Career change: Left the corporate grind to freelance and see my kids
Spent 10 years climbing the ladder at a big firm. Making great money but working 60 hour weeks and missing everything. Missed my oldest's first day of school because of a meeting. That was the moment. Took the leap into freelancing 2 years ago and yeah the paycheck is smaller but I'm home by 3pm most days. My stress is lower, my kids actually know me now, I'm present. Some days the income anxiety hits hard and I wonder if I made a mistake. But then my 6 year old asks if I can pick her up from school and I remember why I did it. Gave up status and money for time and that was the right call.
I respect anyone who can walk away from the corporate ladder. Sounds like you made the right call for your family. The time with your kids beats those extra zeros on a paycheck.