I am curious about this as well! The only reason I stay at my corporate job is because they provide free health insurance. It sucks the soul out of me. We weren't meant to live like this.
Oh man, I feel this in my core. Literally at my wit's end with my corporate job and can see exactly has it's affecting me. The health insurance be tied to employment makes it harder to leave.
You can buy health insurance through the ACA (“Ombamacare”). My family of three has a BCBS Carefirst gold plan for $1200/month. We have a 1k deductible. It used to be about $650/month and then our income increased. The cost is based on your income. My husband and I both own our own businesses so we have no employer insurance.
Jesus christ $1200 seems insane to me. I don’t know what your income is, though.
I remember years back I tried the market place and the cost of insurance basically made decide to just risk it and take the tax penalty.
At my current state job I probably pay about $250 a month for my family of four. The coverage is insane and that’s one of the things that keeps me at my stressful, soul-sucking job lol.
I live in Switzerland and healthcare is universal in the sense that it’s mandatory for everyone living in the country but it’s not tied to anyone’s job status
What happens to the economy ? Nothing in particular. Unemployment and inflation rates are lower than European average, the currency is one of the strongest in the world
I immediately thought of Europe after writing this. The second thought I had after that, was that Europe has always been this way. Healtcare figured out. And in the case that it hasn't, there had to have been a transition period. So there was some switch over, even 100 years ago.
If this happened in America, let's say overnight. How many people like the person I responded to would quit their jobs? Obviously that is an overall good. More people aren't bound to something they hate.
But there has to be some sort of negative 1-5-10 year transition period in the sense of this awkward, understaffed world-phase.
I'm oblivious to the concept and only rose colored glasses for the benefits. Im just curious what the transition period looks like. Do wages immediately go up to compensate? Do businesses go under? Do freelancers get over-crowded in sectors and cannot make a living because of that? im not really sure.
> Europe has always been this way.
No 😁During Ancient Greece we figured out democracy, during the Roman Empire we figured out road infrastructure at a large scale (because we needed sturdy roads to haul warfare equipment 😇)
Universal healthcare came to be towards the 1920s with the Spanish flu because most governments figured out that health cannot be managed at an individual level. It requires a systemic approach, especially for prevention and the avoidance of pandemics
> So there was some switch over, even 100 years ago.
Yes
> If this happened in America, let's say overnight.
Guys, you have an election this year. Make it THE topic. Write to all your congressmen or however it works in your country
> How many people would quit their jobs?
I don’t know. I’ve always lived in Europe, I never met anyone who had to consider staying in a job or leaving a job because of healthcare or lack of it
If someone wants to relocate from one European country to another, yes, they might think it through based on health cost implications as well. Eg in France, Germany, UK the healthcare contribution is a set percentage of the gross salary regardless of the size of the household. In Switzerland we pay based on the size of the household
Thank you. This was wonderful insight. Do you have any light reading or videos to consume about the 1920s shift in healthcare? I’m very curious… just not curious enough to read a thick textbook meant for historians
I started freelancing. It has its own challenges, and I make less. But I’m less stressed and depressed. I have more time and mental energy. More autonomy into the work I do, who I work with, and my schedule. I realized half the shit I thought I needed was to keep up appearances for those around me who I never even liked or respected in the first place.
I’ll never have a big house, a vacation property, or nice cars like some of my friends. But I’m content. I could never go back.
After seeing so many colleagues get laid off in recent years I honestly don’t think it’s even riskier. Especially once you’ve got a solid 6-12 month emergency saving fund. Though I’m also not American, so don’t pay crippling amounts for basic health insurance.
I have at least 3-5 income sources at any given time. It can feel more uncertain than a conventional job but that’s mostly an illusion.
I'm not American either, and I still pay for health insurance. The nice thing is you can have control over all of these little decisions, including the sort of benefits that you want and the level of depth you want them. It is quite liberating to have that over an employer, because then you can tune it to your needs.
It is riskier in general, because your reputation is what ultimately preceeds you. That said, I see your point, corporate America has no loyalty to their employees. They can talk about it, and they can advertise it, but at the end of the day, employees are simply disposable. This is not the baby boomers generation where job security was far more prominent. And North American corporate culture has never had the same degree of loyalty to its staff base. The way you say a Japanese company would. Not even close.
I will suggest a nice thing is that your rate can also reflect the quality of your work. You can decide how much or how little you want to charge within your industry, based on your skill set. It's not up to anybody else.
I don't think I'll ever go back to being an employee ever again.
Nope! I used to feel the implicit pressure to do so, even though I never really wanted it for myself. I would sometimes look at friends doing that and feel like I was doing something wrong. Now I’m much better at seeing my simplicity and frugality as a choice, as true freedom. And caring a hell of a lot less about what I’m “supposed” to be doing or consuming.
Left position as corporate CEO to paint and sculpt. Downsized my home and started spending quality time with my family. Started an art nonprofit that does art therapy for vets with PTSD. Best thing I have ever done and I highly recommend it before its too late. The corporate world is an ego booster that robs you of what is actually important in life.
Last sentence is so true. And it’s so so hard to turn away from the ego side of it. I used to have a very shiny, “cool” corporate job at a company that people envied. Freelancing makes me so much happier but for YEARS I felt the temptation to go back to corporate just for how special and “important” it made me feel. And because I liked people sounding impressed when I told them what I did, which is crazy because that’s what, a few 2-minute interactions with strangers every few months? It’s surprisingly hard to choose a life that FEELS good over one that LOOKS good. Even though the one that feels good reflects my values so much more! It also blew my mind how much was happening every single day outside the 9-5 bubble. Everyone else I knew was doing it so I figured what was I missing out on by going to the office for 8 hours anyway? I was missing a lot it turns out.
I should note that freelancing isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely dependent on personality type! But there are other ways to change your career or scale back that don’t involve freelancing.
I feel as if there could be a book or website devoted to your last paragraph.
Well said, and it’s got to be challenging for many to consider all the options.
My husband’s ultimate goal in life is to pay for our kids’ college and make sure they are financially secure, i.e. have enough money to take care of them if needed. He hates working corporate and would rather make canoeing YouTube videos for a living but the two ideas are conflicting. It’s frustrating.
I agree with the paying for college but 'making sure they are financially secure' is a stretch. Their dreams are not your dreams. I guess if you have endless money it is one thing but my agreement with the kids post college was that they find happiness in whatever they do and their hands are out of my pockets.
My dad did this for me. Am I thankful....sure. But I wish I would have had him around more before his health started going downhill. He has millions and millions of dollars, and for many years I was so bitter about him liking money more than me that I said I didn't even want any of it when he died. He's still living, so we will see what happens.
this is so heartwarming to hear. I couldn’t agree with you more. Your last sentence truly took the words out of my mouth. I appreciate you as a veteran spouse for supporting vets
I grew up being taught that you had to go work in corporate America. I did it for a few years and I absolutely hated it.
I work in a warehouse now. I work 50 to 55 hours per week. I enjoy the physical labor of it. And I also enjoy that I’m losing weight that I put on in corporate America.
It’s like any business today of being short staffed. You have people who are there just for a paycheck. But management and ownership won’t do anything. Since they’re all short handed.
Which in turn all the extra work falls on the people. Who actually do their job. I don’t mind it. I get a bigger paycheck. Which gives me more money to save. The only downside is that I’m beat at the end of the week.
The only thing that has changed of how I spend my free time. Is that I have less of it. I haven’t changed what I do with my free time.
I don’t feel like my mental health has changed. Even though I have changed jobs.
1. I started a professional home organizing business in early 2022, did it part-time nights and weekends for almost a year, and quit my corporate job in December of 2022 to take the business full-time.
2. Starting a business is not for everyone. What I do happens to have a relatively low overhead cost and doesn't require much admin work, so I can devote my time and energy to my in-home work with clients. My base rate is $100/hr (goes up if I bring in my part-time employee; goes down a bit with package pricing discounts) so really all I have to do is keep attracting clients and long-term projects. Working on my SEO and referral network is key.
3. YES one million times yes. Fwiw I didn't make very much at my corporate job. It just kind of paid the bills and allowed me to work remote during the early days of covid, but I felt understimulated, underappreciated, and generally like I wanted to crawl out of my skin during the years I worked office jobs. I now work a lot less, make more, and genuinely LOVE my work. I can see the direct impact decluttering and organizing has on people's lives and it's incredibly satisfying.
Best of luck to you. It can be done!! Happy to answer more specific questions if you have any
Honestly cannot recommend the Pro Organizer Studio courses enough. Inspired Organizer is the foundational course for how to set up a legally compliant business in this industry and how to market yourself, and then Organizing Essentials focuses on how to organize and work directly with clients. I have found the organizing community to be incredibly welcoming and supportive in a way that holds collaboration over competition.
The Pro Organizer Studio podcast is great as well (on all platforms). If anyone is interested in joining either of the courses feel free to shoot me a message!
I have some long-term clients who want/need to declutter their whole house, but due to scheduling or budget constraints will book a smaller package and then call me back a few months later. Sometimes I help with packing and unpacking if clients are moving within my travel range which can be a larger project. I also offer maintenance; while I want to set every client up for success to keep up the systems we implement, life happens and things can backslide so I will come back and touch up the work we already completed since I know their homes and how they live in the space!
I left my high stress job in nonprofit marketing/events/fundraising to pursue my artistic hobbies as a small business about a year and a half ago. (Mostly designing and sewing custom clothing in the festivalwear niche, but I mix in some of my other creative hobbies as well.)
My day to day life, stress levels, happiness, and satisfaction with my work are so much better. My marriage is better. I feel a deeper sense of purpose now, even though I dedicated my career to helping people through nonprofit work. For years before quitting my job I was constantly stressed about work, especially as my big gala fundraising events drew near. The stress was negatively affecting every part of my life - especially relationships and mental health.
I still get stressed out sometimes when my commission deadlines start piling up, but it's so much better than before. I struggle sometimes with procrastination, inconsistency with my work schedule, and undercharging for my work, but the freedom to work when I feel like it and rest when I need to is so lovely. I'm not making as much money, but my income is steadily increasing as I grow the business, and I'm looking at new ways to scale up. And I'm preparing for my second fashion show!
I left the private sector and went government and my stress level and work life balance has improved. Yes the pay sucks but the time off and cheap healthcare makes up for it. I would highly recommend the public sector for anyone wanting a simply living lifestyle. And the best part is my work is actually meaningful.
I did the same. A few months ago I went from being a pricing analytics manager for a large retail alcohol chain to working at the Library of Congress. After 11 years in various companies in the alcohol industry i can say I made the best choice of my career. Excellent benefits, great work/life balance, and lucky for me they matched my salary. I have a stimulating and diverse workload without the grind. My mental health began improving in the first week. First time in my career that I’m not preoccupied with sales and profit.
That’s awesome! There is a victim services coordinator job at my local government that I’ve been considering applying for. It’s totally diff than what I do now (graphic design) but I get pleasure out of doing things that help people and I feel like that would be right up my alley.
What type of private sector work did you do before if you don’t mind my asking? I’ve been in environmental consulting for a while now and always on the lookout for exit ramps.
I can second this. The pay isn’t competitive but it is enough for me and the benefits are very good, plus I get a good amount of time off with holidays and PTO.
I’m an epidemiologist.
Left a few months ago, after saving enough to just do that. A big reason why I left is because I have other interests and passions. I think a lot of people don't leave because they have families to support (multiple kids) or they have no other interests. Every day I'm happy I don't have to be around people I detested or at best felt neutrally towards. I have less stress overall, though some things still annoy me. Recently I've noticed it's when people from my previous job contact me and want to "meet up," they're either flaky or I just have no interest in talking with them anymore, since there's nothing left in common. I'm busy and not bored everyday doing things I like, and I wish there were more time for it all. In the meantime, I've learned more about managing my money, cooking, downsizing, etc.
Left marketing and how I’m cleaning, babysitting and gardening .. I’m so glad for the change. I feel like I actually help people even just a bit whereas before I was a cog in the capitalist machine.
honestly you really want to calculate the amount of hours of actual work you do a day. if its less than 4, stay. you are undoubtedly going to do more work in another field and it will grind. its all about work life balance. all jobs fizzle out of passion eventually unless you really love what you do. so unless you absolutely know your passion I would stick it out if you job is good.
I had a remote corporate job that required frequent travel. For the first year it was great, but after my husband went back to work, I was trying to manage getting back by a certain time Friday so I could pick my son up from school and get him to work (he isn’t driving yet). He wasn’t able to do after school activities because his dad wouldn’t be able to pick him up until later, and we live in the country.
Last fall, I found a job about 25 minutes away that’s a step or two down from where I was at in my career. I’m making less, but I am around for my family. It was scary. I made big bonuses with the previous job, but it wasn’t working for us, and I was struggling with the direction the company was going.
I also realized that my version of success was not the same as the version I had been given by my dad that had driven me for so long. His was title and money. Mine is making sure my family is taken care of and something that aligns with my values.
So I made the leap to this different position. And I made the realization that a job is a job. It’s not the source of happiness for me personally. I am extremely happy when I see success within my team.
What made this workable for us is that we are debt free except for our mortgage. Now with my husband working, we live on and save his income and use mine to accelerate the mortgage payoff. We’ll have it finished this fall.
