On Quitting

The Stigma Around Quitting

We’ve all heard the adages:

  • “Nobody likes a quitter.”

  • “When the going gets tough…”

But sometimes, quitting is the tough and wise choice.

As a society, we've come to view quitting as a personal failure—a weakness to overcome rather than a calculated decision. The truth is, not every endeavor is meant to succeed. And sometimes the most responsible thing you can do—for yourself, your animals, or your family—is to let go and walk away.

Unpopular Opinion: Mercy Over Ego in Animal Rescue

Here’s where some folks might click away—and that’s okay.

Animal rescues serve a purpose, but at times, their efforts cross a line from compassionate to cruel. In our attempt to “save” animals at all costs, we often end up prolonging suffering rather than easing it.

Take rabbits, for example. Prey animals to their core, they are wired for flight—not for prolonged recovery or adaptation. When we try to rehabilitate severely injured rabbits by outfitting them with mobility carts or forcing long-term treatments, we aren’t helping them—we’re helping ourselves feel better.

Unlike humans, animals can’t consent to suffering. They don’t understand the concept of healing or future benefit. A rabbit with a broken back deserves compassion in the form of a peaceful and immediate end—not extended discomfort for the sake of our emotional satisfaction.

Homesteading Means Making Hard Decisions

As homesteaders, we live close to the line between abundance and scarcity. Every decision we make must weigh practicality, ethics, and sustainability.

Sometimes, the best choice isn’t to save—but to let go.

The Quail Hatch That Wasn’t


Ten days ago, I set 44 quail eggs in the incubator. We’ve been working for over a year to incorporate quail as a regular protein source into our homestead. After two successful chicken hatches this spring, it felt like the right time to go all-in.

But when I candled the eggs halfway through incubation, only six showed faint signs of development.

Running the incubator for another week—burning time, power, and energy—just didn’t make sense. So, I made the call to end the attempt. I turned off the incubator, discarded the undeveloped eggs, and stepped away from the project.

Was I disappointed? Sure. Quail chicks are tiny and charming. But I also felt a wave of relief. That’s one less thing on an already overfull plate.

Lessons in Failure and Moving Forward

The likely culprit behind the poor hatch rate? Inbreeding. After 18 months, our birds have probably become too genetically similar.

The solution is straightforward: in a few weeks, I’ll source fresh hatching eggs from a different local flock. New bloodlines, new chances, and a renewed effort—when the timing is better.

In the meantime? Quail eggs make a nutritious and delicious addition to our meals.

Quitting Isn’t Failing—It’s Strategic

Sometimes quitters are the real winners.

Know your limits—especially your mental ones. Learn when to step back, reassess, and reframe. Work with yourself instead of against yourself, and you’ll find that the rewards come in surprising ways.


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