What I Gained by Letting Go of the 9–5 Hustle
What happens when your dream career and your dream of being a present parent start to clash? For years, I juggled both—chasing ambitious goals in fast-paced startups while raising two little ones at home. I believed that with enough planning and willpower, I could manage both worlds. But when I hit a major life transition, I realized something had to shift. This is the story of how I chose to slow down—not because I couldn’t keep up, but because I wanted to show up differently for myself and my family.
The Past: Startups, Success, and Stretching Too Thin
Early in my career, I left the big corporate world at Roche. I was eager to do work that felt meaningful, not spend my days stuck in slow processes and internal politics. Startups gave me the adrenaline I craved—a chance to be hands-on, solve tough problems, and work closely with a small team toward a common goal.
Sure, there were trade-offs: less pay, no 401K, fewer benefits, and more responsibility. But as someone wired to achieve, that all felt worth it. Even after becoming a mom, I believed I could do both—build a fulfilling career and raise a happy family.
And I did. But it wasn’t seamless.
Between daycare drop-offs, early morning work calls, and vacation days that weren’t really vacations, I started noticing cracks. Guilt crept in—over missed pickups, rushed dinners, and emotionally drained evenings where my husband and I had nothing left to say but logistics. I took that guilt silently, but it was there.
The Turning Point: When Letting Go Opened New Doors
When I lost my job, it hit hard. After weeks of applying to roles that didn’t excite me and interviews that felt superficial, I knew something had shifted. That’s when we decided to support my husband’s overseas career move and relocate to Singapore as a family.
I gave up a full-time opportunity and took on flexible consulting work instead. Why? Because at that moment, I wasn’t just navigating a career—I was juggling everything—from prepping our house for rent, selling cars, and researching schools, to caring for a baby and toddler on my own while my husband settled into his new role in Singapore.
Oddly enough, working part-time felt like a luxury. It became a few hours just for me—to stay connected with the field I love, but on my own terms.
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| Before vs. After Slowing Down: A simple comparison of how my priorities and time shifted after choosing a more intentional lifestyle. |
The Present: Finding Freedom, Focus, and Fulfillment
Growing Myself Again
Slowing down didn't mean stepping away from growth—it gave me the space to grow in ways I had long postponed. With both kids now in school, I work during the day and occasionally in the quiet evenings. But more importantly, I’ve reclaimed time for myself.
I started learning again—diving into online courses and attending events that reignited my curiosity. I picked up long-delayed interests, explored new tools, and began building projects that genuinely excite me.
Most unexpectedly, I began exercising again after a four-year pause. The progress has been slow, but steady. With each step, I feel stronger, more grounded, and more connected to my body.
Even in my relationship, this shift brought clarity. My husband and I now share quiet moments again—talking about our future, laughing over small things, and reconnecting in ways we had missed. In this new rhythm, I’ve found not just balance, but renewal.
Parenting With Presence
Slowing down has helped me parent with more presence. Kids mirror our energy—when I was constantly rushing, they reflected that. Now, I catch the little things. Like my daughter’s awkward pencil grip. Instead of brushing past it, we sit down together. I gently guide her hand, show her how to draw circles and lines. She beams when she draws a monster with eyes and legs—and I’m there to celebrate it. These are the small, meaningful moments I used to miss in the chaos of work and routines. Now, I’m present for them.
How We Travel Now
We’ve also embraced slow travel. One or two stops a day, not five in a day. We linger at waterfalls, spend long afternoons watching the kids play, and let curiosity—not the clock—lead the way. We’ve learned to value depth over breadth, allowing time to connect with each place instead of rushing through a checklist. We take breaks when the kids need them, follow their lead when they want to stop and explore something simple, and focus on creating shared memories rather than hitting every attraction. Traveling this way isn’t just easier with young kids—it’s more joyful, more meaningful, and better for all of us.
If You’re at a Crossroads
If you’re like me—driven, family-focused, and wondering if the 9–5 path still fits—it’s okay to pivot.
Try part-time work. Start something online. Make space for what matters most to you.
I stepped off the traditional career track, but I didn’t lose my purpose. I found a new kind of success—one that’s grounded in freedom, family, and fulfillment.
💬 Let’s Connect
Have you made a change like this? Thinking about one?
I’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment or come say hi on Instagram @drift2shift.
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