Meet Kimberly: Redefining Success by Downshifting

The Crossroads

Before children, Kimberly worked in the aging division at a quasi-governmental planning agency. She was mission-driven and committed—and when she returned after her first maternity leave, she did what many parents do: she adjusted quietly, even when the signs weren’t ideal.

“After my first, I transitioned back pretty well, only experiencing a few things that made me raise an eyebrow, like the lack of support with pumping and long travel while in the first half year of nursing.”

But going from one child to two cracked something open.

“I had a very hard maternity leave with lots of fainting, dehydration and mastitis. I also had a baby who had a really hard time learning to fall asleep. Returning to work felt like jumping on a moving train.”

As leadership changed, so did the culture. What once felt manageable started to unravel.

“Somehow my expectations were raised as I had 'been there so long.' Eventually, my job began to feel psychologically unsafe and I no longer felt aligned with the work.”

The Challenges

Still, like so many parents with bills to pay, Kimberly stayed.

“I felt completely stuck because I never thought, in a million years, we could be a one-income family. So I stayed in the growing toxic environment for four more years.”

Those four years took a toll on her confidence and wellbeing.

“By this time I had no self-esteem, was completely isolated, was gaslit to believe I was bad at my job. HR was of no help and I was told, 'I don’t really want to investigate because it takes a lot of work.' I searched for new jobs but was terrified to apply because I honestly thought I was unemployable.”

Then came a lifeline.

“I saw an IG ad for ‘women in soul-sucking jobs,’ did a meet and greet, and decided to invest in myself and signed up for the program.”

What Worked (and What Hurt)

That decision changed everything.

“The program included hypnotherapy which helped me change my mindset. My coach also helped me identify that I was being bullied and abused at work and that I was the only one who could change it. She asked me, ‘How long are you going to tolerate it?’”

Originally, Kimberly planned to leave in a few months. But then:

“My supervisor’s comment in an email gave me a panic attack. I decided in that moment to take my power back. I told my boss I was submitting a formal resignation tomorrow and that I’d stay two weeks to finish as much as I could if I didn’t have any contact with my supervisor.”

She finished those final two weeks—and stopped.

“I spent five months without a job. I took time to reset my nervous system and heal.”

The Shift

When it was time to look forward, she made a decision that surprised even her:

“I didn’t want anything to do with my previous work experience ever again.”

So she started somewhere entirely new.

“I decided to take a part-time job at my local hair salon until I figure it all out! Now I’m home before the school day ends, I only work 4 days a week, and I’m around supportive, encouraging creatives!!! I get more time with my kids and most of all, I have MUCH better mental health!”

What I Wish I’d Known

Kimberly’s words are ones so many of us need to hear:

• “I had to get over the idea that I failed and redefine what success looks like.”
• “Sometimes I feel like we are brainwashed. I wish I would have invested in myself sooner and realized that my home life is my real life.”
• “I wish I wouldn’t have cared so much about what people were thinking or saying about me. Bullies’ opinions shouldn’t have mattered.”

Advice for Other Parents

• “Investing in yourself is never the wrong choice. One small step and then another—it leads to all the paths you are hoping for.”
• “It’s a little out there, but literally, everything in this world is just made up. Seriously. Do whatever you need to do to make yourself happier!!!”

Why This Story Matters

Because Kimberly reminds us what courage looks like when the system has worn you down.

Because “10/10 recommend a downshift” isn’t just a catchy quote—it’s a radical reframing of success, joy, and agency.

Because healing doesn’t always come in the form of a better title or paycheck. Sometimes, it’s part-time hours at a local hair salon. Sometimes, it’s walking away from the things that made you doubt yourself in the first place.

And most of all, because we all deserve to live lives where no one else has power over our peace.