The Crossroads
Sophie had what many would call a dream career.
“Before I had kids, I was deep in the world of corporate risk management and audit. I worked for iconic companies—Disney, Nike, the NBA—living what many would call a dream career.”
She thrived in high-pressure environments, flying across the country, leading internal audit teams, and helping organizations transform their systems. The job was complex, demanding — and fulfilling.
When she became a mom, she did what so many high-achievers do: she figured out how to keep going. Remote work. Part-time status. A high hourly rate. She tried to have it all, on paper.
“I had kids, barely took time off for my first child, then worked remotely and part-time. I was paid a nice hourly rate, and I thought I could do both.”
But even with accommodations, something started to break down.
“Shortly after, I got my ADHD diagnosis — never considered I had ADHD until my newborn severely impacted the ‘systems’ I created all my life to overcome ADHD challenges. Fast forward to my second child turning three years old, with the oldest one being five, I was slowly accumulating to burnout.”
The Breaking Point
Sometimes, your body makes the decision before your mind does.
“The break happened in March 2024. I started to have spots all over my body after a very stressful week at work. I had pain all over my body and could not bend down no matter what.”
Sophie knew something had to change. She didn’t leave corporate life altogether right away—but she pivoted into what she thought would be her forever job.
“I landed a lovely job — very relaxed, with no urgency, and a fantastic boss. I thought I had finally reached the ‘job’ that would get me to retirement, with an outstanding life balance.”
Then came another twist.
“Four months into that new job, I learned they were planning to sell their US business, and I would be terminated if they went through with it. Cue the spiraling process, once again, stress and raw emotions.”
The Shift
It was the instability of that second job that sparked the real transformation.
“It is when I decided not to be at the mercy of big corporations for the stability of my family. As the primary breadwinner, and the cost of living that comes with the lovely California weather, my next gig would need to be more gentle on my health, my family, and my finances.”
She saw the writing on the wall, and she prepared.
“I was terminated with a nice package right before Christmas 2024. By then, I knew it was coming, and I was saving any extra money I had made over the last couple of months to allow for a nice break and to try to become an entrepreneur over the next 12 months without too much pressure.”
That break gave her space to build something different — something on her own terms.
“I opened my advisory and consulting practice, called Audit Lab. While I ramped up the clients and projects, I took on a supervisory role at my kids' school. It was hard and underpaid ($16.50/hour) but so rewarding! In my mind, it was a unique opportunity to do that kind of work, without any financial pressure. I did that for 3 months, and then the advisory work picked up, and I've been focusing on that since April 2025.”
Where She Is Now
Today, Sophie is doing what so many parents dream of: choosing her work, her hours, and her life.
“I currently have two clients, and I pick and choose what I want to work on, the hours I work, and when I don't work. It also allows me enough time to start other side projects, such as a women's network in my community, called She Flourishes, which connects women in similar situations to mine, including perimenopause, mid-life awakening, and career debates.”
The Challenges
Sophie's story is one of growth and success, but it hasn’t been without strain.
“Money is always a stress factor! As the primary breadwinner, it is my responsibility to demonstrate to my husband that we are ‘ok’ for some time, even if the money coming in is not what it used to be. I keep a very tight budget.”
Emotionally, the shift was taxing too.
“I was burned out, and despite my desire to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, I was too tired and couldn't put as much effort into it as I would have liked.”
And like many who’ve walked away, she still feels the pull of the old path.
“The temptation to turn around and apply for a job like my old ones is always there... it seems more straightforward at times, but I have to remind myself that easy doesn't equal flexible. And now that I have flexibility, I don't want to lose it!”
What I Wish I’d Known
Sophie doesn’t wish she had made the jump sooner. Instead, she believes it happened right when it was supposed to.
“Nothing — I could have made that jump maybe one or two jobs ago, but I believe in ‘right things happening at the right time’ because my severance package has helped me make the jump to a 12+ months of ‘break’ from the corporate world, to try something else.”
What Helped
These are the tools and supports that gave Sophie the foundation to rebuild:
- “Rocket Money and AI helped me figure out my cashflow, what was the minimum I needed to make our payments, all the extras we were paying, and what we could cut to make this time off last as long as possible.”
- “I worked with a coach during my last few jobs and ultimately, she helped me make this last decision an easy one, to take a break. We worked together on looking at my values and making sure my choices were aligned with my values.”
- “I've connected with women similar to me in my neighborhood and they became my support system.”
Advice for Other Parents
Sophie’s advice is as practical as it is profound:
“Get rid of as many financial obligations as you can — that allows you to feel more freedom and less stress when you try something else! Downgrade the car to a lower car payment, look at all your expenses, and see what you can cut!”
Why This Story Matters
Because sometimes our bodies whisper before they scream.
Because “dream jobs” can shift into soul-draining ones without us even noticing.
Because even when you’re the breadwinner, even when you’re scared, you can still choose different.
And because Sophie’s story is a reminder that flexible doesn’t mean easy — but it does mean aligned.
Want to connect with Sophie?
Find her on LinkedIn: Sophie Langis
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