Building the Pivot in Public
I did everything right.
I got an engineering degree, went into the technology industry, climbed the ladder, and now make pretty good money—more than I ever expected. And yet here I am, at the top of that ladder, with two under two, questioning everything.
I have a beautiful home on two acres, two healthy children, a wonderful husband, and a prosperous career. I’m living the American dream. And because of that, it feels embarrassing—and ungrateful—to say that I’m discontent.
I want more than anything to spend quality time with my children. But there’s more to it than that. I crave more creativity, intention, and connection in my day-to-day life. I’ve noticed this same undercurrent in conversations with other women, too. In a world of overabundance—where we’re constantly sold the idea that more money or more stuff will fix what feels off—we’re starting to realize, collectively, that it doesn’t work. So we find ourselves unfulfilled, yet trapped by our success, our lifestyle, and a little bit of fear.
When Doing Everything Right Still Feels Wrong
I can’t, in good conscience, quit my job tomorrow and start over doing something I think might be more fulfilling. Our life isn’t set up to support that. Our mortgage is too high, and we’d be living paycheck to paycheck—if not worse. I hear two voices constantly: the one that wants freedom, and the one that feels deeply responsible for our family. But I also know I can’t continue on my current path. I want more from my life.
Seeing other women speak openly about their career crises and torn feelings helped me realize I wasn’t alone—even though our paths forward will look different. That realization is what led me here. I’ve decided to share, publicly and honestly, how I’m navigating the process of reclaiming my life, pivoting in my career, and slowly stepping off the hamster wheel I’m currently on.
Why I’m Not Quitting, But Also Not Staying the Same
I’m not quitting my stable, well-paying job in the IT sector—at least not yet. What I have realized is that full-time work, filled with back-to-back meetings and unexpected deadlines, no longer supports my life or my nervous system. I want a slower pace, less rush, and more meaning. I need more autonomy and flexibility so I can better support my kids—maybe even homeschool one day.
While I don’t need to make as much money as I do now, I still need to bring in income. So I’m giving myself a two-year timeline to figure things out, transition intentionally, and build what I think of as my phase two. I’m not hustling. I’m not trying to go viral. I’m taking practical steps—carefully, slowly, and without burning myself out.
What a Slow, Intentional Pivot Looks Like for Me
That compromise looks like this: over the next two years, I’m building a small business focused on website design and development, part-time, alongside my full-time job. I’m also making changes to better align my lifestyle with my values—shifting away from overconsumption, reducing spending, and learning to live more simply on less. I’m focusing on what brings me joy, lowers stress, and improves my health, without cramming more into my schedule or mental load.
This is my journey, documented and shared in public.
Why I’m Sharing This in Public
I’m at the very beginning. I don’t have it figured out. I’m not at the finish line selling a course or presenting a polished formula. I’m sharing my thoughts, my plans, and the wins and losses as they happen.
Why share publicly? Because hearing other women name this tension—between motherhood, meaningful work, and financial stability—made me feel less alone and less ashamed. I felt seen when I heard people describe the so-called “Great Millennial Career Crisis”: doing everything right, only to ask, Is this all there is? I’m sharing my path through those same questions in the hope that this becomes a small, welcoming corner of the internet where people can connect around shared values and lived experience.
I’m pivoting in my mid-30s, with two young toddlers and a full-time job. If you’re craving a change that better aligns with your values—a slower, more intentional way of living and working, with more time for what truly matters—I hope you’ll join me.
You aren’t too late. I refuse to believe that.
I’ll keep documenting this slowly and honestly, in a way that supports the life I’m building. And if you’re building something quietly, too, you’re welcome here. I’d love to cheer you on in your own unique journey.
