Is It Ever OK to Quit?

Have you ever joined a team or a club but soon realized it wasn’t right for you? If so, you’re not alone. At one time or another, just about everyone decides not to stick with an after-school activity. For example, according to a 2019 study, on average, kids who play a sport quit by the time they are 11.

Some people think kids should finish what they start, even if it isn’t enjoyable. They say kids should learn the value of perseverance—sticking with something even if it’s difficult. Also, many coaches and parents argue that quitting a team mid-season is unfair to teammates who are depending on you. 

But others say it’s OK to quit because everyone should be allowed to change their mind. A sport or club may seem interesting at first, but it might not be what you expected. Some people argue that the point of extracurricular activities is to have fun, not to feel miserable or anxious.

It’s OK to quit something, especially if it makes you unhappy. After all, clubs and teams are supposed to be fun. I used to be in an art club. But I didn’t realize that we’d only be creating cartoon characters. That’s not the type of art I like, so I quit. 

Staying in clubs or on teams that you don’t enjoy takes time away from more important things. Also, quitting one activity can lead you to try something new. After I stopped going to the art club, I was able to join gymnastics.

Kids shouldn’t be so quick to quit. They should see activities through until the end. Some sports and clubs require parents to spend a lot of money on things like uniforms and equipment. They might not get the money back if you quit. 

Plus, if you don’t give an activity a chance, you might miss out on something cool. You could also be letting other people down. I was recently in a local theater production. If I had quit, the show might have been canceled.