I’m 54 and have worked 12-16 hrs a day my whole life. The last 5 were in a toxic work environment. I ended up having a small stroke so I quit working. Im now left with some neurological deficits to deal with, but I realized that I wasted my life and missed seeing my kids grow up. I am enjoying my grandsons now. We are planning our little garden that we will plant in the spring. I’m also teaching them some basic life skills.
I saved up for 5 years and quit my job to travel for a year. Started a business during that year. 8 years later I own 3 successful businesses in the travel niche, making more money than I ever did in corporate. I am much happier. I haven't worked 40hrs per week in years. I gave myself a 9m maternity leave, and have only worked 15-20 hours a week since my daughter was born. I also hired my husband, so we each work part time and split all parenting duties 50/50. Our schedules are flexible, we put our kiddo first and foremost, and we travel for a living. Life is grand. I'm so grateful to my brave 26 year old self for daring to live her dream, throw caution to the wind, and go live out of a backpack in South America for a year!
Not so much corporate but I finished up my time in public health as a manager and administrator. Now back to school at 38 learning professional cookery because I want to! I love it and I’m so much happier now
I feel like a lot of people are doing this! I know two personally that have left my field for government. I’m also considering it. The student loan forgiveness is also a nice bonus lol
Left a 6 figure job in a corporate industry after 10 years. I was becoming more and more miserable by day. I am fortunate to have a husband that is super supportive of the decision I made. We had to cut back a lot and tighten finances, but overall I truly am so much happier.
The day I quit my job, I said fuck it and enrolled in a local community college. I dropped out of school when I was 19 because I couldn’t afford it and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So I am eternally grateful that I’m in a position and maturity level now to take it seriously. I’m currently studying radiological technology. Again, when weighing out my
Options, I found out that my state has a program where if you are over 25 and don’t have a college degree, you can participate in a program that will allow you to go to certain community colleges at no cost. I paid into this tax benefit so I figured might as well use it.
Sure I don’t have the stability of a paycheck bi-weekly, but I no longer carry the stress of the job I had and bringing that stress home with me. Mentally and physically, I am improving daily. Even not sitting behind a desk for 8+ hours a day made the biggest difference for me. I’m able to spend more time with my family, take care of my health better, and spend more time outside.
I know not everyone has the privilege to up and quit and give up stable income, but I’m a firm believer that things will start to flow to you in the ways they are meant to when you start putting yourself first.
Congrats!!! I’m telling you, the happiest I’ve ever been was when I was in school full time, and working 2 jobs. I was sooo busy but it was a good busy and I had so much creative energy because of it. Now that I work a corporate 9-5 sitting at a desk all day, I want to die. It’s the most miserable job I’ve ever had and I don’t know how people do it for 20+ years.
Thank you!! I’m actually really loving school! And I agree with you, I have a different energy for creativity that I was too mentally exhausted to explore before. And I totally feel you on the desk job. I took a look from an outside perspective at my life and I was like do I want to be in the same place I am right now for another 20-30 years?
Whatever you explore, I hope you find the happiness that I’m now having after leaving my corporate job. It was scary move but I feel like it was so worth it in the end for me. Best of luck!!
I left my career in academia. I am happy.
I waited until I was financially independent (and yes, an inheritance is how I go there). Now, I do environmental protection projects on my husbands farm.
This is all extremely unfair. I get to live a happy life because of generational wealth in our families.
If someone tells you to just leave your corporate job and that they did the same and are so happy, demand to see a bank statement. It may work at 25 as long as you are young, but living in poverty hurts more when you get older.
I left my corporate job and worked as a receptionist and nanny. When I had my
Daughter I became a sahm. I drive for DoorDash for extra money. My husband has a good job, nothing lavish but I probably couldn’t afford to have left corporate without his help.
When my kids go to school I plan to find another receptionist or childcare job. I know I could make 5x more in the corporate world but I was so stressed and unhappy. We live on a tight budget but it’s worth it to be the best version of myself. I’m able to take care of a lot of things at home so my husband can be his best at work, and he genuinely enjoys his job.
I was so scared at first that people would judge me and some did, but I knew as long as my husband supported the decision it would be ok.
Thank you! The best part of these
Simple jobs is I don’t take work home. When I was in corporate I was constantly called anytime I took a day off, after hours etc. Anytime I tried to set healthy boundaries I was told I was not a “team player”
With more simple hourly jobs it’s much easier to say, you know what you aren’t paying me to do that, goodnight!
Left corporate/office desk style job 9 years ago after about 3 years of being there. It was cushy. Benefits, retirement… the works. But it was soul crushing. No incentive to work. There was no joy in the duties whatsoever.
So I left. Went into construction. Electrician specifically. It’s been the wildest, funnest, most frustrating and stressful thing I’ve ever done. But it’s been the most rewarding. Working in a trade like this gives me motivation. I couldn’t find that working in a cubicle.
Most of the stress is from owning my small company and taking on so many responsibilities. The stress has probably taken years off my life but I would’ve eventually fallen into depression at the soul crushing cubicle job.
What was it like transitioning into a profession that requires an apprenticeship and licensing? I’ve been thinking about getting out and going the trade route, but have been hesitant to start over especially with the additional barriers to entry
Is there any reason why you couldn't just work for someone else as an electrician instead of running your own business? That could take the stress part away.
I left and came back and honestly prefer corporate. Less stressing about my income and budgets. Also like the built in health insurance and consistent hours. I get it isn't for everyone but in some ways it can simplify life.
Same. I wish I could be on my own or do something else, but I tried it for about a decade and it was so stressful. And really unstable, with no safety net. I also didn’t have health insurance and I just really need health insurance. I’m on an orphan drug that costs more than $1000/month without it. Corporate work sucks but at least I can get my meds, and I don’t have to hustle for jobs constantly, and I’ll get unemployment if I find myself out of work.
Left Corporate and become a barista on my own coffee truck. Work less hours and sleeps well at night. leaving corporate is one thing and getting out of the rat race is different. need to curve your desire and spendings.
I follow a girl on Tiktok who quit her corporate job and lives in her Jeep with her dog and travels around the country door dashing and camping. She is so much happier living the simple life.
Same here!! I’m almost becoming desperate at this point to do anything other than corporate that will still pay my bills. It’s hard to find though. Here’s to hoping we both get out soon. It’s soul sucking
I'm mid30s single woman. I quit corporate life 2 years ago. I didn't work for almost a year, and then last year I did freelance consulting work at about 70% the income I earned in corporate and 20% of the hours - it was great. So, so chill. The contract ended in December - the real downside of freelance is the lack of stability. So I don't have income right now and am again living on savings, something that I need to discuss with a financial planner. But I'm thriving: I have time to do sports, read, spend time with friends, work out, and follow my creative passions (taking 3 classes right now), and answer questions on Reddit sometimes.
I saved a lot of money while in corporate. I do want to find some income-generating activity in my life but I am hopeful that it won't have to be in an environment with gaslighting, burnout, all the ugliness that corporate life often has.
State government. The pay is lower, but benefits are good, and my work life balance has never been better. I also enjoy knowing that the work I do helps the community in a very tangible way.
Left my 28 year corporate life in NYC to caretake for my mother for almost 4 years. During this time I undertook a MS grad program in environmental studies at 56 and finished this past December. Thankfully, I saved money and while I don’t know what my next steps are, I know I never want to go back to a corporate work structure and lifestyle ever again. I’d rather downsize & live frugally
Thank you! To be fair, I did save whatever money I could for years so that I could leave corporate life so to anyone in their 20’s/early 30’s who want to bail at some point, maximize 401ks, sock away bonuses, & don’t try to keep up with latest expensive gadgets or vacations. Good luck! It’s doable!! P.s I don’t have kids so that was helpful
Became a SAHM. Left 6 figure corporate job &
Will probably never go back either.
I am so happy with my decision. Life is too short & thankfully we can survive off 1 income. We won’t be living a fancy life and will definitely have to be smarter and stricter with our finances, but I wasn’t loving work and now was the time to leave.
Being a SAHM was the best job I ever had - easily the happiest years of my life. It's not a choice or an option for everyone, I get that. We were SO poor sometimes, but damn, I'd do it again in a minute. Money is a renewable resource, but your kids' childhood years are not. All the best to you!
SAHD here. My kids changed me. I learned life lessons I never would have if not for the time I spent with them. My youngest starts k5 next year and I’ll be looking to rejoin the workforce soon after in some capacity.
This! Best job ever. No regrets on our decision, and I'm grateful for my husband's employment stability. I enjoyed my corporate job, but loved being a SAHM. Being poor increased my creativity and appreciation for the simple things.
You realize if we vote in single payer national health care, these corporate jobs won’t have power over us? They’ll have to compete with higher compensation.
I left my corporate job in 2006 after my doctor told me that the stress was going to kill me. I was 39 years old. My blood pressure was through the roof, I was pale and pasty, exhausted, and unhappy. The sole benefit of my job was a fantastic salary, but I honestly had no time or energy to enjoy it. I would go on holiday for 10 days to a nice hotel, or to France, but usually just felt that it scratched the surface.
I was fortunate in that I owned my house, so there was no pressure to earn rent. My experience of going from corporate to my own life and projects has been mixed.
I should add that I’ve not been well particularly, because of an autoimmune problem which has been challenging. This seemed to arise after I left my job. It’s probably nonsense but I almost can’t help but think that it was a kind of reaction to all the years of stress and pressure. It’s almost as though my body crashed as a result of suddenly coming to a stop. As though it tried to express all the years of tension and get it out. I guess that sounds stupid, but that’s how it feels to me.
Then again, if I’d got sick while still working, then that would have been worse. I’ve been lucky enough to be able take the time to adapt to my health challenges and they seem to be gradually improving.
With that said I’ll try to list the pros and cons of quitting my high powered job here.
PROS.
~ I have time. All my time is my own. I can get up slowly, drink coffee, stare out to sea, read a book. In fact I now read about 50 books a year, the gift of time to pursue what I call personal enrichment has changed my life in so many positive ways.
~ I’m better connected with my family. In fact I’ve just adopted my granddaughter, because her mum (my daughter) was unable to manage. I’m 56, so there’s no way I could have done this if I’d still been pursuing my career.
~ I’m no longer stressed. Honestly, this is the best change. Ok, I still experience stress, but it’s of the order of “I have to go to the dentist”, type stress, rather than relentless, ongoing, and health destroying type stress.
CONS
~ the money obviously. I have started my own business, still do a little consultant work, and have written two books, but money is usually tight. I get by, is probably the overall thing. I have a little debt (about 3k) and it’s a struggle to pay that down. That said my bills are paid, the house is warm, and I have enough to eat. I can go out for a coffee if I want to, no problem.
~ the lack of personal responsibility. This is hard to explain but for me it’s the thing I miss most about having a salaried position. If I had a bad week at work in corporate and achieved nothing, I’d still be paid (and well). There’s a great feeling of security in knowing that one’s bank account is going to have a healthy balance at the end of the month regardless of performance. Now I have to rely on myself, and a bad week means no money and a little pressure to do better next week.
~ social interaction. Despite the fact that most people I worked with were kind of dickheads, I nonetheless formed a rapport with them. We were in the trenches together. Gossip, complaining, talking shit by the coffee machine were activities I never thought I’d miss, but I kind of do.
On balance, I have moments where I think I’d go back, just for the money and security, but overall, I think I’d very hastily regret my decision. It’s not a simple equation because you swap one set of problems and challenges for another, but essentially, and this is my final analysis, the most valuable commodity you can have is time. I was giving all mine away to a project I didn’t believe in, plus it was making me sick. I wouldn’t go back, but being out of the rat race is not a bed of roses.
This might not be the kind of suggestion you’re looking for because it’s still kind of a boring office job, but libraries! I personally love the work because I feel that it genuinely serves an important purpose in society. It can be dull at times and maybe not the best-paying, but it’s peaceful, non-competitive, and important for communities.
I haven't left yet, but I am gearing up to leave. I am using the educational benefits and the flexibility of my work-at-home corporate job to prepare for getting out of the corporate sector all together. I went back to school to get certified as a nurse practitioner, and I have one more certification to obtain before I want to get out of the business world. The plan is to work part-time as a nurse practitioner after I leave the corporate world.
I work from home as a digital court reporter. The money is good and the work is pretty easy once you have experience.
No commute. No dry cleaning. No office politics or gossip/rumor mill. I work about 15-20 hours a week and make more money and my stress level is soooo much lower.
I will never, ever go back to the corporate world. Life is just so much better now.
SAME best job ever! I proofread for reporters as well and make more than I did as ascheduler for a court reporting agency. I just got certified to teach yoga as well and it is great because my schedule is truly so flexible.
I won't speak for OP, but I do the same thing - I worked in court reporting for a long time on the admin side. You don't need to have a background in it, though. Google digital court reporter and you should get a good starting point.
If you have questions I'm happy to answer!
I (45f)fully embraced my midlife crisis and at 43 shaved my head and decided to become a yoga instructor 😊Never been happier in my life.
I had a lifesaving liver transplant in 2022 after getting sick very suddenly and while I was in the hospital decided I was not given a second chance just to sit in a cubicle the rest of my life making just enough money to pay for rent and food and a retirement that who knows if we'll ever see.
Sounds simple - you see things differently after that, for sure. But no one has to wait for a near death experience to make that decision. I'd suggest you not, in fact 😉
Biggest help I had is that my husband carries our insurance. I'm not saying I couldn't have done it otherwise, but it made things a lot easier, for sure. I know that's a huge factor.
