purge reveals just how much pressure we pile on ourselves and sets the stage for reclaiming time, energy, and control from burnout.
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share a personal experiment I’ve started in my own business: taking Mondays and Fridays off to create a three-day workweek. While it sounds dreamy on the surface, the reality has been much messier—and that’s exactly why I wanted to bring it to you. We dive into how hustle culture and perfectionism make rest feel uncomfortable, why our brains resist slowing down, and how important it is to give ourselves permission to experiment. This conversation is about challenging old rules, embracing imperfection, and creating more space for what you truly want.
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the root causes of burnout and why so many of us struggle to rest. Drawing from years of coaching, I break down how capitalism, schooling, religion, and cultural expectations tie our self-worth to constant productivity. We explore why slowing down feels uncomfortable, why rest is often judged as laziness, and how these beliefs keep us stuck in cycles of exhaustion. This episode challenges you to rethink worthiness, confront the discomfort of rest, and begin building a life defined by joy and ease—not endless busyness.
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I sit down with Beatriz (Béa) Victoria Albina—NP, MPH, SEP, somatic life coach, and host of the Feminist Wellness Podcast. Béa shares her expertise on breaking free from codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, especially for those of us who’ve been conditioned to prioritize others over ourselves. We dive into how reconnecting with your body, regulating your nervous system, and rewiring your thoughts can help you step out of burnout and reclaim your joy. Béa also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, End Emotional Outsourcing. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS  Website Book Website with pre-order details Instagram: @beatrizvictoriaalbinanp Podcast: Feminist Wellness  
In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I dive into one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make: rewriting the story you tell about yourself. Too often, we cling to old narratives—“I’m lazy,” “I’m behind,” “I’ve failed”—that keep us stuck, exhausted, and convinced we’re not enough. But these stories are built on narrow evidence, ignoring the mountain of proof that shows our resilience, creativity, and success. I share my own journey of reframing a harmful story and the transformations I’ve witnessed in clients when they shift their self-concept. Nothing changes until your story does.
In this episode, I pull back the curtain on why I decided to offer a 100% money-back guarantee for my new high-ticket mastermind for high-achieving women feeling unfulfilled. I share the thought process behind creating a safety net for participants, how it addresses trust issues in the coaching industry, and why I’m willing to take the financial risk. I talk about privilege, integrity, and how this decision pushes me to deliver the deepest transformation possible. Whether you’re a business owner or not, you’ll gain insight into making bold, values-aligned decisions that prioritize both client trust and personal growth.
In this powerful episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I’m joined by Ysabelle Allard for a vulnerable conversation about what it really takes to transform your life from the inside out. Ysabelle shares her journey of walking away from a successful corporate career, surrendering to deep grief, and ultimately learning to trust her inner voice. We explore what it means to slow down, invest in yourself, and step into the unknown — even when it’s terrifying. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or like you’re being called to something more, this episode will speak straight to your soul.
Mastermind Anouncement

Mastermind Anouncement

2025-07-2918:55

In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share an exciting new chapter: the launch of Your Next Act Mastermind, a 6-month group program for high-achieving women in transition. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning what’s next after “doing everything right,” this episode is for you. I open up about my own evolving journey and why this mastermind—complete with one-on-one coaching and an in-person retreat—is the most aligned offering I’ve created yet. This is for those ready to release old identities and step into the next version of themselves with clarity, community, and courage.
Mid-Year Check In

Mid-Year Check In

2025-07-2230:44

In this mid-year solo episode, I share a deeply personal update on navigating a season of transition and uncertainty. From shutting down my membership to questioning what’s next, I reflect on what it means to evolve without attaching self-worth to productivity or clarity. I talk about the emotional toll of global events, holding space for conflicting truths, and allowing open-ended exploration instead of forcing answers. If you’re feeling unmoored, uninspired, or unsure about your next step, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how to sit with the unknown and redesign your life with curiosity, compassion, and intention.
Replay: Managing Fear

Replay: Managing Fear

2025-07-1525:00

In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the fear that keeps us stuck. It’s not the lack of information that holds us back—it’s the “what ifs” and unanswered fears that paralyze us. I walk you through a powerful tool: answering the fear-filled questions your brain throws at you. What if you fail? What if they judge you? Instead of spinning in anxiety, learn how to map out worst-case scenarios, strategize solutions, and take back your power. Plus, I introduce a free quiz to help you figure out whether it’s time to quit and what to focus on next.
We often waste precious time and energy arguing with reality – insisting that things should be different than they are. In this episode, I reveal the common pitfalls of waiting for a perfect, non-existent option C and explain why it's crucial to accept the 50-50 nature of life's choices. By letting go of the illusion of control and focusing on how we want to respond to the circumstances we face, we can gain clarity, make better decisions, and reclaim our power. Tune in to discover how to stop the exhausting cycle of arguing with reality and start moving forward with intention and purpose
Going All In

Going All In

2025-07-0114:27

In this week’s episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we explore the powerful mindset shift of going all in—even when you know the current situation isn’t your final destination. Whether you’re in a job you plan to leave or building toward a dream that’s still years away, living with one foot in and one foot out robs you of joy, growth, and fulfillment. I share personal insights and coaching that helped me reframe commitment, not as a trap, but as a choice to fully show up. Tune in to learn how to go all in, right where you are.
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we challenge the myth that your job has to be your passion or purpose. Many listeners feel stuck in “boring” jobs, but what if those roles are actually your greatest asset? Goli reframes the narrative around fulfillment and productivity, arguing that a stable, low-stress job can free up time, energy, and resources to build a meaningful life outside of work. Whether it funds your creative projects, offers mental space to heal from burnout, or gives you clarity for your next move—your current job might be the launchpad you’ve been overlooking.
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we dive into the powerful mindset shifts needed to stop letting other people’s opinions run your life. If you’ve ever held back from taking a risk—whether it’s posting online, taking a gap year, or quitting your job—because you’re afraid of being judged, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to build the confidence to own your decisions, sit with discomfort, and trust yourself more than the noise around you. You only get one life—don’t let other people’s fears dictate how you live it. Let’s take it back.
In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, I share the powerful mindset shifts I experienced during a recent trip to Iran. From confronting my addiction to productivity to witnessing the deep-rooted value of community, the trip forced me to slow down and rethink how I want to live. I talk about embracing the 50/50 nature of life—how even beautiful moments come with discomfort—and how letting go of perfection allows for richer experiences. If you’ve been craving more connection, rest, and presence in your life, this episode is a gentle push to start redefining what success truly looks like.
Produtivity Addiction

Produtivity Addiction

2025-06-0330:48

In this episode of Lessons from a Quitter, we explore our cultural obsession with productivity and why so many of us struggle to truly rest. I share personal reflections from a recent trip abroad that challenged my deeply ingrained beliefs about busyness, urgency, and worth. We dive into how capitalism and hustle culture have programmed us to equate rest with laziness—and how to begin unlearning that. If you're feeling burnt out, this episode will help you reframe rest not as something to earn, but as something essential. Plus, I share practical steps to help you reclaim rest without guilt.
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Comments (2)

Sara B

Network Marketing is the new name for Multi Level Marketing which was the new name for Pyramid Schemes. I wonder what the next generation name of Pyramid Schemes will be 🤔

Aug 28th
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Carrie Caulfield Arick

If you're looking for some #Thanksgiving inspiration, here you go...

Nov 20th
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