Twelve years ago today I quit my job.
My youngest daughter was starting kindergarten. My eldest was growing up fast — and she was already sad that I was away so much.
I was the Atlantic Canada Manager of Investments for Great-West Life. A big title. A big job. A big amount of time spent away from my family.
And on paper, everything looked perfect.
But inside? I was unravelling.
I felt I was missing too much.
And I knew if I didn’t make a change, I’d blink — and miss all of it.
So, I made the leap.
I left corporate. I left the “security.” I left the well-worn path.
And this morning — on my daily walk — I passed by my girls’ old elementary school, just as the sidewalks filled with parents, kids in backpacks, dogs on leashes, strollers, and the beautiful chaos of school drop-off.
I felt every emotion at once.
Because my daughter is graduating now
And I was there — for the moments that matter.
Because I chose a different way.
No, it hasn’t always been easy.
Butit has been worth it.
Self-employment isn’t the easy path — it’s the intentional one.
It gave me more than just flexibility — it gave me presence.
And I’m so grateful to my former self for taking that leap. For trusting that there was another way to live, work, and show up.
If you’re at a crossroads today — wondering if the trade-offs are worth it — I hope this gives you a little nudge to listen to that voice inside you.
She might be asking for something more.
And she might be right.
Yours in Good Financial Health,
April
Money Coach, Fractional CFO, Mom, and Professional Leap-Taker