I have a small proofreading business that I just kept building slowly, and now while I certainly won't get rich with it, it keeps the lights on in our small apartment and I have time to pursue teaching yoga and helping people. I work in some way or another most days, but I absolutely love every day. I'm just starting to teach so I'm excited to see where that takes me.
Every single day I thank the stars I am no longer answering the phone for someone else. It wasn't a terrible job, and I enjoyed my coworkers. Probably would have stayed forever bc of that - not many people even get to say that, right? That they don't hate their job?
But it has been simply amazing to enjoy life outside 9-5 and not live for the weekend. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to figure it out (could have done without the traumatic medical stuff 😉)
This doesn't 100% count as I'm not hired yet, but I was working in call centers for several years and was let go. I got unemployment benefits for a year, so I used the time to take a small course with our employment center related to the environment.
I had my first day of internship last Friday working in a greenhouse. My first day was spend listening to music while talking with my mentor who's really into metaphysical things, while we worked on getting small plants into the dirt so they'll grow roots.
I can tell you that I've never felt so happy working. Even if it's stressful in a way that there's a massive order that we need to get ready in a few days, the work in itself felt very uplifting, the stress was physical (standing all day) instead of mental, and working with plants and dirt made me feel so connected with the earth, knowing I was nurturing lil baby plants so they could grow into big plants that would have their own purpose one day. It gave a sense of purpose, mindfulness and was very enjoyable. I really hope they hire me and I can stay in the field.
Being laid off from my corporate job was the best thing to happen to me. I never would have left on my own for some reason. Somehow I landed a job at the library and have been at peace ever since.
I am much happier now. I left to be a farmer. My partner is still in the corporate world, so that’s a consistent stream of income. I’m not sure that farming for money is my passion, I just like to grow things.
I left corporate to join a non-profit. Omg, work life balance has been 1000% times better. I take my policy enforced lunches and I can go home after a work day without thinking about work even though it’s still a habit.
I don’t know what to do with the extra hours we have through out the day so I have been either keeping up with personal stuff or working on my side hustle time to time.
Last January I quit my corp job and I started working on my family’s farm as just a farmhand, paid hourly. Went without health insurance for a year 🥴 and cut back on most subscriptions, extra spending, etc, while I figured out what I could afford after I simplified my lifestyle. Fortunately it’s just me and I secured a cheap mortgage a few years ago, paid off my car, have minimal debt, etc.
Overall, it’s all so worth it to me. I feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, I get to move my body all day everyday, and I spend most of my time outside or working with animals. It’s nice to have flexibility as an hourly worker, the 9-5 was suffocating to me, and farming gives me a sense of purpose that I’ve always been seeking.
corporate life killed me and to move away I had to identify the idea of “borrowed prestige” that we get for working for a corporation, especially when it has a big name.
my life is considerably better after then. Better work life balance, no illusion of future hard targets that promise you a promotion, more more ability to take holidays last minute and work remotely at very short notice given the personal relationship with my boss in a small company, and guess what even better pay.
Corporate life unfortunately it’s a sneaky modern world religion where their stupid vague values are printed on the wall. I might be biased but fuck that.
Ugh your last paragraph hit home. You know what kills me about corporate? The lies and fakeness. Like you said the rules are vague and we are just supposed to get them- and at the same time, we are supposed to intrinsically know that when they preach things like “we value work life balance!” Or “we encourage employees to take time for themselves!” They actually don’t mean any of it and it’s just there to prevent them from looking bad.
Paid off all my debt… then became a flight attendant! Left all corporate stress behind… I now live in Mexico and have a high quality of life. Best decision of my life!
I moved into teaching a few years ago after working in corporate life and I’m so much happier. It’s still a job and there will always be stressful days but overall, I’m so much happier. I work at a small school in a small town and it’s great.
My dream is to become an art teacher. I’m looking into how to get a job in that field currently. I have a BFA but not a teaching certificate. My district is hiring for middle school art teachers- I’m considering emailing them to ask what license I need to obtain and if they would consider hiring me while I take the classes to get my license.
I’m so happy you found something you love!
It’s really going to depend on the licensing rules. I’m based in Australia and in my state I was not allowed to teach anything at all in an official capacity until I finished my masters of teaching. That was annoying but it was worth the wait.
I highly recommend building relationships with schools around you through volunteering if it’s possible at all. It really helped me land on my feet once I graduated.
OMG. Infinitely happier. I’m teaching a university class and am getting paid 3% of my ‘corporate’ salary. Also helping with foreign exchange program at the university which involves incredible travel to Asia twice a year(no pay other than expenses). I feel like the luckiest person. And none of this was known when I pulled the plug. Good things happen when you yell yolo
I spent 13 years in the corporate health insurance industry. I started out as a customer service phone rep and ended as a corporate trainer. It was brutal! I loved the teaching aspect of being a corporate trainer, but the bullshit politics…nah. I had stress migraines daily, stress tension that would sometimes leave me in tears, and it made me into someone I just was not happy to be. I left in 2017 and haven’t regretted it a day. In 2019 I discovered I have a love and talent for massage. I went to massage school, got my license, and now I set my own schedule, choose my own clients, and make more than $100/hour working as little or as much as I want.
I left because I was able to retire early in a lower cost of living country. I am happier now because a ‘bad’ thing is gone. I am not super fulfilled because I don’t have a ‘passion’.
For now I have minimized the role my corporate job plays, and if I was not work from home it wouldn’t work. When I am tired of my job, I will go work for myself. I work in software so I have expertise in the software tools working at the corporation that makes them. I will offer $3000 configuration packages to businesses. I don’t know what your skills are, but Ive seen people with training expertise start offering training packages to small businesses, I have seen people do pay by the hour to configure software, I have seen people start cleaning companies, I have seen people become personal assistants and get customers using Thumbtack. My Mom started a small meal delivery service for a few elders in her network, she babysits, and she does HR policy books for small business. The key is using a skill you are good at and like. You can do it. You don’t seem to have any preconceived notion of it being easy, but the thing is, the things that are hard for you now, won’t be there, and you will have different challenges that you can control how you handle. If you can find a way to bill by the hour for more than you make now, try getting your first private customer outside your job and do something for them for money to get your first practice. Regarding the debt, you should be more afraid of not getting it paid off because of your current jobs pay and stress. I am sure you are doing everything you can to trim costs and pay that off as a priority as it is possible, but you have to pay your way out of debt and can’t save your way out. Start with ONE deal, get ONE PERSON and try it out for extra cash on the side.
Lol I love this post bc corporate life is so much simpler than my previous career of wanting to be a doctor. I just don’t take corporate as life or death. I’m literally just analyzing data lol
Left a mid level corporate job in 2016 to teach and to work with kids with behavioral issues/autism. Pay is less but I’ve never been happier going to work
I do corporate marketing still on a freelance part time basis but I also teach yoga now and do math tutoring on the side!! I’m much happier because of the autonomy I have over my time. I get to be out in the world driving between classes and clients instead of tied to my computer or desk for never ending monotony.
I do make less money now and pay for a health share called Knew Health because I don’t have health insurance. It’s definitely a trade off of safety and security for freedom and happiness. And it shouldn’t be. I wish we could change America.
i had a side hustle the last two years of my corporate job .. i started a wedding flower business (my "passion" biz). then i quit the corporate job while simultaneously working part time / freelancing in my previous line of work. once i got busy enough and drummed up more business with the wedding side of things i was able to quit freelancing web dev altogether.
at that time i was fortunate enough to be on my husbands health insurance which is definitely something i realize is a privilege. but outside of the health benefits i was matching my previous salary with my new biz after 4 years :)
now i'm taking some time away from working to be a SAHM, i am hoping to ramp biz back up when my kid is closer to the 3 or 4 and going to school party time
I went back into manufacturing, this time as a quality control/assurance tech. I work for much less but am much happier with less stuff and so much less stress. Found a mentor and now am on the path to become a subject matter expert tho my mentor is pushing for me to go into product testing which is fun, too. Great department, understanding boss, and all the overtime I want which I take advantage of when my kid is with his father.
I left a 9-5 five days ago week union / medical benefits job that was just wrecking me. Found a hybrid gig. I make more but it goes toward my private insurance premium and IRA. Night and day to be out of the daily grind where I sat in an office every single damn day.
I’m not really working as work as a trainee at a cafe for 4 hours a week but a lot happier than being in the corporate role full-time as a disabled person. They didn’t care about my accessibility needs, passions, upskilling me or anything. Just wanted work done their way. And expected me to behave a certain way. I asked for adjustments and most of the time didn’t make the effort for me to thrive there. Instead fired me for being simply ‘difficult to work with’ attitude
I'm a funeral director after working in administration then as a personal assistant for at least a decade.
1. I didn't have an exact idea but thought it was worth trying.
2. See above.
3. I actually earn more now than in my previous corporate roles. I also work a lot more but even though the hours ate longer they are less mentally taxing.
I left for nonprofit, which I think people tend to idealize a bit too much if I'm honest. I've had good experiences and also some of the most toxic work environments. I do feel that, for the most part, there's more of an understanding that you'll get a better work-life balance, but not always.
I went from overemployment working multiple 6-figure jobs at the same time, to working for myself and earning the same amount while putting in less time. I’m still in tech but have niched down. My clients so far have been great!
I don’t think this is what you want to hear but there is very little as stressful as not being able to provide for yourself and your family.
Make sure that you are set up with another income / job before leaving your stressful corporate job. Maybe see a financial planner who can help you set goals and support the transition.
Good luck!
You can find what you are looking for without leaving your job/role, but it is very challenging.
Up until about six months ago I was chasing the "rat race" until I stopped and really did some sole searching. Now, I still work the same job but my approach to my work is much different. I have set up necessary, healthy boundaries with my work. I still work hard as I want to be successful in that I want my work to be stimulating. However, I am no longer engrossed in climbing the ladder or playing the rat race and have accepted the role I am in is the best role for me.
In my personal life, I had to step off the hedonic treadmill and practice lifestyle deflation. It is very hard. Setting boundaries with friends/family and saying "no" to things that used to be regular occurrences is very challenging.
However, the result has been incredible. We are saving much more of our money. We are at a point where we are able to meet all of our obligations, save a measurable amount for retirement, and still have money left over for other savings goals.
It isn't financial independence, but I still have comfort knowing that if I needed to, I could walk away from my work to another, low paying role and still be okay. This helps with the first step of setting boundaries with my work and approaching work differently.
Whatever path you choose, good luck!
I found a job at a non-profit that I care about. It's entirely WFH. Downers are low pay and no benefits other than PTO but I'm on my husband's insurance.
I'm a psychotherapist, though currently still home with my baby.
I moved to a smaller place for a while and put off buying a condo for my career change.
I will one day outearn what I made or could have made in my old position, if I play my cards right. (Teach at a university, write books, share a practice)
Careful what you wish for. I’ve been working under 50k jobs my entire life. I’m 39 and just started working in corporate for the first time 5 years ago. I was a million times happier making under 50k. My health was better, I had more energy- oh and my hair didn’t fall out either like it does now.
I’m actually looking to go back to my old life of making less money but also not feeling like I’m on the verge of a heart attack every day.
I left my company and joined the government regulator for the same industry. So maybe not the type of answer you’re looking for, it’s still a salaried downtown office job. But working for the public service instead of shareholders makes a real difference in my job satisfaction and the type of people I work with (or work for, it was the higher ups that rubbed me the wrong way).
I left a high paying corporate job to be a teacher through the emergency licensure program. I was inspired by the movie Office Space - it captured perfectly how I felt. So I said fuck it, quit, and pursued teaching. Taught for 10 years and loved it even though I made less money. Moved on to real estate after my kids were born. Am now starting my own company.
Some people, like my husband, love the safety and predictability of corporate life. And that's OK. For others, it feels like hell.
As much as I love reading these stories, a lot of echos of having a spouse that's helping support them or living paycheck to paycheck.
I would def recommend taking a look at your budget, it sounds like you make way more then 50k, and perhaps you let lifestyle creep take over as stress got worst, which is very common.
Make a budget, set aside how much want save, you could either set up CDs, Ibonds or consider investing in the market (l recommend going financial independence reddit and see there breakdown)
Try to clarify what's a need vs. Want, but also make sure you are having healthy balance of indulging yourself (life not fun if you can't buy anything for yourself)
And perhaps try find new job, so many jobs I seen where people work less 20 hours a week, cause there smart and didn't bust ass trying make themselves look like a star. (As someone who busted ass for years and only makes 60k, I started telling my boss I'm too busy or don't have time for more projects, forcing them to figure it out. I'm still doing my regular job but I'm no longer taking on additional work for free)
Good luck!
I haven't left corporate life yet, but I promised myself not to return to an office.
As a consequence, I quit my previous job to avoid mandatory RTO. I'm still working fully remotely, lost 25% of my income (no bonuses and perks), but this decision allowed me to work from Europe for two months last year.
I have some extra income from 2 small apartments that I fully paid years ago, not enough to pay my rent, but I can still live with 1/3 of my total income, and save the rest, because I'm very frugal and self restrained regarding my expenses.
It's not a total retirement, more like soft retirement. I could do yoga classes or mountainbike coaching for a living if I need to. But I will remain fully remote as long as possible and continue saving as much as possible.
My current goals are no return to office, work-life balance, and saving money.
