#012 - I Downgraded My Career to Step Up: Embracing the Power of Career Downgrades

In a world where career success is often measured by titles and promotions, stepping down can feel like a failure. For me, though, it turned out to be the most liberating decision of my life.

For years, I poured myself into my corporate healthcare career.

Climbing the ladder wasn't just a choice—it was the only path I could see...

I love the industry—the sense of purpose, the innovation, and the impact I could have.

But the lifestyle it demanded was relentless.

One of my previous roles was in a laboratory.

Here's what my typical schedule looked like:

●????? Work rotational and late shifts, often finishing at 9 PM and not getting home until around 11:30 PM.

●????? An hour and a half to two hours commute each way

●????? My dad picking me up from the train station late at night (to make sure I’m safe).

●????? Weekends taken up by unpredictable shifts.

I loved the actual work—the challenges, the purpose, and the difference we made.

But the reality was grueling…

Between the shifts and commutes, I barely had time for friends or family.

I kept telling myself this was just part of success, that saying yes to every shift and giving up my personal life was what I had to do.

The Weight of Expectations

I come from a family of leaders.

My dad, my siblings, and extended family members held prestigious positions in law, banks, labs, and running their own businesses.

Leadership wasn't just encouraged—it was expected.

I wanted to show that I could follow in their footsteps, that I could rise to the occasion and uphold the family legacy.

But deep down…

My heart wanted something different.

The Breaking Point

After years of long commutes, crazy shifts, and the pressure I put on myself…

I hit a wall.

I was completely drained—physically and mentally.

My days were just working, commuting, or trying to recover.

When I got the chance to move to a less demanding role, I felt torn.

Would everyone think I'd failed? Would my family think I couldn't handle it?

But I knew I needed to make a change.

The Freedom to Rediscover Myself

Stepping down was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, but it turned out to be the best one, too.

Without the late shifts and long commutes weighing me down…

I could finally breathe.

This space helped me step into a new phase of my professional life:

Building a portfolio career.

Instead of committing to one rigid role, I began exploring multiple streams of work that reflected my passions and strengths:

●????? Helping Health & Fitness Coaches and Entrepreneurs: I started working with health and fitness coaches and entrepreneurs, helping them grow their businesses and brands. Supporting passionate entrepreneurs felt deeply fulfilling, and the flexibility of working online was a breath of fresh air. I now run a marketing agency for the beauty, health and wellness industry.

●????? Side Hustles: I explored creative projects and built additional income streams, allowing me to experiment and discover what truly resonated with me.

●????? Tech: I transitioned into roles in the SaaS, EdTech, and eCommerce industries, where I applied my skills in a dynamic, innovative, and more flexible environment.

●????? Writing and Consulting: I rediscovered my love for writing, and sharing my experiences.

●????? Travel: I embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, traveling and moving to new places while working remotely. I found joy in combining work with exploration.

Building a portfolio career gave me the freedom to live and work on my own terms.

It allowed me to step away from the rigidity of a single role and instead embrace a diverse, fulfilling way of working.

Like Paul Millerd describes, I found myself on a "pathless path."

Letting Go of the Ladder

The corporate ladder I had been climbing felt like the only path to success, but stepping down showed me that not every path leads upward—and that’s okay.

Traditional career progression often demands:

●????? Long hours.

●????? Rigid schedules.

●????? Endless competition.

By letting go of the expectation to climb, I discovered a new way to define success:

One that prioritised my values and passions over titles and promotions.

I realised I wasn't climbing for myself—I was climbing to maintain an image I thought I needed.

Letting go of that expectation allowed me to reclaim my time, energy, and sense of purpose.

Less Climbing, More Living

Today, I no longer feel tied to the pressure of proving myself through a job title or career path.

Instead, I’ve embraced a life that prioritises:

●????? Flexibility to design my days around what truly matters to me.

●????? Freedom to pursue creative projects and meaningful work without the constraints of rigid schedules or shift work.

●????? Fulfillment from living a life that feels authentic and aligned with my values.

Now, I wake up excited to work on things that inspire me—writing, creating, and exploring new opportunities on my own terms.

The Takeaway

If you feel trapped in a career that leaves no room for life's essentials, remember:

Stepping down isn't failure.

It's an opportunity to rediscover yourself and create a life aligned with your values.

I spent years following the script I thought I was supposed to.

But stepping back allowed me to rewrite it—and I wouldn’t trade this chapter for anything.

Over to You

What’s one decision you’ve made in your career that felt scary at the time but turned out to be the best thing for your personal growth? Share your story—I’d love to hear how you found your own path!

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