Career change: Left the corporate grind to freelance and see my kids

1d ago1 min read

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.

8 comments166 views

Comments(8)

GGarrettNew Dad22h ago

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.

MMarco R.New Dad1d ago

Respect for making that call. A lot of guys talk about it but don't actually do it. The money hit sucks I'm sure but you're getting something way more valuable. How are your kids reacting to having you around more?

KKevin M.New Dad1d ago

This is what I needed to read right now. Still stuck in the corporate grind wondering if the money is worth missing everything. Curious how you made the financial side work with freelancing.

DDanny M.New Dadjust now

Did you have a good runway of savings before you jumped or did you just go for it? Always wonder how people manage that transition smoothly.

BBrandonRegular22h ago

10 years grinding and finally pulling the trigger. That takes guts. Are you finding that the flexibility is worth the hit to the paycheck, or are you still adjusting to that part?

MMiguelRegular19h ago

This is the dream right here. 10 years in the corporate grind sounds exhausting. How's the adjustment been going from that pace to actually being present? That's a massive shift.

MMiguelRegular18h ago

The 60 hour weeks are brutal. I still do them sometimes and I hate how it cuts into everything. Did freelancing actually give you the flexibility you wanted or did it just trade one stress for another?

GGarrettNew Dad14h ago

Making that jump takes guts. Corporate was killing you though, sounds like it. Is the freelance money enough or are you still struggling to feel financially stable?