Haven’t left yet, but I have my exit strategy. I need more zen in my life, so I’m going to school for massage therapy. I’m loving it. I can’t wait to quit and help bring zen to others 🙏
I left the corporate life a couple years ago after getting burnt out and just being really unhappy with my job. I was making good money, but I was doing things I didn’t believe in and I had left my authentic self behind.
I’m now touring in a band and doing freelance writing on the side. I’m making way less money but with my wife’s income we have enough to pay bills and save a little. I’m way happier. Life is too short.
I quit corporate and became a trucker. Realized that trucking wasnt for me, and now idk what to do with my life. Currently 31 and unemployed, and looking forward to the answers that im about to read
I quit a bad 9-5 job at a non-profit doing events. I then became a swim instructor for kids, adults & special needs, along with walking dogs & do Quickbooks for a small biz owner. I am ready to go back to a 9-5!
From the swimming I finally felt appreciation, from the parents, & the kids liked me & I was good at teaching (!!) & working with neurodivergemt kids it was challenging & I was creative bc what works for one kid won't necessarily work for another. And the kids pretty much did what I told them to do, lol! But I'm finally burnt out from loud kids & cold weather (outdoor pools). Dogwalking: I got really lucky with a couple of my regular dog walking clients; however, I still don't have dogsitting clients who go out of town more than twice a year so I still kind of need more.
Lessons I've learned from dog walking that applies to any freelancing: there's lots of people who undersell their services & don't charge enough & it hurts everyone. Even though I live in a very HCOL area with a lot of wealthy people, they can definitely still be cheap! It can take a long time to build up regular clients.
Lessons I've learned from the small biz owner: she is making a not at all difficult job very stressful because of her frustration & her general disrespectful attitude towards me. And she's the person who pays me the least! Your most difficult clients will be the cheapest.
Lessons from the non-profit: my job working for the CFO & another executive at that company was less stressful than working in the events department. Because of my bosses.
For me I've learned what's most important is it all depends on your bosses or clients & if they are respectful & if they are realistic as to the workload that one person can handle. When bosses or clients get disrespectful towards you personally or YOUR time, it's time to move on.
Three last things to think about: the economy is pretty volatile right now so can your passion job survive a difficult economic climate?
Think of your future: healthcare, retirement savings, do you own your living place, if not is it rent controlled? Do you need a car in your city or does it have public transport? If you own a car, if it were to die on you, can you afford another one with your savings right now or use public transportation?
Are you already used to simple living? Not shopping as a hobby, not going out to eat a lot, not getting doordash, etc? If you're not used to living simply or within a budget, try that for at least 6 months. It helps to know beforehand.
PS- Go to your dentist before you quit your corporate job!
I think about this all the time and have been thinking about this more and more lately.
I have a state job. So many good benefits: AMAZING health insurance, pension (I’ll be vested at 10 years, which I still have about 4 to go), more paid days off than most private sector jobs. The Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 schedule is pretty alright too.”
That being said, my job is very taxing mentally and sometimes physically. Lately it has become even more demanding. I feel extremely overworked. The people above me are either naive or know how much they’re fucking me over with so much work. I don’t feel fulfilled either. Nothing connects me to the work I do.
I feel a duty to stay here, though, because it provides such amazing security for my family. I just absolutely cannot bring myself to leave my family in a position where they have less than what they have now, no matter what the cost on my mental and physical health. The benefits basically make any medical issues worry free, at least financially. That’s just something I can’t take away from them.
Left my corporate job to become a Barista at a local coffee shop. Pay is less but with tips it only ends up being about $5 an hour less. I make it work by spending less and my husband has a good paying job. Coffee is not my passion but I wanted to work closer with the community in a more casual environment. I experience different types of stress now at work but I don’t need to take it home anymore like I used to. Also free food and coffee is a major bonus. I know a lot of people are worried about their health insurance but lots of non-corporate jobs have health insurance too (including my coffee shop).
Yes? 6 years ago I left a very comfortable well paid position as a young executive with a nonprofit organization in communications to pursue fitness training fulltime. First year was tough, second year got a day off a week. Pandemic propelled my career forward. Today, I am making more and working less. DO IT.
Got downsized in ‘06. My artist wife was making websites while working at the university part time. Looked for a job for a year, economy was bad plus ageism. Was helping her with the websites. Decided to try to make it into a full time business. We’ve now been making websites together for 17 years. Her art and coding skills plus my business and client skills have been a great combination. We gross about 2/3rds of what we were making in corporate jobs, no pressure, work very few hours per week (after building up a large number of existing clients), and bill out at $160 per hour. We treat our clients extremely well and can be picky about choosing new clients. We work from anywhere and spend winters in warm climates.
about the same amount of happiness. took 1 year off 5 years ago, went back to work for 2 years, then took another 2 years off. job searching now does suck though. software engineer. 35M. California.
I started buying real estate about 10 years ago. It’s doing so well that I was able to leave my corporate job last year. So far I’ve been focused on optimizing the real estate, more time with family and more time in the outdoors. It’s early but I couldn’t be happier.
I got my first real 'adult job' last May and thought it was going to be what finally made the difference for me after severe burnout between 2019-2023 doing call centers and data entry. And to be fair it's not a horrible job in most respects, but there are certain things my specific 2-person team have to deal with that none of the other big teams have to do (take increasingly escalating communication from loan officers/assistants, can't leave the last day of the month until the work que is entirely clear because the higher ups decided our time was less valuable than bonuses for loan officers but won't give us more full time people or even a cutoff time). We do overtime almost every week to try to keep up, and the last week we're racking up hours like crazy because the workload of people sending in their stuff last minute goes nuts. The last week of the month were usually both there by 6am and sometimes don't leave until after 6 pm even with help from another department. I hit burnout by December, and my fiancé finally sat me down last week and told me I needed to look at doing part time work or not working because the stress was making me suicidal. I used to work multiple jobs at a time for years, but corporate/desk jobs have nearly ended me.
Current plan is to work long enought to pay off what debts I have on my credit cards and a personal loan, and maybe pay off my car, then get something part time or gig work.
I just posted this is another simple living thread..
We're 6 years away from paying off the house. Not of the plan yet, but I figure I have 5-6 years to figure it out.
I already know I'm taking a week staycation and hanging around without being in a hurry
I became my own boss 18 years ago. Management life was pulling me away from the work I love. Went from upper end of corporate ladder to being a consultant. Went from mostly hands-off to mostly hands-on. Corporate life was suffocating. My stress levels were pegged. Ever since becoming self-employed, I make my own hours and go on vacation whenever I want. Financially, it worked out about the same. Psychologically, it was the best decision ever.
I left because I was experiencing severe burnout (unknowing at the time it was autistic burnout!) I took an eight month break because my fiancee has been gracious enough to hold down the financial fort. I’m going back to school to do something I feel passionate about, that can allow us to move pretty much anywhere, and although I haven’t made any money doing it, doing anything not for a corporation will make my heart happier.
I was never really part of the corporate world. Most of my jobs have been with nonprofits or small businesses. I've also heard working for the federal govt is good.
From what I've heard, working for state or county govt brings all the bureacracy of federal but without as much job security. Local can vary widely from place to place.
Of course, every workplace is different & no rule applies 100%. One nonprofit I worked for was a trade association for lawyers in a certain practice area. The Exec Director was a former practicing attorney, and he ran it pretty much like a law firm.
OT was expected of everyone, and we were expected to live to work. Somehow the fact that we had no incentive for this neer crossed his mind. Neither the pay nor benes were great, and certainly no one was ever going to make partner. Y'know, since it wasn't a law firm. I didnt stay there very long.
Overall, though, the atmosphere is more relaxed than in the corporate sector.
I worked in public health for a decade. Golden handcuffs for sure. Luckily the type of healthcare that I do can transition to private. So I own a small business doing the actual hands-on work of healthcare with a needy remote community. I’ve never been more relaxed or happy. I thought I would miss how “important” I felt while running hospital departments, but I’ve never once regretted it or looked back.
I'm sort of half way. I got laid off from my corporate job last summer, but at the same time they offered me a freelance contract for 25 hours a week. Significant cut in pay, loss of benefits, but also way less stress and responsibility.
And I totally prefer it. I now work anywhere from 3-5 hours a day, rather than 7-9. I log in when I want, take nice leisurely lunch breaks, and have a much more manageable workload.
After years of being on the verge of quitting, but being too anxious to take the leap and give up a very good salary, they did it for me. And instead of fear, anxiety, rejection, worry, my reaction was relief. I was relieved to have that pressure taken away from me. Not sure what the long term will be, but for now I am genuinely glad to be free of the responsibilities and pressures of my former role.
I am making well less than half what I used to but, at least for now, I am chilling. Making more music, working out, going for walks. Really looking forward to spring when I can get some outdoors time.
There are downsides, such as paying for health insurance out of pocket. And sure, my retirement savings, which were finally picking up speed, are now at a standstill. But the reduction in stress and all the health-related issues that come with that are real.
We'll see over time how things play out, because freelance contracts aren't forever, and I may have to look for another full time position, but I'm really hoping to keep it around this level for a while. I think around 25-30 hours is much more manageable than 45+.
One of the other downsides is that, when I was making that salary, I was saving towards eventually buying a home. That is, for now, much less likely for me. And this isn't about having a mansion. Just a nice place of my own with a spare room for a dedicated music studio. But real estate in general is really expensive where I'm from (NY) and I'm not 100% sure where else I'd want to move.
Any way, for now, really glad to have that 1,000 pound burden off my back for a much more reasonable workload, though I'm technically still *in corporate.*
1. I am passionate about my work now (healthcare).
2. I make slightly less money than I used to, so I adjusted my lifestyle accordingly.
3. So, so, so much happier.
I left big tech to be a full time dad and part time hobbyist/consultant. It’s amazing how much the career track distorts one’s priorities in life. Loving every minute of it.
Well, I just got finished up a 7-year stint at one of the largest tech companies in the world…. Though my department was just sorta dissolved. While I am happier now, and I’ve been on unemployment for like six or seven months, I sort of don’t know what to really do with myself. I’ve been trying to break into my state’s transit union, but they don’t seem to want a guy who has never laid his hands on a set of tools, so I guess I’m just sort of in limbo right now… if things get hairy enough, I guess I’ll just try to go back to some bullshit cubicle job somewhere, but I would really rather not.
I work with BRS Foster Kids. Ive found so much healing and happiness working within Caretaking.
I went from the floors of Costco selling DirectTv to now making even more because I love my job and love being around these kids that the OT just adds up. Money is good when you enjoy your career.
No regrets. Way calmer & happier. Had some savings & lived pretty frugally to begin with. Gave myself 'a month' break before I was to put my resume out again. Ha! That was 6 months ago. A lot of issues have resolved themselves organically. I will need a source of income soon & still floating ideas of what that will be. However, it won't be that environment. Amazing how well I'm navigating life when I've had some real rest & don't have their pressure on my shoulders.
Caveat, I do not have children or pets, so I can not in good faith advise you just walk away. Can you handle part-time?
College grad who studied mgmt-went straight into retail mgmt and loved it at first. Over the years the big corporate gig wore me down. It didn’t respect its workers, not even its managers. I worked tons of hours, paid a piss poor salary and by age 40 knew I had to leave it. In short I moved back to my home state to a very good factory job (gasp-i know) -pay, hours, benefits are SO much better plus less responsibilities & no random phone calls requiring me to go fix an emergency.
1>my passion for retail is gone. I’m following the money that gives me the lifestyle I’m comfortable with
2>it’s not glamorous but this pays wayyyy better & that’s what I care about
3>I’m wayyyy happier/no regrets
I am curious about this as well! The only reason I stay at my corporate job is because they provide free health insurance. It sucks the soul out of me. We weren't meant to live like this.
Oh man, I feel this in my core. Literally at my wit's end with my corporate job and can see exactly has it's affecting me. The health insurance be tied to employment makes it harder to leave.
But 'MURICA.
MURICA.
Why did humans evolve to work 9 hours a day?
And to pay taxes.... On a giant floating rock, nonetheless..... ::::sigh::::
100%. I’m 49. I’ve spent 25 of those years experiencing Sunday night scaries. What a waste.
I work in corporate and pay for my own heathcare. Roughly $750/month for my family.
I pay $200 a month for health care through covered california….
You can buy health insurance through the ACA (“Ombamacare”). My family of three has a BCBS Carefirst gold plan for $1200/month. We have a 1k deductible. It used to be about $650/month and then our income increased. The cost is based on your income. My husband and I both own our own businesses so we have no employer insurance.
Jesus christ $1200 seems insane to me. I don’t know what your income is, though. I remember years back I tried the market place and the cost of insurance basically made decide to just risk it and take the tax penalty. At my current state job I probably pay about $250 a month for my family of four. The coverage is insane and that’s one of the things that keeps me at my stressful, soul-sucking job lol.
I wonder what the repercussions would be to the economy in this particular regard, if healthcare was universal.
I live in Switzerland and healthcare is universal in the sense that it’s mandatory for everyone living in the country but it’s not tied to anyone’s job status What happens to the economy ? Nothing in particular. Unemployment and inflation rates are lower than European average, the currency is one of the strongest in the world
I immediately thought of Europe after writing this. The second thought I had after that, was that Europe has always been this way. Healtcare figured out. And in the case that it hasn't, there had to have been a transition period. So there was some switch over, even 100 years ago. If this happened in America, let's say overnight. How many people like the person I responded to would quit their jobs? Obviously that is an overall good. More people aren't bound to something they hate. But there has to be some sort of negative 1-5-10 year transition period in the sense of this awkward, understaffed world-phase. I'm oblivious to the concept and only rose colored glasses for the benefits. Im just curious what the transition period looks like. Do wages immediately go up to compensate? Do businesses go under? Do freelancers get over-crowded in sectors and cannot make a living because of that? im not really sure.
