Money: Check. || Career: Check. || Health: ...?

You’ve done it all—the big job, the impressive salary, the financial milestones. But let’s be honest: is it really cutting it anymore? The grind to achieve financial security was supposed to feel rewarding, but now it feels more like a golden cage.

You’re successful, but there’s that nagging question you can’t ignore anymore: What else is there?

It’s Always About Money, Until It Isn’t

For years, you’ve been chasing financial success. It was the goal, the measure of worth. But now, despite hitting those numbers, there’s a deeper itch. The fear of losing that security keeps you in the same cycle—doing more of what you’re good at, but not what excites you.

You don’t have to let go of security, but you can’t ignore the truth any longer: financial success alone isn’t enough.

The Silent Cost of Chasing Financial Security

What we all do not want to admit—yet know deep down—is that the pursuit of financial security has been costly in other ways. Soured relationships. Not being present with aging parents, your children or your spouse. Or, having a health issue, for that matter.

That fire you used to feel for your work, faded. Sure, the money’s good, but how much is it costing you in well-being, purpose, and personal fulfillment?

Security is great, but when it becomes the anchor holding you back, it’s time for a shift.

So, What Now? Re-defining Success on Your Terms

There invariably comes a time -- if you are willing to admit to yourself, and you are introspective -- you must rethink what success means. I am not saying financial security does not matter.

Our current state of consciousness (or programming) has brought us to this. We start looking externally again for meaning and purpose.

What if you could achieve the impact you dream about without burning everything to the ground?

How do you find that fire again? How you start making that shift —without losing everything you’ve built?

5 Simple Steps to START Reconnecting with YOUR Purpose

None of this is rocket science. But then again, common sense is not common practice either. You just have to take one little action in this direction. After all, you are where you are based on this little choices and actions to you took all your life.

1. Must Explore What Really Drives You: This isn’t some abstract question about life’s purpose. Think about what, say, in your corporate career, gave you the most satisfaction. What lit you up? What made you feel like you were doing something important? Start there.
2. Strategic Financial Flexibility: Our notion of financial security is all flawed. We have been programmed to live this way. "Education" > Job > Save > Retire. And then? Poor unconscious habits, auto pilot behaviors, living a five-senses life invariably leads to poor relationships, ill-health in many forms, and then we start looking for that purpose. While we all need to live, how we live is -- I daresay -- more important than what we do. You can find ways -- with expert help -- to help you to transition purposefully without the pressure of an all-or-nothing leap.
3. Leverage What You Already Have: Here’s where you have an advantage. Your corporate skills—strategic thinking, leadership, decision-making—they’re not wasted. In fact, they’re what give you a head start as an entrepreneur. Use them to build a business or a project that’s aligned with your values. Grab the little book called IKIGAI. It will help you get started on some introspective work and help you find an 'external' purpose that is aligned with you!
4. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Thinking: Who said you must go all in from day one? Start small. Test an idea with a pilot project or consult with a small team. This reduces risk and gives you the confidence to scale up when you’re ready. Having spoken with over 400 start-up founders in the past 8 years, I can tell you this: about 80% of them have a solution looking for a problem. As may be obvious, that is just backwards. There is nothing like starting! And start by solving a real problem!
5. Build a Network of People Who Get It: You don’t have to go solo. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who’ve transitioned from high-level corporate roles to something more purposeful. They’ve faced the same fears, the same questions—learn from them. I truly wish I had done that 20 years ago when I started my lonely journey into entrepreneurship.

NOTE: Look for an upcoming juicy 3-part podcast episode where Caroline Buxton Avinger Jennifer Murphy and I discuss our own trepidations and fears of leaving the corporate world!

You Can Have Both—Security and Fulfillment

There’s no rule that says you must choose between financial security and living a life that feels meaningful. The first step is simply recognizing that more money isn’t the solution. Instead, it is time to re-define what success means for you:

Money? Check.

Career? Check.

Purpose? Let’s work on that.

Are you ready to explore what’s next? Reach out for a complimentary session with me. Link in my Bio.