My Next Chapter: The Pursuit of My (and Others') Happiness

Sometimes life presents us the opportunity to reevaluate our paths and redefine our priorities. After thirty plus years as an executive in the finance, business & technology consulting world, I left the rat ?? race three years ago in order to live a simpler life. The move was prompted by being let go by my company during the COVID pandemic, due to a slump in sales results. But in my heart, it had been brewing for months and they did me a favor (though it was not obvious at the time). I no longer had the desire to compete for wealth or money and had grown very weary of "building my personal brand". The demands of the job, continually training others, and ever-evolving technologies often left me exhausted and uninspired.

The change was easy at first as I threw myself into launching my own business, something I thought I would never do, having become very reliant on a steady paycheck. My husband, who had always been a small business owner, was my greatest supporter, quick to point out the benefits of working for yourself.

Shedding the Corporate Identity.

Soon after I started struggled with having shed my corporate identity. I saw friends and peers continue to climb the corporate ladder and wondered had I made a mistake? I compared myself to them constantly, happy, yet envious of their success.

The issue I was struggling with is that I had come to define myself by my job. I had been so busy succeeding at work, I had failed to carve out space to do things other than work, or even figure out what those things should be.

Once I was no longer a rat ?? looking for my reward of a piece of cheese ??, who was I?

The problem with our current work culture is that work takes our best time, our best hours, and our best energy, leaving very little for anything else.

I decided I would start my own real estate business, based purely on my interest in real estate investing and home design. I put my business skills to work and dove head first into making the business a success, just as I had done in the corporate world. I decided I would define myself as a successful Realtor, so that's what I set out to do.

Finding Happy. ??

A funny thing happened along the way. I was able to build a business I was proud of, but I barely paid attention to the monetary rewards. I found myself intensely motivated by simply making my clients happy. And the happier I made them, the more my business grew, and the more people I could make happy.

And it took a fraction of the time it did for me in the corporate world! I was no longer bogged down by other people's agendas, meetings and priorities. I had time to do what I wanted, when I wanted, with who I wanted. And that meant a lot more time with my family and friends. Now, when I'm on an airplane ??, I'm on holiday instead of on my way to a business meeting!

Personal and Financial Freedom.

Leaving a way of life in which people are caught up in a competitive struggle for wealth and power was completely freeing for me. I was free to learn about an entirely new industry, which re-ignited my passion for business and reset my focus.

I focused on running a business that helped people find happiness. And in the end, I found happiness myself, a LOT of it. I now have time for myself, my family and my friends and it's been transformational. So much so, that I want to share it with others. I realized that I was able to start my own business and gain freedom due to my knowledge of finance gained from my corporate career (and my incredibly support network of friends and family). Yet many people lack the personal finance knowledge required to set them up for success. I now want to share my knowledge with others to empower them to gain confidence and control of their finances.

The Next Chapter.

I'm thrilled to announce a new chapter in my life that I believe can also add value to others. I have embarked on an exciting journey of launching my own small business – a personal finance blog called Live Richly, designed to help individuals and families, including women and children, navigate the path to a rich and stress-free life.

My mission is simple: to give others the tools to alleviate financial stress, and increase leisure and family time. Through my Live Richly blog , I aim to teach effective money management strategies that will bring clarity, confidence, and control over people's financial life, ultimately leading to personal and financial freedom.

I am by no means the first or the last person to have this realization. There is a growing trend among professionals seeking more meaningful work-life integration. And here's why:

1. Pursuing Happiness through Leisure and Family Time: After decades in a high-pressure environment, prioritizing personal happiness and wellbeing becomes paramount. By running a small business, I have more control over my schedule, allowing for quality time with my family and for leisure activities that recharge my batteries. I can blend personal and professional responsibilities according to my values and needs. I get to attend all of my daughter's activities (who knows how long she will let me do that for!) from school events to theatre practices and girl scout adventures.
2. Empowering Others to Follow Suit: Hopefully my decision to leave a corporate role to pursue a more balanced life can serve as an inspiration to others who may feel trapped in high-stress jobs. By sharing my journey, I hope others consider alternatives that might lead to more fulfilling careers and lives.
3. Shedding Corporate Identity and Rediscovering Passions: In a corporate setting, one's identity can become closely tied to their role and the company. Stepping away offers a chance to shed this identity and rediscover personal passions and interests that might have been sidelined. Last month I took a week to myself and traveled to Utah to do nothing but indulge my passion for researching my family tree - a luxury I would never have afforded myself during my corporate career.
4. Learning About Myself and a New Industry: Starting a small business in a new field provides a steep learning curve – not just about the industry, but also about myself. It’s a journey of self-discovery, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and new interests - perfect for people like myself who aim to be life-long learners.
5. Creating a New Professional Identity: As I delve into new industries, I'm not just learning about the business; I'm also crafting a new professional identity that aligns more closely with my personal values and life goals. My business becomes a reflection of my values and vision, which offers a unique sense of fulfillment.
6. Mental Health and Wellbeing: This career shift has lead to improvements in my personal and financial wellbeing. I am soooo much more focused now on spending simply and investing wisely, because I am focused on making sound financial decisions that will provide my family and I financial freedom.

Financial Freedom.

Financial freedom means living the life you want supported by your savings and investments. Being financially independent can give you the power to take control of your time and the freedom to choose how you spend it.

Remember, career fulfillment and personal happiness don't always follow a traditional path. By embracing change and pursuing a life more aligned with my values and passions, I found happiness.

Live Richly. Find Happy.

What does Living Richly Mean to You? Define your rich life and find out how to make it a reality.

Help Me Help Others.

I would be honored to have your support as I grow this passion project. Here’s how you can help:

• Visit my blog and explore the insights I've shared.
• Provide your valuable feedback on what resonates with you.
• Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on the latest tips and tools.
• Download the free budget template to kickstart your journey.
• Stay tuned for news on upcoming courses aimed at teaching our kids the fundamentals of personal finance early on.