Sis, you’ve been climbing for a long time. You followed the roadmap—worked hard, played the game, and shattered a few glass ceilings along the way. You’ve tackled the corporate ladder with grit and determination, reaching the upper rungs of management—maybe even the elusive C-suite. But now, after coming up on the rough side of the mountain, as you pause to take a breath at the summit, something unexpected happens. You’re tired. Burned out. Unfulfilled. And more than anything, you realize… you’re done. Walking away from corporate life is suddenly on the table.
Ambition with a Price
For many of us middle-aged mafiosas, the corporate ladder represents the fruits of years of hard work and ambition. Yet, according to Harvard Business Review, middle-aged women are more likely to feel “stuck” in their careers and less satisfied than their male counterparts in similar positions. The numbers tell the story: while women continue to break into executive roles, many report feelings of burnout and disengagement.
A 2022 Women in the Workplace study from McKinsey & Company and LeanIn showed that 42% of women in senior management roles are considering downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce altogether, with burnout being the number one driver. These women have worked tirelessly to make it to the top, only to discover that the hustle and grind of upper management serves long hours and unrealistic expectations – with a side of diminishing sense of purpose.
Walking Away From Corporate Life
There’s a certain power in saying, “This is no longer for me.” Very brave. Very revolutionary. Very mindful. 😉 First, take a moment to center yourself. Deep breath. Now repeat after me: The corporate gangsta in me sees the corporate gangsta in you. 🧘🏾♀️
All jokes aside, acknowledge how far you’ve come. You’ve done well. It took intelligence, drive, and resilience to get here, and you should be proud of that. Now, be equally proud of recognizing when something no longer serves you. Walking away from corporate life is a big transition. But you’re not quitting; you’re evolving.
Preparing for Your Transition
As you embark on this new chapter, remember to grant yourself grace and resist the urge to overthink your decision.
Designing Your Exit Strategy:
- Evaluate Your Finances: I’ve seen the corporate exit done a few ways, but ideally, you want to avoid disrupting your financial stability. Assess your savings, assets, retirement plans, and create a transition timeline that makes sense. Determine how much financial runway you’ll need to comfortably shift gears.
- Explore Your Passions: What would you do if the paycheck wasn’t a concern? Whether it’s consulting, starting your own business, freelancing, or something entirely different, this is your chance to create a career that aligns with who you are now—not who you were when you first started climbing that corporate ladder.
- Set Boundaries: If stepping away immediately isn’t an option, start by setting boundaries in your current role. Ease up on those late-night emails and conference calls. Let your colleagues and supervisors know that you’re no longer willing to overextend yourself. Your free time is for rest—and planning your next move.
- Network Differently: You’ve spent years cultivating a network in corporate spaces, but it’s time to pivot. Start building a community of like-minded individuals who’ve taken—or are considering—the same step away from traditional career paths. Whether it’s online groups, forums, or travel communities (shameless plug: my travel club is opening up membership soon 😉), these connections can be invaluable as you plot your next move.
- Take a Break: If possible, give yourself the gift of time off. Whether it’s a sabbatical or just a few weeks, you need time to recharge, reflect, and let your inner voice lead you. Spending time in nature—at a park or hiking trail—can help block out the noise and bring clarity to your next steps.
If You’re a Risk-Taker
Remember when I said I’ve seen the corporate exit done in different ways? Well, head-first is one of them. If you’re feeling froggy and ready to leap without a full plan—and can afford to absorb the risk—do it. Some of us do our best work when there’s urgency. YOLO, right? 😎 This is your transition. Do what’s best for you.
Redefining What it Means to Be “Rich”
Yes, money matters. There’s no denying that. But true wealth goes beyond your bank account. It’s about satisfaction, peace, and the freedom to design a life you love. If your corporate career no longer offers that, it’s not just okay to walk away—it’s wise.
You are far more than the title on your email signature or the size of your office. Success is whatever you define it to be. So, if walking away from a stressful corporate life is the plan, set a date and make it happen. Cheers to all the fierce middle-aged women rewriting their stories. 🥂
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