Escaping Corporate: It's Not Just About Income, It's About an Intentional Life
Brett Trainor
On a mission to help 100,000 Corporate GenXers escape the 9-5 I Founder of the Escapee Collective I Host of the Corporate Escapee Podcast I Owner of the Collective Academy I Girl Dad x3
For almost five years, I’ve been on my own escapee journey, and for just over a year, I’ve had the privilege of helping others make the leap. Through this experience—and alongside a community of over 1,300 fellow escapees—it’s become clear that escaping corporate isn’t just about replacing a paycheck. It’s about moving toward a more intentional, purpose-driven life.
Today, I’m excited to share the next step in that journey: The Escapee Lifestyle Framework. This isn’t just about building financial freedom; it’s a way to support a full, fulfilling life where work is integrated, not built around. Together, we’re working to create a life that reflects our values and priorities, with financial stability as a key foundation. Supporting income replacement remains a big part of our work, giving us the freedom to explore beyond financial concerns.
The 4 Pillars of the Escapee Lifestyle Framework:
1. Happiness: Your True North
Happiness is the heart of this framework. It’s not just a goal; it’s the filter through which you make decisions, build your days, and shape a life aligned with what truly fulfills you. For too long, happiness has been reserved for weekends or vacations. Now, it’s our measure of success.
2. Wellness: A Core Foundation
Wellness, both physical and mental, isn’t an add-on; it’s essential to sustain a life worth living. Prioritizing health gives us the energy and resilience to enjoy the freedom we’ve fought for. We’re putting wellness at the center so we can thrive, not just survive.
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3. Freedom: The Power of Choice
Freedom is about having options—where and how you spend your time, what projects you take on, and what you say yes (or no) to. It’s the autonomy to integrate “work” into life in a way that complements rather than consumes. Freedom is the foundation of a life on your terms.
4. Financial Stability: A Strong Foundation
Financial stability is crucial, especially as we transition from traditional corporate roles. It’s less about chasing arbitrary financial milestones and more about creating a reliable income that allows you to design life without fear of financial strain. For many of us, this still means replacing our corporate income so we have both flexibility and security to enjoy life fully. Financial stability supports the whole framework, giving us the peace of mind to focus on wellness, happiness, and freedom.
Why This Matters for GenXers
GenXers have given decades to building corporate careers, often at the cost of our own happiness and health. Many of us are ready for a change but need practical support to make it happen. This framework helps us reclaim time, energy, and control, aligning with values we’ve held for years—independence, resilience, and a desire for a fulfilling life outside corporate confines.
And while this journey is aspirational, it’s also grounded. Replacing income is a priority, but there’s so much more to build upon once that foundation is secure. A life defined by happiness, wellness, freedom, and financial stability isn’t just possible; it’s within reach.
Ready to Redefine Your Life?
Let's explore what these pillars mean for you. Join me in The Escapee Collective, a free Slack community and connect with others on this journey. Link: The Escapee Collective?
KPI Improvement ?? "Harnessing KPIs for strategic growth" I help enterprises achieve accelerated growth through a structured approach to performance improvement
3 周Love the framework - can relate to each one as defining elements to achieve the lifestyle we desire!
Helping Clients Achieve Growth with Strategic Marketing
3 周First-time GenX escapee here, a few months into my journey, and honestly, the hardest part so far has been redefining what a “typical” day looks like. Maybe there isn’t supposed to be one—LOL. But it's comforting to know that others are navigating the same path and working toward something more intentional. I am glad to be part of a community that's striving for life beyond the corporate grind.
Data science leader, creator of generative AI tools, and keynote speaker | I help companies create innovative, data-driven solutions that generate ROI
4 周I really like this viewpoint. For so long GenX has worked under the idea that it is all about climbing the corporate ladder, prioritizing income over the first 3 on this list. And companies were only too happy to take advantage of that. Until recently, at least, when corporate decided to start letting go of the older workforce to try and boost their stock prices.