I get the impression the OP isn’t saying they “had to” in the sense of “being forced to by outside forces” but rather “wanted to for personal satisfaction and pride”. I understand the feeling: you create something you’re proud of and which means a lot to you, and before you let it go you want to ensure it’s in good competent hands which will care for it and make it flourish the same way you would.

That is very different from being exploited or taken advantage of.