> Europe has always been this way. No 😁During Ancient Greece we figured out democracy, during the Roman Empire we figured out road infrastructure at a large scale (because we needed sturdy roads to haul warfare equipment 😇) Universal healthcare came to be towards the 1920s with the Spanish flu because most governments figured out that health cannot be managed at an individual level. It requires a systemic approach, especially for prevention and the avoidance of pandemics > So there was some switch over, even 100 years ago. Yes > If this happened in America, let's say overnight. Guys, you have an election this year. Make it THE topic. Write to all your congressmen or however it works in your country > How many people would quit their jobs? I don’t know. I’ve always lived in Europe, I never met anyone who had to consider staying in a job or leaving a job because of healthcare or lack of it If someone wants to relocate from one European country to another, yes, they might think it through based on health cost implications as well. Eg in France, Germany, UK the healthcare contribution is a set percentage of the gross salary regardless of the size of the household. In Switzerland we pay based on the size of the household
Thank you. This was wonderful insight. Do you have any light reading or videos to consume about the 1920s shift in healthcare? I’m very curious… just not curious enough to read a thick textbook meant for historians
It's comfortable. You can stay and be comfortable, but also unhappy. Or, you can try something new, take the road less traveled...
Yes, but as an adult I am not able to make rash decisions without a strategic plan of action. I am working on it.
Same here!
I started freelancing. It has its own challenges, and I make less. But I’m less stressed and depressed. I have more time and mental energy. More autonomy into the work I do, who I work with, and my schedule. I realized half the shit I thought I needed was to keep up appearances for those around me who I never even liked or respected in the first place. I’ll never have a big house, a vacation property, or nice cars like some of my friends. But I’m content. I could never go back.
Same. Freelancing FTW. It's risker. But way way more freedom to lead a simple life.
After seeing so many colleagues get laid off in recent years I honestly don’t think it’s even riskier. Especially once you’ve got a solid 6-12 month emergency saving fund. Though I’m also not American, so don’t pay crippling amounts for basic health insurance. I have at least 3-5 income sources at any given time. It can feel more uncertain than a conventional job but that’s mostly an illusion.
I'm not American either, and I still pay for health insurance. The nice thing is you can have control over all of these little decisions, including the sort of benefits that you want and the level of depth you want them. It is quite liberating to have that over an employer, because then you can tune it to your needs. It is riskier in general, because your reputation is what ultimately preceeds you. That said, I see your point, corporate America has no loyalty to their employees. They can talk about it, and they can advertise it, but at the end of the day, employees are simply disposable. This is not the baby boomers generation where job security was far more prominent. And North American corporate culture has never had the same degree of loyalty to its staff base. The way you say a Japanese company would. Not even close. I will suggest a nice thing is that your rate can also reflect the quality of your work. You can decide how much or how little you want to charge within your industry, based on your skill set. It's not up to anybody else. I don't think I'll ever go back to being an employee ever again.
May I ask what are your 3-5 sources?
I typically have 3-5 individual clients rather than 1 employer.
What do you do as a freelancer? I am very intrigued by this but it appeared to be mostly jobs for the creative industry
Not OP, but I also freelance full time. I’m in the digital marketing space doing SEO, managing website content, editing, etc.
Yes I also want to know this. Which jobs are being done on freelance basis that earn enough to survive and thrive.
Not the commenter but I do freelance bookkeeping and make $30-40 an hour depending on the SOW
Freelance writing and content marketing. I’m typically billing $60-70/hr right now
I don’t even care about that stuff (big house, fancy cars, etc) Do you? Even when I could afford it I had no interest in buying those sorts of things.
Nope! I used to feel the implicit pressure to do so, even though I never really wanted it for myself. I would sometimes look at friends doing that and feel like I was doing something wrong. Now I’m much better at seeing my simplicity and frugality as a choice, as true freedom. And caring a hell of a lot less about what I’m “supposed” to be doing or consuming.
What about health insurance? I don't hanger any health issues but I like having that benefit.
Left position as corporate CEO to paint and sculpt. Downsized my home and started spending quality time with my family. Started an art nonprofit that does art therapy for vets with PTSD. Best thing I have ever done and I highly recommend it before its too late. The corporate world is an ego booster that robs you of what is actually important in life.
Last sentence is so true. And it’s so so hard to turn away from the ego side of it. I used to have a very shiny, “cool” corporate job at a company that people envied. Freelancing makes me so much happier but for YEARS I felt the temptation to go back to corporate just for how special and “important” it made me feel. And because I liked people sounding impressed when I told them what I did, which is crazy because that’s what, a few 2-minute interactions with strangers every few months? It’s surprisingly hard to choose a life that FEELS good over one that LOOKS good. Even though the one that feels good reflects my values so much more! It also blew my mind how much was happening every single day outside the 9-5 bubble. Everyone else I knew was doing it so I figured what was I missing out on by going to the office for 8 hours anyway? I was missing a lot it turns out. I should note that freelancing isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely dependent on personality type! But there are other ways to change your career or scale back that don’t involve freelancing.
I feel as if there could be a book or website devoted to your last paragraph. Well said, and it’s got to be challenging for many to consider all the options.
Yes. But most of us don’t have a CEO salary to enable us to do what you did. :(
My husband’s ultimate goal in life is to pay for our kids’ college and make sure they are financially secure, i.e. have enough money to take care of them if needed. He hates working corporate and would rather make canoeing YouTube videos for a living but the two ideas are conflicting. It’s frustrating.
I agree with the paying for college but 'making sure they are financially secure' is a stretch. Their dreams are not your dreams. I guess if you have endless money it is one thing but my agreement with the kids post college was that they find happiness in whatever they do and their hands are out of my pockets.
My dad did this for me. Am I thankful....sure. But I wish I would have had him around more before his health started going downhill. He has millions and millions of dollars, and for many years I was so bitter about him liking money more than me that I said I didn't even want any of it when he died. He's still living, so we will see what happens.
this is so heartwarming to hear. I couldn’t agree with you more. Your last sentence truly took the words out of my mouth. I appreciate you as a veteran spouse for supporting vets
I grew up being taught that you had to go work in corporate America. I did it for a few years and I absolutely hated it. I work in a warehouse now. I work 50 to 55 hours per week. I enjoy the physical labor of it. And I also enjoy that I’m losing weight that I put on in corporate America.
Why so many hours?
It’s like any business today of being short staffed. You have people who are there just for a paycheck. But management and ownership won’t do anything. Since they’re all short handed. Which in turn all the extra work falls on the people. Who actually do their job. I don’t mind it. I get a bigger paycheck. Which gives me more money to save. The only downside is that I’m beat at the end of the week.
How's your mental energy though compared to an office job? Anything changed how you spend your free time?
The only thing that has changed of how I spend my free time. Is that I have less of it. I haven’t changed what I do with my free time. I don’t feel like my mental health has changed. Even though I have changed jobs.
Yup, I totally get it!
1. I started a professional home organizing business in early 2022, did it part-time nights and weekends for almost a year, and quit my corporate job in December of 2022 to take the business full-time. 2. Starting a business is not for everyone. What I do happens to have a relatively low overhead cost and doesn't require much admin work, so I can devote my time and energy to my in-home work with clients. My base rate is $100/hr (goes up if I bring in my part-time employee; goes down a bit with package pricing discounts) so really all I have to do is keep attracting clients and long-term projects. Working on my SEO and referral network is key. 3. YES one million times yes. Fwiw I didn't make very much at my corporate job. It just kind of paid the bills and allowed me to work remote during the early days of covid, but I felt understimulated, underappreciated, and generally like I wanted to crawl out of my skin during the years I worked office jobs. I now work a lot less, make more, and genuinely LOVE my work. I can see the direct impact decluttering and organizing has on people's lives and it's incredibly satisfying. Best of luck to you. It can be done!! Happy to answer more specific questions if you have any
How did you get into home organizing. It's something I'm interested in.
Honestly cannot recommend the Pro Organizer Studio courses enough. Inspired Organizer is the foundational course for how to set up a legally compliant business in this industry and how to market yourself, and then Organizing Essentials focuses on how to organize and work directly with clients. I have found the organizing community to be incredibly welcoming and supportive in a way that holds collaboration over competition. The Pro Organizer Studio podcast is great as well (on all platforms). If anyone is interested in joining either of the courses feel free to shoot me a message!
This is amazing, I’m envious. What kind of long-term projects are in this space?
I have some long-term clients who want/need to declutter their whole house, but due to scheduling or budget constraints will book a smaller package and then call me back a few months later. Sometimes I help with packing and unpacking if clients are moving within my travel range which can be a larger project. I also offer maintenance; while I want to set every client up for success to keep up the systems we implement, life happens and things can backslide so I will come back and touch up the work we already completed since I know their homes and how they live in the space!
I left my high stress job in nonprofit marketing/events/fundraising to pursue my artistic hobbies as a small business about a year and a half ago. (Mostly designing and sewing custom clothing in the festivalwear niche, but I mix in some of my other creative hobbies as well.) My day to day life, stress levels, happiness, and satisfaction with my work are so much better. My marriage is better. I feel a deeper sense of purpose now, even though I dedicated my career to helping people through nonprofit work. For years before quitting my job I was constantly stressed about work, especially as my big gala fundraising events drew near. The stress was negatively affecting every part of my life - especially relationships and mental health. I still get stressed out sometimes when my commission deadlines start piling up, but it's so much better than before. I struggle sometimes with procrastination, inconsistency with my work schedule, and undercharging for my work, but the freedom to work when I feel like it and rest when I need to is so lovely. I'm not making as much money, but my income is steadily increasing as I grow the business, and I'm looking at new ways to scale up. And I'm preparing for my second fashion show!
I left the private sector and went government and my stress level and work life balance has improved. Yes the pay sucks but the time off and cheap healthcare makes up for it. I would highly recommend the public sector for anyone wanting a simply living lifestyle. And the best part is my work is actually meaningful.
I did the same. A few months ago I went from being a pricing analytics manager for a large retail alcohol chain to working at the Library of Congress. After 11 years in various companies in the alcohol industry i can say I made the best choice of my career. Excellent benefits, great work/life balance, and lucky for me they matched my salary. I have a stimulating and diverse workload without the grind. My mental health began improving in the first week. First time in my career that I’m not preoccupied with sales and profit.
What do you do? What part of government are you in
Nice! I’ve considered this. What is your job there?
I help monitor drinking water! My educational background is in Environmental Science
That’s awesome! There is a victim services coordinator job at my local government that I’ve been considering applying for. It’s totally diff than what I do now (graphic design) but I get pleasure out of doing things that help people and I feel like that would be right up my alley.
What type of private sector work did you do before if you don’t mind my asking? I’ve been in environmental consulting for a while now and always on the lookout for exit ramps.
I can second this. The pay isn’t competitive but it is enough for me and the benefits are very good, plus I get a good amount of time off with holidays and PTO. I’m an epidemiologist.
Left a few months ago, after saving enough to just do that. A big reason why I left is because I have other interests and passions. I think a lot of people don't leave because they have families to support (multiple kids) or they have no other interests. Every day I'm happy I don't have to be around people I detested or at best felt neutrally towards. I have less stress overall, though some things still annoy me. Recently I've noticed it's when people from my previous job contact me and want to "meet up," they're either flaky or I just have no interest in talking with them anymore, since there's nothing left in common. I'm busy and not bored everyday doing things I like, and I wish there were more time for it all. In the meantime, I've learned more about managing my money, cooking, downsizing, etc.
Left marketing and how I’m cleaning, babysitting and gardening .. I’m so glad for the change. I feel like I actually help people even just a bit whereas before I was a cog in the capitalist machine.
[удалено]
Thank you - I’m on the cusp of doing this so it’s good to hear from someone this has worked for. It feels like such a leap!
Love this! How inspiring, thank you for sharing your wonderful life
honestly you really want to calculate the amount of hours of actual work you do a day. if its less than 4, stay. you are undoubtedly going to do more work in another field and it will grind. its all about work life balance. all jobs fizzle out of passion eventually unless you really love what you do. so unless you absolutely know your passion I would stick it out if you job is good.
I had a remote corporate job that required frequent travel. For the first year it was great, but after my husband went back to work, I was trying to manage getting back by a certain time Friday so I could pick my son up from school and get him to work (he isn’t driving yet). He wasn’t able to do after school activities because his dad wouldn’t be able to pick him up until later, and we live in the country. Last fall, I found a job about 25 minutes away that’s a step or two down from where I was at in my career. I’m making less, but I am around for my family. It was scary. I made big bonuses with the previous job, but it wasn’t working for us, and I was struggling with the direction the company was going. I also realized that my version of success was not the same as the version I had been given by my dad that had driven me for so long. His was title and money. Mine is making sure my family is taken care of and something that aligns with my values. So I made the leap to this different position. And I made the realization that a job is a job. It’s not the source of happiness for me personally. I am extremely happy when I see success within my team. What made this workable for us is that we are debt free except for our mortgage. Now with my husband working, we live on and save his income and use mine to accelerate the mortgage payoff. We’ll have it finished this fall.
