Following the Path of My Soul: Why I Left My Corporate Job Behind

Are you considering leaving your corporate job? With the “Great Resignation” movement, this is becoming more common so you may already feel like you’re ready to make a change.

Many people want to leave a corporate job for a simpler life, to be more fulfilled. This is the story of why I left my corporate job.

Why I Left My Corporate Job

Have you ever had a knowing so deep, without explanation, that you simply followed?

This is how I left my corporate job. This is how I left everything behind that had been known for 24 years, the security of corporate life and all of the benefits that came with it. It sounded crazy to many of those around me, but I knew in my soul it wasn’t for me any longer. This was no longer my purpose.

I spent my adult life up until this point working in the world of corporate retail. Knowing from a young age that I wanted to work in the world of fashion as an apparel buyer, I built a solid foundation for a successful career doing what was aligned with my heart.

I poured everything into my career over the years—working around the clock when I needed to and focusing on my personal growth and the teams around me. At times, parts of myself were definitely lost in the hustle, but it was worth it at the time.

This career path introduced me to many incredible people, some of whom have been members of my soul family throughout their lifetimes and are a great source of support and inspiration in this lifetime. I traveled the world for inspirational shopping and sourcing products. I got paid to see the world and shop b. This was every woman’s dream job—why would I ever want to leave?

Corporate life was no longer fulfilling; it was no longer my purpose.

Insights After I Left My Corporate Job

There have been many beautiful learnings throughout this transitional journey, however, there are two that stand out the most:

The first lesson was learning to embody the beauty and essence of taking intuitive action—to go against the norm and follow your soul.

When we are guided by the whispers within and without a need to control the outcome or understand the “why,” taking this leap forward is what it looks like to embrace your intuition. That “knowing,” or gut instinct, is the quintessence of intuition leading the way. When we can surrender to the stillness, listen to the whispers of the soul, and trust this guidance—this is where the magic unfolds. We can be open to infinite possibilities.

Does this mean it is easy or stress-free? Absolutely not. The unknown almost always feels scary and takes you out of your comfort zone.

In the depths of my spiritual awakening, I received an insight after a psychedelic ceremony in 2021 that I would be leaving the corporate space in two years. I knew the path of service was my new purpose. I had no idea how or how this path would be illuminated. This message always stayed in the back of my mind, but I let go of the “how.”

In 2022, it was shown to me during an ayahuasca ceremony that I wasn’t going to move at that time for my career. Four months later, I was given the option to move cities and keep my job or leave and lose it. It didn’t require contemplation—I chose to leave the comfort of the career I had built. Following the inner guidance and making the decision was easy. What came next was more difficult.

Who am I now?

The second lesson in leaving corporate life was learning to detach from the identity that was built around my role. Have you ever contemplated who you are without the titles we give ourselves in the worldly roles—the mom, sister, wife, vice president, etc? Do you ever simply sit and consider who you are without any of these descriptions? An unveiling occurs during a major life transition, such as leaving a corporate job or divorce, for example.

Throughout life experiences, we are given these titles, take on these identities, and tend to become these “things.” When, in fact, we are not any of these things at the essence of our true being. Without these titles and labels, we are called to confront the depths of our existence and navigate the journey of self-discovery with courage and grace.

In the process of going within to understand this, we are guided toward authenticity and, ultimately, liberation—to be connected to who you are at the core. I invite you to spend time in meditation, journaling, or simply reflecting on this topic.

This was, perhaps, the most challenging part of the process throughout my journey. The unraveling of who I believed I was. The shedding of the layers to understand who I was without anyone needing decisions made or considered “important.” Who was I without the emails, meetings, presentations, and so on? Everything I had believed in for the last 24 years was lost. This process took time to work through on a mental and emotional level—to understand who I was and find value in that.

What to Consider Before Leaving a Corporate Job

There is an awakening happening in those considering leaving a corporate job for a simpler life and break free from the constraints of the corporate world, whether it is for more freedom to design their lives differently or to follow a greater purpose. Many are shifting towards prioritizing personal fulfillment and want to restore harmony and balance in their lives.

This movement is fueled by burnout and frustration with the traditional workplace structures that are becoming outdated. While my own decision may have seemed impulsive, I had time to consider many factors.

You may ask yourself, “How do I prepare to quit my corporate job?”. There is no best way to quit a job, but there are steps that can make it easier. Through the lens of my own experience, below are recommended steps to take on how to navigate leaving corporate life:

• Self-reflection (the most important, in my opinion!). Take time to assess your goals, how do you want your life to look, what your short and long-term goals are, and what is next for you? The key here is ensuring that it aligns with your authentic self.
• Financial Impact. What does your current situation and budget look like? Create a plan that will support your transition financially with as little risk as possible.
• Exploration and Networking. Explore options and opportunities to support your transition and what is to come next. Consulting, freelance work, entrepreneurship, part-time roles—what can support the goals you designed through self-reflection? Build a network of peers, mentors, and contacts who can offer guidance and advice.
• Build a Support System. As you transition from your corporate job and unravel your identity, prepare to experience a range of thoughts and emotions. Consider setting up a personal practice such as meditation, yoga, or journaling that can help you navigate the waves. Ensure you have a strong support system around you for guidance and encouragement.
• Embrace Change. Trust that it is all working out for your highest and greatest good, and what is aligned with your path will be presented to you. There will be loads of uncertainty. Be open to new opportunities and possibilities—something may come to you that may not have been previously considered. This is where the magic can be found!

While it may not be for everyone, there is beauty to be found outside of the confines of the corporate world. Leaving a corporate job and forging a new path takes extreme courage, self-awareness, and faith. Faith in yourself and the unknown.

In Closing

If you are unsure of how to quit your job professionally and navigate the transition out of corporate life, let’s connect. From my own journey, I know the mindset shifts you may have experienced and the modalities that can best support you through this transition. I would love to offer my guidance and wisdom to you as you determine the best path for your journey.

Love, Always.
Jess