The happiness equation is complicated at times. Simply because of our emotions.

Let’s use work as an example. Say you feel like you’ve given all you want to a company. You’ve added value and now you want a break to focus on you, then a new challenge to bring you a fresh energy. But you see those around you still driving forward, doing everything they can to make a difference, and you moving on feels like you’re dropping them in it. Even if only until they find someone else to replace you.

Should you stay? Will you regret not taking the break now, or not putting loyalty to others first…

Emotional investment in someone is a good thing. And seeing them struggling triggers that feeling of loyalty and pull to help them.

It’s difficult in this scenario because if you put a big emphasis on loyalty, you’d need to work in the same place your whole life – which might be a good thing for some, but probably not for most.

I think you have to consider these questions:

• Have I already shown loyalty and repaid some of what they’ve shown me?
• Is the feeling of wanting a change still the overwhelming one?
• Did that triggered feeling of loyalty reduce fairly quickly?

If question 1 = no, then stay.

If question 1 = yes, then answer question 2 and 3.

If the answer to questions 2 and 3 is yes, then it’s time to move on.

If either question 2 or 3 is no, then there is still more to give and you should stay.