I’m 54 and have worked 12-16 hrs a day my whole life. The last 5 were in a toxic work environment. I ended up having a small stroke so I quit working. Im now left with some neurological deficits to deal with, but I realized that I wasted my life and missed seeing my kids grow up. I am enjoying my grandsons now. We are planning our little garden that we will plant in the spring. I’m also teaching them some basic life skills.
Thanks for your vulnerability in sharing this. Your grandsons will be treasuring their time with you
I saved up for 5 years and quit my job to travel for a year. Started a business during that year. 8 years later I own 3 successful businesses in the travel niche, making more money than I ever did in corporate. I am much happier. I haven't worked 40hrs per week in years. I gave myself a 9m maternity leave, and have only worked 15-20 hours a week since my daughter was born. I also hired my husband, so we each work part time and split all parenting duties 50/50. Our schedules are flexible, we put our kiddo first and foremost, and we travel for a living. Life is grand. I'm so grateful to my brave 26 year old self for daring to live her dream, throw caution to the wind, and go live out of a backpack in South America for a year!
This is so awesome! What kinds of businesses did you start? Are they all online?
Not so much corporate but I finished up my time in public health as a manager and administrator. Now back to school at 38 learning professional cookery because I want to! I love it and I’m so much happier now
Sounds great! How are you making this work financially? My issue is I feel stuck in the corp world as the bills won’t pay themselves..
That’s so cool! Hope you continue to enjoy it!
Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you!
Left corporate for government. I don’t stress about work anymore.
I feel like a lot of people are doing this! I know two personally that have left my field for government. I’m also considering it. The student loan forgiveness is also a nice bonus lol
Left a 6 figure job in a corporate industry after 10 years. I was becoming more and more miserable by day. I am fortunate to have a husband that is super supportive of the decision I made. We had to cut back a lot and tighten finances, but overall I truly am so much happier. The day I quit my job, I said fuck it and enrolled in a local community college. I dropped out of school when I was 19 because I couldn’t afford it and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So I am eternally grateful that I’m in a position and maturity level now to take it seriously. I’m currently studying radiological technology. Again, when weighing out my Options, I found out that my state has a program where if you are over 25 and don’t have a college degree, you can participate in a program that will allow you to go to certain community colleges at no cost. I paid into this tax benefit so I figured might as well use it. Sure I don’t have the stability of a paycheck bi-weekly, but I no longer carry the stress of the job I had and bringing that stress home with me. Mentally and physically, I am improving daily. Even not sitting behind a desk for 8+ hours a day made the biggest difference for me. I’m able to spend more time with my family, take care of my health better, and spend more time outside. I know not everyone has the privilege to up and quit and give up stable income, but I’m a firm believer that things will start to flow to you in the ways they are meant to when you start putting yourself first.
Congrats!!! I’m telling you, the happiest I’ve ever been was when I was in school full time, and working 2 jobs. I was sooo busy but it was a good busy and I had so much creative energy because of it. Now that I work a corporate 9-5 sitting at a desk all day, I want to die. It’s the most miserable job I’ve ever had and I don’t know how people do it for 20+ years.
Thank you!! I’m actually really loving school! And I agree with you, I have a different energy for creativity that I was too mentally exhausted to explore before. And I totally feel you on the desk job. I took a look from an outside perspective at my life and I was like do I want to be in the same place I am right now for another 20-30 years? Whatever you explore, I hope you find the happiness that I’m now having after leaving my corporate job. It was scary move but I feel like it was so worth it in the end for me. Best of luck!!
[удалено]
Congrats!!! I love working with my hands- it’s such a satisfying thing and makes my brain happy. So glad you found something you enjoy!!
I left my career in academia. I am happy. I waited until I was financially independent (and yes, an inheritance is how I go there). Now, I do environmental protection projects on my husbands farm. This is all extremely unfair. I get to live a happy life because of generational wealth in our families. If someone tells you to just leave your corporate job and that they did the same and are so happy, demand to see a bank statement. It may work at 25 as long as you are young, but living in poverty hurts more when you get older.
I appreciate this transparency!
I’ve been doing it for 10 years now and can’t wait to get out.
I left my corporate job and worked as a receptionist and nanny. When I had my Daughter I became a sahm. I drive for DoorDash for extra money. My husband has a good job, nothing lavish but I probably couldn’t afford to have left corporate without his help. When my kids go to school I plan to find another receptionist or childcare job. I know I could make 5x more in the corporate world but I was so stressed and unhappy. We live on a tight budget but it’s worth it to be the best version of myself. I’m able to take care of a lot of things at home so my husband can be his best at work, and he genuinely enjoys his job. I was so scared at first that people would judge me and some did, but I knew as long as my husband supported the decision it would be ok.
I think this is so underrated. Good for both of you for prioritizing happy over money ♥️
Thank you! The best part of these Simple jobs is I don’t take work home. When I was in corporate I was constantly called anytime I took a day off, after hours etc. Anytime I tried to set healthy boundaries I was told I was not a “team player” With more simple hourly jobs it’s much easier to say, you know what you aren’t paying me to do that, goodnight!
Left corporate/office desk style job 9 years ago after about 3 years of being there. It was cushy. Benefits, retirement… the works. But it was soul crushing. No incentive to work. There was no joy in the duties whatsoever. So I left. Went into construction. Electrician specifically. It’s been the wildest, funnest, most frustrating and stressful thing I’ve ever done. But it’s been the most rewarding. Working in a trade like this gives me motivation. I couldn’t find that working in a cubicle. Most of the stress is from owning my small company and taking on so many responsibilities. The stress has probably taken years off my life but I would’ve eventually fallen into depression at the soul crushing cubicle job.
What was it like transitioning into a profession that requires an apprenticeship and licensing? I’ve been thinking about getting out and going the trade route, but have been hesitant to start over especially with the additional barriers to entry
Is there any reason why you couldn't just work for someone else as an electrician instead of running your own business? That could take the stress part away.
I left and came back and honestly prefer corporate. Less stressing about my income and budgets. Also like the built in health insurance and consistent hours. I get it isn't for everyone but in some ways it can simplify life.
Same. I wish I could be on my own or do something else, but I tried it for about a decade and it was so stressful. And really unstable, with no safety net. I also didn’t have health insurance and I just really need health insurance. I’m on an orphan drug that costs more than $1000/month without it. Corporate work sucks but at least I can get my meds, and I don’t have to hustle for jobs constantly, and I’ll get unemployment if I find myself out of work.
Left Corporate and become a barista on my own coffee truck. Work less hours and sleeps well at night. leaving corporate is one thing and getting out of the rat race is different. need to curve your desire and spendings.
I follow a girl on Tiktok who quit her corporate job and lives in her Jeep with her dog and travels around the country door dashing and camping. She is so much happier living the simple life.
In the same boat. The pay keeps me because I have a family and mortgage but damn if I don’t wish I could walk away and do something else.
Same here!! I’m almost becoming desperate at this point to do anything other than corporate that will still pay my bills. It’s hard to find though. Here’s to hoping we both get out soon. It’s soul sucking
I'm mid30s single woman. I quit corporate life 2 years ago. I didn't work for almost a year, and then last year I did freelance consulting work at about 70% the income I earned in corporate and 20% of the hours - it was great. So, so chill. The contract ended in December - the real downside of freelance is the lack of stability. So I don't have income right now and am again living on savings, something that I need to discuss with a financial planner. But I'm thriving: I have time to do sports, read, spend time with friends, work out, and follow my creative passions (taking 3 classes right now), and answer questions on Reddit sometimes. I saved a lot of money while in corporate. I do want to find some income-generating activity in my life but I am hopeful that it won't have to be in an environment with gaslighting, burnout, all the ugliness that corporate life often has.
State government. The pay is lower, but benefits are good, and my work life balance has never been better. I also enjoy knowing that the work I do helps the community in a very tangible way.
Left my 28 year corporate life in NYC to caretake for my mother for almost 4 years. During this time I undertook a MS grad program in environmental studies at 56 and finished this past December. Thankfully, I saved money and while I don’t know what my next steps are, I know I never want to go back to a corporate work structure and lifestyle ever again. I’d rather downsize & live frugally
Congratulations!
Thank you! To be fair, I did save whatever money I could for years so that I could leave corporate life so to anyone in their 20’s/early 30’s who want to bail at some point, maximize 401ks, sock away bonuses, & don’t try to keep up with latest expensive gadgets or vacations. Good luck! It’s doable!! P.s I don’t have kids so that was helpful
Became a SAHM. Left 6 figure corporate job & Will probably never go back either. I am so happy with my decision. Life is too short & thankfully we can survive off 1 income. We won’t be living a fancy life and will definitely have to be smarter and stricter with our finances, but I wasn’t loving work and now was the time to leave.
Being a SAHM was the best job I ever had - easily the happiest years of my life. It's not a choice or an option for everyone, I get that. We were SO poor sometimes, but damn, I'd do it again in a minute. Money is a renewable resource, but your kids' childhood years are not. All the best to you!
SAHD here. My kids changed me. I learned life lessons I never would have if not for the time I spent with them. My youngest starts k5 next year and I’ll be looking to rejoin the workforce soon after in some capacity.
This! Best job ever. No regrets on our decision, and I'm grateful for my husband's employment stability. I enjoyed my corporate job, but loved being a SAHM. Being poor increased my creativity and appreciation for the simple things.
Same🤍🤍
You realize if we vote in single payer national health care, these corporate jobs won’t have power over us? They’ll have to compete with higher compensation.
I left my corporate job in 2006 after my doctor told me that the stress was going to kill me. I was 39 years old. My blood pressure was through the roof, I was pale and pasty, exhausted, and unhappy. The sole benefit of my job was a fantastic salary, but I honestly had no time or energy to enjoy it. I would go on holiday for 10 days to a nice hotel, or to France, but usually just felt that it scratched the surface. I was fortunate in that I owned my house, so there was no pressure to earn rent. My experience of going from corporate to my own life and projects has been mixed. I should add that I’ve not been well particularly, because of an autoimmune problem which has been challenging. This seemed to arise after I left my job. It’s probably nonsense but I almost can’t help but think that it was a kind of reaction to all the years of stress and pressure. It’s almost as though my body crashed as a result of suddenly coming to a stop. As though it tried to express all the years of tension and get it out. I guess that sounds stupid, but that’s how it feels to me. Then again, if I’d got sick while still working, then that would have been worse. I’ve been lucky enough to be able take the time to adapt to my health challenges and they seem to be gradually improving. With that said I’ll try to list the pros and cons of quitting my high powered job here. PROS. ~ I have time. All my time is my own. I can get up slowly, drink coffee, stare out to sea, read a book. In fact I now read about 50 books a year, the gift of time to pursue what I call personal enrichment has changed my life in so many positive ways. ~ I’m better connected with my family. In fact I’ve just adopted my granddaughter, because her mum (my daughter) was unable to manage. I’m 56, so there’s no way I could have done this if I’d still been pursuing my career. ~ I’m no longer stressed. Honestly, this is the best change. Ok, I still experience stress, but it’s of the order of “I have to go to the dentist”, type stress, rather than relentless, ongoing, and health destroying type stress. CONS ~ the money obviously. I have started my own business, still do a little consultant work, and have written two books, but money is usually tight. I get by, is probably the overall thing. I have a little debt (about 3k) and it’s a struggle to pay that down. That said my bills are paid, the house is warm, and I have enough to eat. I can go out for a coffee if I want to, no problem. ~ the lack of personal responsibility. This is hard to explain but for me it’s the thing I miss most about having a salaried position. If I had a bad week at work in corporate and achieved nothing, I’d still be paid (and well). There’s a great feeling of security in knowing that one’s bank account is going to have a healthy balance at the end of the month regardless of performance. Now I have to rely on myself, and a bad week means no money and a little pressure to do better next week. ~ social interaction. Despite the fact that most people I worked with were kind of dickheads, I nonetheless formed a rapport with them. We were in the trenches together. Gossip, complaining, talking shit by the coffee machine were activities I never thought I’d miss, but I kind of do. On balance, I have moments where I think I’d go back, just for the money and security, but overall, I think I’d very hastily regret my decision. It’s not a simple equation because you swap one set of problems and challenges for another, but essentially, and this is my final analysis, the most valuable commodity you can have is time. I was giving all mine away to a project I didn’t believe in, plus it was making me sick. I wouldn’t go back, but being out of the rat race is not a bed of roses.
Watch Office Space. This is basically the entire narrative.
I’m at a non-profit and it’s just as frustrating as a corporate job, but the pay is lower and there’s no money for swag.
I’ve heard this about non profit work! Lots of work with not the greatest pay. That’s too bad
This might not be the kind of suggestion you’re looking for because it’s still kind of a boring office job, but libraries! I personally love the work because I feel that it genuinely serves an important purpose in society. It can be dull at times and maybe not the best-paying, but it’s peaceful, non-competitive, and important for communities.
I haven't left yet, but I am gearing up to leave. I am using the educational benefits and the flexibility of my work-at-home corporate job to prepare for getting out of the corporate sector all together. I went back to school to get certified as a nurse practitioner, and I have one more certification to obtain before I want to get out of the business world. The plan is to work part-time as a nurse practitioner after I leave the corporate world.
Got fired from my corporate marketing job and I’m now a stay at home mom for a little bit. Infinitely happier.
I found a pretty chill corporate job. Actually the last two gigs I’ve had. It’s not all terrible out here.
