I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about my corporate career—what I did, why I left, and what life has been like since that transition.
A year ago, I was a social media manager for a tech company. I had been working in that field for about seven to eight years and genuinely enjoyed it. I’ve always loved social media—it’s such a powerful way to share your message and connect with people.
But deep down, I always knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and a writer. That dream has been bubbling inside me for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly writing little stories to read to my classmates—cute fairy tales and whimsical adventures. As I got older, I dove into fanfiction (as I mentioned in a previous video), and that love for storytelling eventually led me to pursue an English degree.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder (While Dreaming of Writing)
After graduating, I was laser-focused on getting into corporate, making money, and paying off my student loans. That was the top priority—stability, financial independence, and building a career.
I ended up working in marketing and public relations, refining my skills and eventually specializing in social media management. I got really good at it, and for years, it was my world. But I always knew I wanted to leave corporate someday—especially when I became a mom.
When I married my husband, he was 100% supportive of my decision to step away—not just to be a stay-at-home mom but to fully pursue my dream of becoming a writer. That support meant everything. It wasn’t just about having the financial means to make it happen—it was about having a partner who believed in me, championed my big dreams, and encouraged me to go all in.
Making the Leap: When to Quit Corporate?
The big question was: when? Would I leave corporate while pregnant, or would I wait until after the baby was born?
We sat down, crunched the numbers, and ultimately decided I would stay in corporate until after maternity leave. I returned to work temporarily, just to maximize my income for a few more months. (Would I recommend this approach? Not necessarily—it was just the best financial decision for us at the time.)
Finally, in March 2024, I officially left corporate. My last day was March 1st, and from March 2nd onward, I was my own boss. It was a huge shift—suddenly, I was balancing full-time motherhood with full-time writing. And let me tell you, the transition wasn’t as seamless as I expected.
The Biggest Challenges of Leaving Corporate
Going from a structured corporate environment to complete self-direction was harder than I had anticipated.
In corporate, you’re constantly on someone else’s clock, chasing deadlines and working toward someone else’s vision. But once I quit corporate, I had total control over my schedule. For someone who thrives on structure, this shift was tough. I struggled with redefining productivity and success outside of a traditional work setting.
One of the biggest adjustments? Letting go of the “always on” mindset.
In PR and social media, you’re always available. Your phone is glued to your hand. Emails at 5 AM? Normal. Crisis calls at 3 AM? Also normal. Then, suddenly, I was in a world where I could leave my phone in my office for most of the day. I wasn’t constantly on call—I was in control. It was liberating and disorienting.
I’ll explore this further in a future post about my digital detox, but this shift was eye-opening.
Slowing Down & Redefining Productivity
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this past year is how to slow down.
At first, I struggled with the idea that I wasn’t being “productive” every second of the day. But I’ve since adopted a new mantra:
Be present over being productive.
I’ve learned to embrace the moment—to focus on what’s happening right now instead of constantly pushing for the next thing. And honestly? It’s been life-changing.
Was Quitting Corporate Worth It?
For me, absolutely.
I know quitting corporate isn’t an option for everyone, and I recognize what a privilege it is to make this choice. But I also acknowledge the years of planning and hard work that went into making this transition possible. My husband and I spent years preparing for this, and his unwavering support has been my rock.
One year in, I have zero regrets—except that I wish I had given myself more grace in the beginning. I wish I had learned to slow down sooner and been more patient with myself.
Looking Ahead
As I head into this next year, my focus is clear:
- Give myself grace
- Be present over productive
- Take things slow
If you’re curious about the details—how to financially plan for quitting corporate, how to become a social media manager, or anything else about my journey—drop a comment or message me on Instagram or TikTok. I’m happy to share everything I’ve learned along the way!
Thank you so much for reading! 💛
Elizabeth Yuen 