The Crossroads: A Pivotal Career Shift
Cassie had spent years in the corporate world, rising through the ranks to become an HR executive in the Bay Area. She was successful, respected, and—importantly—the primary breadwinner for her family.
But after having her first child, the hour-plus commute each way became an unbearable tradeoff. She made a practical decision: leaving her company for a similar role that was only 15 minutes from home.
Then, everything unraveled.
"That company didn’t pan out. And then, after my second baby, we had our second layoff in a year, and I was impacted."
At that moment, she felt the weight of two competing identities: the high-achieving professional who had spent years building her career, and the mother who wanted to be more present, more rested, and her best self for her children.
"I knew if I went back to full-time work, my job would get the best of me, and my young children would get whatever was left over."
The exhaustion, the impossible juggle, the feeling of never being fully present at home or at work—it all became too much.
So instead of immediately jumping back into another executive role, she did something unexpected: she paused.
"After a year of leave, I started my HR consultancy."
It was a leap into the unknown—one filled with fear, uncertainty, and financial pressure—but ultimately, it gave her back something she had lost: control over her time, her energy, and her life.
The Challenges: Fear, Financial Pressure & the Loneliness of an Unconventional Path
Even though she knew she needed a change, the transition wasn’t easy.
- The Financial Pressure of Being the Breadwinner
Cassie wasn’t just making a career decision for herself—her entire family’s financial stability depended on her income.
"I had always been the one to carry the bulk of our financial responsibility. The thought of stepping away from a steady paycheck was terrifying."
She wrestled with the guilt of not contributing in the same way and the fear of making a decision that might put her family at risk.
"I constantly questioned whether I was being irresponsible by stepping away—even though I knew deep down that continuing on the same path wasn’t sustainable."
She and her partner had to rethink their financial structure, cut back in some areas, and trust that the shift would pay off in the long run.
- The Loneliness of Not Seeing Others Take This Path
Corporate life had been her world for so long. Her network was filled with high-powered executives, and she struggled to find examples of people who had chosen to step back.
"I didn’t know anyone else who had taken this path. Every senior leader I knew either powered through burnout or left the workforce entirely. I didn’t want to do either—I just wanted a way to work differently."
She found herself scrolling LinkedIn, watching old colleagues get promoted, wondering if she was falling behind or if she had made the right call.
"I wish someone would have validated my feelings, shared stories of success, or introduced me to others who had made it work."
What Worked: Embracing the Transition & Rebuilding Her Confidence
Cassie learned that big career shifts take time.
- Giving Herself Permission to Adjust
"It took at least 6-9 months to get comfortable with my new life. At first, I kept feeling like I should be doing more—applying for jobs, proving myself, keeping up with my old colleagues. It took time to truly let go of that pressure." - Reframing Success
For years, success had been measured in promotions, raises, and external recognition. Shifting to self-employment meant redefining achievement—and trusting that she was still building something meaningful, even if it looked different.
"I had to remind myself that success wasn’t just about title or salary—it was about building a life where I could be both a great parent and a great professional, without burning out in the process."
- What She’d Do Differently: Find a Support Network Sooner
Looking back, Cassie wishes she had found others on a similar journey earlier.
"I wish I had known more senior leaders who had made similar shifts. It would have helped so much to hear their stories, understand their challenges, and see proof that this path could work."
Advice for Parents Considering a Similar Path
- You’re Not Alone—Even If It Feels That Way
"I wish I had heard more stories like mine before making this shift. If you’re considering a change, know that others have done it, and it is possible." - Give Yourself Time to Adjust
"It took months before I truly felt at peace with my decision. If you’re making a career shift, be patient with yourself." - Find a Community of People Who Have Made Nontraditional Career Moves
"So much of my anxiety came from feeling like I was the only one making this choice. Seek out stories, mentors, or communities where people have stepped off the traditional career path—you don’t have to figure it out alone." - If You’re the Breadwinner, Have Honest Financial Conversations Early
"Shifting away from a traditional job as the primary earner requires careful planning. It’s not impossible, but it does take conversations about what tradeoffs you’re willing to make and how you’ll structure finances in a new way."
Cassie’s Both& Moment
Cassie’s story is proof that you can both build a career and step back when you need to.
She found a way to both be present with her kids and stay engaged in meaningful work.
She faced both uncertainty and opportunity in choosing a nontraditional career path.
She gave herself both time to adjust and space to build something new.
Cassie didn’t just pivot—she redefined what career success looked like for her. And in doing so, she’s paving the way for others to realize that stepping away doesn’t mean giving up. It can mean creating something even better.
