I always thought I’d eventually figure out a more flexible way to work. I just didn’t think it would come from getting laid off.

That part felt like a rollercoaster, even though I knew it was coming.

Life after corporate wasn’t relaxing or refreshing. It was mostly just stressful and uncertain. I kept trying to get back to what I knew, sending applications, thinking something would land. And then nothing really did.

At some point, I just got tired of forcing it.

I kept pushing to figure something out, and no matter how hard or creative I was, it just didn’t seem to move.

How I Ended Up Here After Corporate

A few months in, a friend connected me with someone running a recruiting agency from home. Different industry. No defined role. Definitely not what I pictured.

But I said yes because I didn’t really have a better option.

Now I work a few focused hours in the morning, and then I’m with my kids in the afternoon when the nanny leaves.

Some days it feels great. Some days it feels chaotic. Most days it’s a mix of both.

But it’s the first time in a long time where I actually have more time with my kids.

Why I Didn’t Go Back Full-Time

A dream opportunity came my way. It was even cooler than my last role. But it required a long commute four days a week.

If I didn’t have a family, I would’ve said yes. But the thought of only seeing them for an hour a day just didn’t feel right.

I didn’t hate corporate. I actually liked a lot of it, the people, the structure, the creative side of the industry. There were parts that were really good.

I was also lucky to be remote for the past seven years. After the layoff, I realized how limited those kinds of flexible roles actually are.

I tried to get them to flex. It didn’t work. So I missed out.

What’s Actually Different in My Life After Corporate

It’s not like everything is magically better.

I still work. I still have pressure. I still fear that I took a detour in my career that will be hard to come back from.

But I also have, more time with kids, not just rushed dinner and bath routines. I’m no longer chained to a desk for 8 hours a day which honestly has been better for my body.

And the constant stress of not being the always on-it class mom has eased up.

The Trade-Offs

The income isn’t as consistent, which definitely took some getting used to.

Some weeks feel really solid, other weeks feel like… nothing is happening. And yeah, I’ve had moments where I spiral a bit and think, should I just go back?

There are also days where I have to shift my schedule to match normal working hours, which isn’t always easy without full-time childcare.

What’s helped (a little) is loosening my expectations around what progress is supposed to look like.

Lately it’s been more like:

Did I learn something today?
Did I make any kind of progress?

That’s it.

A lot of this overlaps with what I wrote in my 40 things I’ve learned about living well…just redefining what actually counts.

The Part I Didn’t Expect

Some days, part-time work actually feels busier than full-time. Like when work is busy and I’m still checking in here and there while I’m with my kids.

I’m really grateful for the extra time with them, but it’s also harder in some ways.

This schedule has also opened up more time to actually connect with people locally. I’m at the park more, walking around the neighborhood, talking to people I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with before.

And I’ve really enjoyed that part.

Where I’ve Landed (For Now)

I don’t think part-time work is the answer for everyone.

And I don’t even know if it’s my forever plan. But right now, it’s working for this season of life.

And that feels like enough.

If You’re Trying to Figure Out Work and Life Right Now

If you’re in that weird, in-between phase, between jobs, juggling kids, not totally sure what your next move is, it’s okay. It’s a messy phase.

You probably won’t have a clear plan right away. I definitely didn’t.

But giving yourself a little space to figure things out, take chances on things you wouldn’t normally consider, and let it unfold matters.

It might take longer than you expected.

But things do have a way of working themselves out.

If you’re starting to question whether corporate still makes sense for your life, I put together a few of the resources and things that helped me navigate that transition here.