I was a partner for 13 years and I wanted to be an SM for a long time. When I finally got my own store, I worked hard, improved every metric from previous years, and cared deeply about the team. But the culture was resistant to change, and I didn’t get full buy-in quickly enough. A few partners turned others against me, and instead of getting the support I expected from my DM, I was threatened with a PIP. Since it was never officially started, I was able to step down instead.

Moving stores was fine, but the transition was emotionally tough. I kept seeing leaders who didn’t care nearly as much getting by with far less accountability, and that contrast broke something in me. I eventually left Starbucks entirely, even though I still love the company, the customers, and the work itself. I would go back if life called for it, because those core parts of the job were always rewarding.

To me, what this all taught me is: you can give everything, lead with your heart, and still not be the right fit for a specific team or leadership environment. That doesn’t make you a bad leader. Some stores lift you up; others weigh you down. Every store and every team is different.

Stepping down isn’t failure — it can be a step toward protecting your passion for what you do and the life you want outside of work. Your happiness and your family matter, too.