Studies show that 42% of startups fail due to lack of market demand, yet many founders wait 2–3 years too long to make that call.

So, how do you know it’s time to move on? The numbers don’t lie:

• A steady decline in customer retention (e.g., 15% drop over three months)
• Stalled growth with no progress for six months
• CAC (customer acquisition cost) consistently exceeding LTV (lifetime value)

Beyond metrics, ask yourself: Do I have a team or just employees? A startup will struggle without a team that shares the vision and takes initiative.
Remember, giving up is not failure. It can be:

• A strategic choice
• Smarter allocation of resources
• Creating space for new opportunities
• Gaining experience that fuels future success

Knowing when to pivot, pause, or exit is a key skill in entrepreneurship, and it can save time, money, and energy for your next venture.