Got out of a toxic career and never looked back

6d ago1 min read

Spent 10 years climbing the corporate ladder at a place that was slowly killing me. Chest pains, not sleeping, snapping at my family. When my son was born I realized I wanted to actually remember his childhood instead of being a zombie in meetings. Quit and started consulting part time. Take home way less money but I get to coach his soccer and we eat dinner together most nights. Financially it's tight but my mental health is like night and day. I miss the title and the paycheck sometimes but never miss the person I was turning into.

6 comments149 views

Comments(6)

BBrett M.New Dad5d ago

Seriously props for making that move. A lot of guys stay because they feel trapped but you actually did something about it. That takes guts. What's the new gig like?

CChristopherNew Dad6d ago

Ten years is a long time to carry that weight. As a new dad myself, I can already tell my son doesn't care about my career ladder, just that I'm here and not stressed out all the time.

NNathanNew Dad6d ago

That chest pain moment hits different when you realize your kids need you healthy and present more than they need your job title. Glad you made the leap for them and yourself.

JJoe R.New Dad6d ago

Props for recognizing it before it got worse. The snapping at family part really resonates, that's usually the first sign the job is taking too much.

RRick M.Regular5d ago

This hits home. I was in that corporate grind for years and didn't realize how much it was affecting me until I was already out. Kids need their dad present, not stressed to the max. Glad you made the jump.

LLuke M.Regular5d ago

Ten years is a long time to stay somewhere that's making you physically sick. Respect for getting out. The chest pains are your body telling you what your brain already knew. How are you feeling now that you're out?