The Path Less Traveled: How I Built a Career That Didn’t Exist

Growing up, I always believed success had a clear path: go to college, get a degree, land a stable corporate job, and climb the ladder. I was the first in my family to attend university, and I was determined to make my mark.

But beyond personal success, I carried something else—a family name with no one to pass it on. My paternal grandparents had only one son—my father—and I am his only child. Knowing I would be the last to carry my name made me feel both a responsibility and an invitation to build something meaningful.

I worked hard, graduated early with highest honors, and eagerly stepped into the professional world—only to realize that the traditional 9-to-5 wasn’t meant for me.

The Wake-Up Call

My first job out of college? Sitting in a small, gray office, working alongside people decades ahead of me in their careers. The work was steady, and I was grateful for the opportunity, but I struggled to envision a future for myself in that role.

I switched to sales, thinking it would be a better fit. It was fast-paced and dynamic, but something still felt off. I found myself constantly wondering, "Is this the right path for me?"

I had done everything right, yet I felt completely uncertain about my future. The world seemed to be telling me: "You’re not cut out for this."

Taking a Different Route

With no clear direction, I did something unexpected: I started babysitting on nights and weekends. It wasn’t glamorous, but something clicked. For the first time, I wasn’t just working for a paycheck—I was helping families, creating order out of chaos, making a tangible impact.

What started as a side hustle became a full-time career as a nanny, and eventually, a house manager for high-net-worth families. My work expanded to include traveling on private jets, managing estates, and coordinating luxury events.

It wasn’t the career I had imagined, but it was one where I excelled.

From Service to Leadership

However, I knew I didn’t want to be chasing toddlers forever. I started to notice a gap in the domestic staffing industry—families needed a high-touch, consultative approach to hiring their household staff. And private service professionals? They needed advocacy, education, and guidance in an industry that often left them on their own.

I realized: "If this service doesn’t exist the way it should, why not build it myself?"

So, I took the leap. I built a website, registered my company, and set out to redefine household staffing.

Year one? Zero revenue.

Year two? In the red, savings dwindling.

Every logical sign told me to turn back—but I couldn’t shake the vision.

Steve Harvey once said: "Everyone in life has a turn-back moment. You have a moment where you can go forward or give up."

I decided I wouldn’t give up.

Building Something That Lasts

Fast forward to today:

? My clients include professional athletes, entertainers, and CEOs.

? My business has grown to the point where I’ve hired my own internal team.

? I’m not just placing household staff—I’m shaping an industry, educating families, and advocating for professionals in private service.

Strangely, I’ve come full circle. I wanted a career that blended hospitality, education, and leadership—and now, I have exactly that.

Lessons from the Path Less Traveled

Many people measure success by titles and traditional career paths. But what I’ve learned is:

? Success isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from detours.

? Being “bad” at one job doesn’t mean you’re bad at all jobs. It just means you haven’t found the right fit yet.

? If an opportunity doesn’t exist, create it. Some of the most rewarding careers aren’t found—they’re built.

The path I chose isn’t common. It wasn’t easy. But it’s uniquely mine.

What Will Be Your Legacy?

I started this journey thinking about my family name, my impact, and what I would leave behind.

Now, I’m not worried about whether my last name continues—I’m focused on building something that matters.

And so, I’ll leave you with this question:

What will be your legacy?

About Alison Ganko & My Household Managed

Alison Ganko is the founder of My Household Managed, a premier domestic staffing agency serving Chicago, Palm Beach, and Miami. Drawing from her background as a house manager and private service professional, Alison built a company that redefines household staffing by offering a high-touch, consultative approach to hiring household staff.

To learn more about My Household Managed and how they connect families with top-tier private service professionals, visit:

https://myhouseholdmanaged.com/