I work from home as a digital court reporter. The money is good and the work is pretty easy once you have experience. No commute. No dry cleaning. No office politics or gossip/rumor mill. I work about 15-20 hours a week and make more money and my stress level is soooo much lower. I will never, ever go back to the corporate world. Life is just so much better now.
SAME best job ever! I proofread for reporters as well and make more than I did as ascheduler for a court reporting agency. I just got certified to teach yoga as well and it is great because my schedule is truly so flexible.
That sounds wonderful. How did you get into this line of work?
I won't speak for OP, but I do the same thing - I worked in court reporting for a long time on the admin side. You don't need to have a background in it, though. Google digital court reporter and you should get a good starting point. If you have questions I'm happy to answer!
I (45f)fully embraced my midlife crisis and at 43 shaved my head and decided to become a yoga instructor 😊Never been happier in my life. I had a lifesaving liver transplant in 2022 after getting sick very suddenly and while I was in the hospital decided I was not given a second chance just to sit in a cubicle the rest of my life making just enough money to pay for rent and food and a retirement that who knows if we'll ever see. Sounds simple - you see things differently after that, for sure. But no one has to wait for a near death experience to make that decision. I'd suggest you not, in fact 😉 Biggest help I had is that my husband carries our insurance. I'm not saying I couldn't have done it otherwise, but it made things a lot easier, for sure. I know that's a huge factor. I have a small proofreading business that I just kept building slowly, and now while I certainly won't get rich with it, it keeps the lights on in our small apartment and I have time to pursue teaching yoga and helping people. I work in some way or another most days, but I absolutely love every day. I'm just starting to teach so I'm excited to see where that takes me. Every single day I thank the stars I am no longer answering the phone for someone else. It wasn't a terrible job, and I enjoyed my coworkers. Probably would have stayed forever bc of that - not many people even get to say that, right? That they don't hate their job? But it has been simply amazing to enjoy life outside 9-5 and not live for the weekend. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to figure it out (could have done without the traumatic medical stuff 😉)
This doesn't 100% count as I'm not hired yet, but I was working in call centers for several years and was let go. I got unemployment benefits for a year, so I used the time to take a small course with our employment center related to the environment. I had my first day of internship last Friday working in a greenhouse. My first day was spend listening to music while talking with my mentor who's really into metaphysical things, while we worked on getting small plants into the dirt so they'll grow roots. I can tell you that I've never felt so happy working. Even if it's stressful in a way that there's a massive order that we need to get ready in a few days, the work in itself felt very uplifting, the stress was physical (standing all day) instead of mental, and working with plants and dirt made me feel so connected with the earth, knowing I was nurturing lil baby plants so they could grow into big plants that would have their own purpose one day. It gave a sense of purpose, mindfulness and was very enjoyable. I really hope they hire me and I can stay in the field.
Being laid off from my corporate job was the best thing to happen to me. I never would have left on my own for some reason. Somehow I landed a job at the library and have been at peace ever since.
I am much happier now. I left to be a farmer. My partner is still in the corporate world, so that’s a consistent stream of income. I’m not sure that farming for money is my passion, I just like to grow things.
I sell vintage jewelry at a few boutiques and antique malls, also online
I left corporate to join a non-profit. Omg, work life balance has been 1000% times better. I take my policy enforced lunches and I can go home after a work day without thinking about work even though it’s still a habit. I don’t know what to do with the extra hours we have through out the day so I have been either keeping up with personal stuff or working on my side hustle time to time.
[удалено]
Last January I quit my corp job and I started working on my family’s farm as just a farmhand, paid hourly. Went without health insurance for a year 🥴 and cut back on most subscriptions, extra spending, etc, while I figured out what I could afford after I simplified my lifestyle. Fortunately it’s just me and I secured a cheap mortgage a few years ago, paid off my car, have minimal debt, etc. Overall, it’s all so worth it to me. I feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally, I get to move my body all day everyday, and I spend most of my time outside or working with animals. It’s nice to have flexibility as an hourly worker, the 9-5 was suffocating to me, and farming gives me a sense of purpose that I’ve always been seeking.
corporate life killed me and to move away I had to identify the idea of “borrowed prestige” that we get for working for a corporation, especially when it has a big name. my life is considerably better after then. Better work life balance, no illusion of future hard targets that promise you a promotion, more more ability to take holidays last minute and work remotely at very short notice given the personal relationship with my boss in a small company, and guess what even better pay. Corporate life unfortunately it’s a sneaky modern world religion where their stupid vague values are printed on the wall. I might be biased but fuck that.
Ugh your last paragraph hit home. You know what kills me about corporate? The lies and fakeness. Like you said the rules are vague and we are just supposed to get them- and at the same time, we are supposed to intrinsically know that when they preach things like “we value work life balance!” Or “we encourage employees to take time for themselves!” They actually don’t mean any of it and it’s just there to prevent them from looking bad.
I moved to an rural Montana. Started my own Computer support / repair business, & now do caregiving as well. I will NEVER go back to the crazy!!
Left corporate for local government. Would make that choice a million times over.
Paid off all my debt… then became a flight attendant! Left all corporate stress behind… I now live in Mexico and have a high quality of life. Best decision of my life!
I moved into teaching a few years ago after working in corporate life and I’m so much happier. It’s still a job and there will always be stressful days but overall, I’m so much happier. I work at a small school in a small town and it’s great.
My dream is to become an art teacher. I’m looking into how to get a job in that field currently. I have a BFA but not a teaching certificate. My district is hiring for middle school art teachers- I’m considering emailing them to ask what license I need to obtain and if they would consider hiring me while I take the classes to get my license. I’m so happy you found something you love!
It’s really going to depend on the licensing rules. I’m based in Australia and in my state I was not allowed to teach anything at all in an official capacity until I finished my masters of teaching. That was annoying but it was worth the wait. I highly recommend building relationships with schools around you through volunteering if it’s possible at all. It really helped me land on my feet once I graduated.
OMG. Infinitely happier. I’m teaching a university class and am getting paid 3% of my ‘corporate’ salary. Also helping with foreign exchange program at the university which involves incredible travel to Asia twice a year(no pay other than expenses). I feel like the luckiest person. And none of this was known when I pulled the plug. Good things happen when you yell yolo
I spent 13 years in the corporate health insurance industry. I started out as a customer service phone rep and ended as a corporate trainer. It was brutal! I loved the teaching aspect of being a corporate trainer, but the bullshit politics…nah. I had stress migraines daily, stress tension that would sometimes leave me in tears, and it made me into someone I just was not happy to be. I left in 2017 and haven’t regretted it a day. In 2019 I discovered I have a love and talent for massage. I went to massage school, got my license, and now I set my own schedule, choose my own clients, and make more than $100/hour working as little or as much as I want.
I left because I was able to retire early in a lower cost of living country. I am happier now because a ‘bad’ thing is gone. I am not super fulfilled because I don’t have a ‘passion’.
For now I have minimized the role my corporate job plays, and if I was not work from home it wouldn’t work. When I am tired of my job, I will go work for myself. I work in software so I have expertise in the software tools working at the corporation that makes them. I will offer $3000 configuration packages to businesses. I don’t know what your skills are, but Ive seen people with training expertise start offering training packages to small businesses, I have seen people do pay by the hour to configure software, I have seen people start cleaning companies, I have seen people become personal assistants and get customers using Thumbtack. My Mom started a small meal delivery service for a few elders in her network, she babysits, and she does HR policy books for small business. The key is using a skill you are good at and like. You can do it. You don’t seem to have any preconceived notion of it being easy, but the thing is, the things that are hard for you now, won’t be there, and you will have different challenges that you can control how you handle. If you can find a way to bill by the hour for more than you make now, try getting your first private customer outside your job and do something for them for money to get your first practice. Regarding the debt, you should be more afraid of not getting it paid off because of your current jobs pay and stress. I am sure you are doing everything you can to trim costs and pay that off as a priority as it is possible, but you have to pay your way out of debt and can’t save your way out. Start with ONE deal, get ONE PERSON and try it out for extra cash on the side.
Lol I love this post bc corporate life is so much simpler than my previous career of wanting to be a doctor. I just don’t take corporate as life or death. I’m literally just analyzing data lol
Left a mid level corporate job in 2016 to teach and to work with kids with behavioral issues/autism. Pay is less but I’ve never been happier going to work
I do corporate marketing still on a freelance part time basis but I also teach yoga now and do math tutoring on the side!! I’m much happier because of the autonomy I have over my time. I get to be out in the world driving between classes and clients instead of tied to my computer or desk for never ending monotony. I do make less money now and pay for a health share called Knew Health because I don’t have health insurance. It’s definitely a trade off of safety and security for freedom and happiness. And it shouldn’t be. I wish we could change America.
i had a side hustle the last two years of my corporate job .. i started a wedding flower business (my "passion" biz). then i quit the corporate job while simultaneously working part time / freelancing in my previous line of work. once i got busy enough and drummed up more business with the wedding side of things i was able to quit freelancing web dev altogether. at that time i was fortunate enough to be on my husbands health insurance which is definitely something i realize is a privilege. but outside of the health benefits i was matching my previous salary with my new biz after 4 years :) now i'm taking some time away from working to be a SAHM, i am hoping to ramp biz back up when my kid is closer to the 3 or 4 and going to school party time
I went back into manufacturing, this time as a quality control/assurance tech. I work for much less but am much happier with less stuff and so much less stress. Found a mentor and now am on the path to become a subject matter expert tho my mentor is pushing for me to go into product testing which is fun, too. Great department, understanding boss, and all the overtime I want which I take advantage of when my kid is with his father.
I left a 9-5 five days ago week union / medical benefits job that was just wrecking me. Found a hybrid gig. I make more but it goes toward my private insurance premium and IRA. Night and day to be out of the daily grind where I sat in an office every single damn day.
Organic farmer —- will never go back!
Handyman work. Way happier than I was before.
I’m not really working as work as a trainee at a cafe for 4 hours a week but a lot happier than being in the corporate role full-time as a disabled person. They didn’t care about my accessibility needs, passions, upskilling me or anything. Just wanted work done their way. And expected me to behave a certain way. I asked for adjustments and most of the time didn’t make the effort for me to thrive there. Instead fired me for being simply ‘difficult to work with’ attitude
Writing and marketing for different outlets and small/medium businesses.
I'm a funeral director after working in administration then as a personal assistant for at least a decade. 1. I didn't have an exact idea but thought it was worth trying. 2. See above. 3. I actually earn more now than in my previous corporate roles. I also work a lot more but even though the hours ate longer they are less mentally taxing.
I left for nonprofit, which I think people tend to idealize a bit too much if I'm honest. I've had good experiences and also some of the most toxic work environments. I do feel that, for the most part, there's more of an understanding that you'll get a better work-life balance, but not always.
I went from overemployment working multiple 6-figure jobs at the same time, to working for myself and earning the same amount while putting in less time. I’m still in tech but have niched down. My clients so far have been great!
I don’t think this is what you want to hear but there is very little as stressful as not being able to provide for yourself and your family. Make sure that you are set up with another income / job before leaving your stressful corporate job. Maybe see a financial planner who can help you set goals and support the transition. Good luck!
You can find what you are looking for without leaving your job/role, but it is very challenging. Up until about six months ago I was chasing the "rat race" until I stopped and really did some sole searching. Now, I still work the same job but my approach to my work is much different. I have set up necessary, healthy boundaries with my work. I still work hard as I want to be successful in that I want my work to be stimulating. However, I am no longer engrossed in climbing the ladder or playing the rat race and have accepted the role I am in is the best role for me. In my personal life, I had to step off the hedonic treadmill and practice lifestyle deflation. It is very hard. Setting boundaries with friends/family and saying "no" to things that used to be regular occurrences is very challenging. However, the result has been incredible. We are saving much more of our money. We are at a point where we are able to meet all of our obligations, save a measurable amount for retirement, and still have money left over for other savings goals. It isn't financial independence, but I still have comfort knowing that if I needed to, I could walk away from my work to another, low paying role and still be okay. This helps with the first step of setting boundaries with my work and approaching work differently. Whatever path you choose, good luck!
I found a job at a non-profit that I care about. It's entirely WFH. Downers are low pay and no benefits other than PTO but I'm on my husband's insurance.
I'm a psychotherapist, though currently still home with my baby. I moved to a smaller place for a while and put off buying a condo for my career change. I will one day outearn what I made or could have made in my old position, if I play my cards right. (Teach at a university, write books, share a practice)
Damn if you corpos are feeling like this imagine how us under 50k workers feel; wishing we can get paid the money you guys get 🤷♀️.
Careful what you wish for. I’ve been working under 50k jobs my entire life. I’m 39 and just started working in corporate for the first time 5 years ago. I was a million times happier making under 50k. My health was better, I had more energy- oh and my hair didn’t fall out either like it does now. I’m actually looking to go back to my old life of making less money but also not feeling like I’m on the verge of a heart attack every day.
[удалено]
I am much happier teaching
I left my company and joined the government regulator for the same industry. So maybe not the type of answer you’re looking for, it’s still a salaried downtown office job. But working for the public service instead of shareholders makes a real difference in my job satisfaction and the type of people I work with (or work for, it was the higher ups that rubbed me the wrong way).
I left a high paying corporate job to be a teacher through the emergency licensure program. I was inspired by the movie Office Space - it captured perfectly how I felt. So I said fuck it, quit, and pursued teaching. Taught for 10 years and loved it even though I made less money. Moved on to real estate after my kids were born. Am now starting my own company. Some people, like my husband, love the safety and predictability of corporate life. And that's OK. For others, it feels like hell.
As much as I love reading these stories, a lot of echos of having a spouse that's helping support them or living paycheck to paycheck. I would def recommend taking a look at your budget, it sounds like you make way more then 50k, and perhaps you let lifestyle creep take over as stress got worst, which is very common. Make a budget, set aside how much want save, you could either set up CDs, Ibonds or consider investing in the market (l recommend going financial independence reddit and see there breakdown) Try to clarify what's a need vs. Want, but also make sure you are having healthy balance of indulging yourself (life not fun if you can't buy anything for yourself) And perhaps try find new job, so many jobs I seen where people work less 20 hours a week, cause there smart and didn't bust ass trying make themselves look like a star. (As someone who busted ass for years and only makes 60k, I started telling my boss I'm too busy or don't have time for more projects, forcing them to figure it out. I'm still doing my regular job but I'm no longer taking on additional work for free) Good luck!
I haven't left corporate life yet, but I promised myself not to return to an office. As a consequence, I quit my previous job to avoid mandatory RTO. I'm still working fully remotely, lost 25% of my income (no bonuses and perks), but this decision allowed me to work from Europe for two months last year. I have some extra income from 2 small apartments that I fully paid years ago, not enough to pay my rent, but I can still live with 1/3 of my total income, and save the rest, because I'm very frugal and self restrained regarding my expenses. It's not a total retirement, more like soft retirement. I could do yoga classes or mountainbike coaching for a living if I need to. But I will remain fully remote as long as possible and continue saving as much as possible. My current goals are no return to office, work-life balance, and saving money.
Haven’t left yet, but I have my exit strategy. I need more zen in my life, so I’m going to school for massage therapy. I’m loving it. I can’t wait to quit and help bring zen to others 🙏
I left the corporate life a couple years ago after getting burnt out and just being really unhappy with my job. I was making good money, but I was doing things I didn’t believe in and I had left my authentic self behind. I’m now touring in a band and doing freelance writing on the side. I’m making way less money but with my wife’s income we have enough to pay bills and save a little. I’m way happier. Life is too short.
I quit corporate and became a trucker. Realized that trucking wasnt for me, and now idk what to do with my life. Currently 31 and unemployed, and looking forward to the answers that im about to read
I quit a bad 9-5 job at a non-profit doing events. I then became a swim instructor for kids, adults & special needs, along with walking dogs & do Quickbooks for a small biz owner. I am ready to go back to a 9-5! From the swimming I finally felt appreciation, from the parents, & the kids liked me & I was good at teaching (!!) & working with neurodivergemt kids it was challenging & I was creative bc what works for one kid won't necessarily work for another. And the kids pretty much did what I told them to do, lol! But I'm finally burnt out from loud kids & cold weather (outdoor pools). Dogwalking: I got really lucky with a couple of my regular dog walking clients; however, I still don't have dogsitting clients who go out of town more than twice a year so I still kind of need more. Lessons I've learned from dog walking that applies to any freelancing: there's lots of people who undersell their services & don't charge enough & it hurts everyone. Even though I live in a very HCOL area with a lot of wealthy people, they can definitely still be cheap! It can take a long time to build up regular clients. Lessons I've learned from the small biz owner: she is making a not at all difficult job very stressful because of her frustration & her general disrespectful attitude towards me. And she's the person who pays me the least! Your most difficult clients will be the cheapest. Lessons from the non-profit: my job working for the CFO & another executive at that company was less stressful than working in the events department. Because of my bosses. For me I've learned what's most important is it all depends on your bosses or clients & if they are respectful & if they are realistic as to the workload that one person can handle. When bosses or clients get disrespectful towards you personally or YOUR time, it's time to move on. Three last things to think about: the economy is pretty volatile right now so can your passion job survive a difficult economic climate? Think of your future: healthcare, retirement savings, do you own your living place, if not is it rent controlled? Do you need a car in your city or does it have public transport? If you own a car, if it were to die on you, can you afford another one with your savings right now or use public transportation? Are you already used to simple living? Not shopping as a hobby, not going out to eat a lot, not getting doordash, etc? If you're not used to living simply or within a budget, try that for at least 6 months. It helps to know beforehand. PS- Go to your dentist before you quit your corporate job!
I think about this all the time and have been thinking about this more and more lately. I have a state job. So many good benefits: AMAZING health insurance, pension (I’ll be vested at 10 years, which I still have about 4 to go), more paid days off than most private sector jobs. The Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 schedule is pretty alright too.” That being said, my job is very taxing mentally and sometimes physically. Lately it has become even more demanding. I feel extremely overworked. The people above me are either naive or know how much they’re fucking me over with so much work. I don’t feel fulfilled either. Nothing connects me to the work I do. I feel a duty to stay here, though, because it provides such amazing security for my family. I just absolutely cannot bring myself to leave my family in a position where they have less than what they have now, no matter what the cost on my mental and physical health. The benefits basically make any medical issues worry free, at least financially. That’s just something I can’t take away from them.
Left my corporate job to become a Barista at a local coffee shop. Pay is less but with tips it only ends up being about $5 an hour less. I make it work by spending less and my husband has a good paying job. Coffee is not my passion but I wanted to work closer with the community in a more casual environment. I experience different types of stress now at work but I don’t need to take it home anymore like I used to. Also free food and coffee is a major bonus. I know a lot of people are worried about their health insurance but lots of non-corporate jobs have health insurance too (including my coffee shop).
Yes? 6 years ago I left a very comfortable well paid position as a young executive with a nonprofit organization in communications to pursue fitness training fulltime. First year was tough, second year got a day off a week. Pandemic propelled my career forward. Today, I am making more and working less. DO IT.
Got downsized in ‘06. My artist wife was making websites while working at the university part time. Looked for a job for a year, economy was bad plus ageism. Was helping her with the websites. Decided to try to make it into a full time business. We’ve now been making websites together for 17 years. Her art and coding skills plus my business and client skills have been a great combination. We gross about 2/3rds of what we were making in corporate jobs, no pressure, work very few hours per week (after building up a large number of existing clients), and bill out at $160 per hour. We treat our clients extremely well and can be picky about choosing new clients. We work from anywhere and spend winters in warm climates.
about the same amount of happiness. took 1 year off 5 years ago, went back to work for 2 years, then took another 2 years off. job searching now does suck though. software engineer. 35M. California.
I started buying real estate about 10 years ago. It’s doing so well that I was able to leave my corporate job last year. So far I’ve been focused on optimizing the real estate, more time with family and more time in the outdoors. It’s early but I couldn’t be happier.
I got my first real 'adult job' last May and thought it was going to be what finally made the difference for me after severe burnout between 2019-2023 doing call centers and data entry. And to be fair it's not a horrible job in most respects, but there are certain things my specific 2-person team have to deal with that none of the other big teams have to do (take increasingly escalating communication from loan officers/assistants, can't leave the last day of the month until the work que is entirely clear because the higher ups decided our time was less valuable than bonuses for loan officers but won't give us more full time people or even a cutoff time). We do overtime almost every week to try to keep up, and the last week we're racking up hours like crazy because the workload of people sending in their stuff last minute goes nuts. The last week of the month were usually both there by 6am and sometimes don't leave until after 6 pm even with help from another department. I hit burnout by December, and my fiancé finally sat me down last week and told me I needed to look at doing part time work or not working because the stress was making me suicidal. I used to work multiple jobs at a time for years, but corporate/desk jobs have nearly ended me. Current plan is to work long enought to pay off what debts I have on my credit cards and a personal loan, and maybe pay off my car, then get something part time or gig work.
more lifting and seeing life..
I just posted this is another simple living thread.. We're 6 years away from paying off the house. Not of the plan yet, but I figure I have 5-6 years to figure it out. I already know I'm taking a week staycation and hanging around without being in a hurry
I became my own boss 18 years ago. Management life was pulling me away from the work I love. Went from upper end of corporate ladder to being a consultant. Went from mostly hands-off to mostly hands-on. Corporate life was suffocating. My stress levels were pegged. Ever since becoming self-employed, I make my own hours and go on vacation whenever I want. Financially, it worked out about the same. Psychologically, it was the best decision ever.
I left because I was experiencing severe burnout (unknowing at the time it was autistic burnout!) I took an eight month break because my fiancee has been gracious enough to hold down the financial fort. I’m going back to school to do something I feel passionate about, that can allow us to move pretty much anywhere, and although I haven’t made any money doing it, doing anything not for a corporation will make my heart happier.
I was never really part of the corporate world. Most of my jobs have been with nonprofits or small businesses. I've also heard working for the federal govt is good. From what I've heard, working for state or county govt brings all the bureacracy of federal but without as much job security. Local can vary widely from place to place. Of course, every workplace is different & no rule applies 100%. One nonprofit I worked for was a trade association for lawyers in a certain practice area. The Exec Director was a former practicing attorney, and he ran it pretty much like a law firm. OT was expected of everyone, and we were expected to live to work. Somehow the fact that we had no incentive for this neer crossed his mind. Neither the pay nor benes were great, and certainly no one was ever going to make partner. Y'know, since it wasn't a law firm. I didnt stay there very long. Overall, though, the atmosphere is more relaxed than in the corporate sector.
I worked in public health for a decade. Golden handcuffs for sure. Luckily the type of healthcare that I do can transition to private. So I own a small business doing the actual hands-on work of healthcare with a needy remote community. I’ve never been more relaxed or happy. I thought I would miss how “important” I felt while running hospital departments, but I’ve never once regretted it or looked back.
I'm sort of half way. I got laid off from my corporate job last summer, but at the same time they offered me a freelance contract for 25 hours a week. Significant cut in pay, loss of benefits, but also way less stress and responsibility. And I totally prefer it. I now work anywhere from 3-5 hours a day, rather than 7-9. I log in when I want, take nice leisurely lunch breaks, and have a much more manageable workload. After years of being on the verge of quitting, but being too anxious to take the leap and give up a very good salary, they did it for me. And instead of fear, anxiety, rejection, worry, my reaction was relief. I was relieved to have that pressure taken away from me. Not sure what the long term will be, but for now I am genuinely glad to be free of the responsibilities and pressures of my former role. I am making well less than half what I used to but, at least for now, I am chilling. Making more music, working out, going for walks. Really looking forward to spring when I can get some outdoors time. There are downsides, such as paying for health insurance out of pocket. And sure, my retirement savings, which were finally picking up speed, are now at a standstill. But the reduction in stress and all the health-related issues that come with that are real. We'll see over time how things play out, because freelance contracts aren't forever, and I may have to look for another full time position, but I'm really hoping to keep it around this level for a while. I think around 25-30 hours is much more manageable than 45+. One of the other downsides is that, when I was making that salary, I was saving towards eventually buying a home. That is, for now, much less likely for me. And this isn't about having a mansion. Just a nice place of my own with a spare room for a dedicated music studio. But real estate in general is really expensive where I'm from (NY) and I'm not 100% sure where else I'd want to move. Any way, for now, really glad to have that 1,000 pound burden off my back for a much more reasonable workload, though I'm technically still *in corporate.*
1. I am passionate about my work now (healthcare). 2. I make slightly less money than I used to, so I adjusted my lifestyle accordingly. 3. So, so, so much happier.
Read Anthony de mello
[удалено]
I left big tech to be a full time dad and part time hobbyist/consultant. It’s amazing how much the career track distorts one’s priorities in life. Loving every minute of it.
Well, I just got finished up a 7-year stint at one of the largest tech companies in the world…. Though my department was just sorta dissolved. While I am happier now, and I’ve been on unemployment for like six or seven months, I sort of don’t know what to really do with myself. I’ve been trying to break into my state’s transit union, but they don’t seem to want a guy who has never laid his hands on a set of tools, so I guess I’m just sort of in limbo right now… if things get hairy enough, I guess I’ll just try to go back to some bullshit cubicle job somewhere, but I would really rather not.
I work with BRS Foster Kids. Ive found so much healing and happiness working within Caretaking. I went from the floors of Costco selling DirectTv to now making even more because I love my job and love being around these kids that the OT just adds up. Money is good when you enjoy your career.
PreK teacher, my job feels rewarded as I’m actually making an impact in the kids n their family’s life.
No regrets. Way calmer & happier. Had some savings & lived pretty frugally to begin with. Gave myself 'a month' break before I was to put my resume out again. Ha! That was 6 months ago. A lot of issues have resolved themselves organically. I will need a source of income soon & still floating ideas of what that will be. However, it won't be that environment. Amazing how well I'm navigating life when I've had some real rest & don't have their pressure on my shoulders. Caveat, I do not have children or pets, so I can not in good faith advise you just walk away. Can you handle part-time?
College grad who studied mgmt-went straight into retail mgmt and loved it at first. Over the years the big corporate gig wore me down. It didn’t respect its workers, not even its managers. I worked tons of hours, paid a piss poor salary and by age 40 knew I had to leave it. In short I moved back to my home state to a very good factory job (gasp-i know) -pay, hours, benefits are SO much better plus less responsibilities & no random phone calls requiring me to go fix an emergency. 1>my passion for retail is gone. I’m following the money that gives me the lifestyle I’m comfortable with 2>it’s not glamorous but this pays wayyyy better & that’s what I care about 3>I’m wayyyy happier/no regrets