In March 2024, I did something both terrifying and exhilarating — I left behind an eight-year career in cybersecurity to chase a dream I’d been quietly nurturing for years: becoming a full-time romance writer.
It wasn’t an impulsive decision. It was one I’d thought about for years as I juggled career demands, personal dreams, and, eventually, the responsibilities of being a mother. But there’s a certain kind of clarity that comes when you realize that you’ve spent too much time waiting for the “perfect moment” to pursue your dreams. Sometimes, you have to create that moment yourself.
This is the story of how I went from managing social media accounts in the high-stakes world of cybersecurity to crafting magical love stories about witches, vampires, and fated mates.
The Corporate Chapter
Before becoming a writer, I spent eight years in cybersecurity, where I specialized in social media management. I know—social media in cybersecurity? It’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind. However, my role involved shaping the online presence of companies in an industry where trust and credibility are everything.
I wasn’t just scheduling posts. I was helping build a brand’s reputation, managing crises, and telling stories about complex topics like online safety and digital threats. I mentored new hires, took on extra responsibilities, and even gave presentations to other departments in social media training. It was challenging, fast-paced, and, at times, exhausting. But it also taught me crucial skills I now bring to my writing life:
- Storytelling — I learned how to craft a narrative, even when the subject matter was technical.
- Marketing — I understood the importance of knowing your audience and crafting content that speaks directly to them.
- Resilience — Crisis management taught me how to stay calm under pressure, something I now rely on when deadlines loom or creative doubt creeps in.
Why I Chose to Leave
So, why did I walk away from a stable, six-figure career? The truth is, I wanted more than a “good” job. I wanted meaning.
In 2023, I became a mother — a life-changing event that reshaped everything I thought I knew about time, priorities, and fulfillment. Suddenly, I didn’t want to spend 40+ hours a week solving other people’s problems. I wanted to build something of my own.
I knew I wanted to write. Not “someday,” but now. I’d been daydreaming about stories involving witches, vampires, and fated love for years. The idea of creating my own magical world felt like a calling I could no longer ignore. And honestly? Motherhood gave me the courage to take the leap.
With my husband’s support, I decided to step away from corporate life in March 2024. I became a full-time stay-at-home mom and an aspiring romance writer. It wasn’t easy. There were doubts. There were tears. But there was also hope — hope that, with patience and persistence, I could turn this dream into reality.
Building a New Routine
Going from a structured 9-to-5 job to the free-flowing world of writing sounds like a dream, but let me tell you — it’s not all sunshine and slow mornings. When you’re your own boss, you have to create your own structure.
I had a baby to care for, homemaking responsibilities, and a blank page staring back at me every morning. I knew if I wanted to succeed as a writer, I’d have to be intentional with my time. So I built a schedule that worked for my family:
- 6:00 AM — Breakfast and quiet writing time while the house is still asleep.
- 7:00 AM — Get myself and my child ready for the day.
- 8:00 AM — Workout class (because mental health is just as important as physical health).
- 9:30 AM — Child’s nap time = more writing time.
- Rest of the day — Homemaking, family time, and squeezing in more writing whenever possible.
This rhythm wasn’t perfect, but it gave me consistency. And consistency, more than talent or inspiration, is what actually leads to finished books.
I also relied on tools like the Daily Grind Planner, which helped me track both my writing goals and daily homemaking tasks. Staying organized allowed me to give myself grace on the hard days and celebrate the small wins on the good days.
Writing The Midnight Masquerade
One of the first stories I knew I had to write was The Midnight Masquerade, a romance set during a Halloween masquerade ball at a gothic mansion. It’s the story of Vespera Blackwood, a secret witch, and Theodore Ravenwick, a vampire king in search of his fated mate.
This story was born from my love of Halloween and my affection for Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I loved the idea of a magical masquerade where nothing is as it seems — where hidden identities and forbidden love collide. Each night of the masquerade has its own magical theme, from a mystical circus to an enchanted forest.
But writing the book was no enchanted ball. It required discipline, self-doubt, and rewriting scenes I thought were “done.” The journey taught me that creativity isn’t a magical spell you can cast at will — it’s a daily practice.
In October 2024, after a month of work, I finally did it. The Midnight Masquerade was officially published. Seeing my story out in the world, knowing people could actually read the words I’d poured my heart into, was surreal. It was proof that the leap from corporate to creative wasn’t just a dream — it was a transformation.
Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
Every journey has lessons, and this one is no different. Here are a few truths I’ve learned about walking away from a corporate career to become a full-time writer:
- You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.
When I left my job, I didn’t have a 10-step plan for becoming a successful writer. I just had a dream and a willingness to show up every day. Clarity comes with action, not the other way around.
- The skills you build in one career will serve you in the next.
My years in social media taught me marketing, storytelling, and consistency — all skills I now use as an author. Nothing is wasted.
- If you wait for “perfect timing,” you’ll wait forever.
I could have stayed in corporate life for years, waiting for the “right” moment to write a book. But the truth is, there’s never a right moment. The only moment you have is now.
- You don’t have to do it alone.
My husband’s support was crucial. So were the friends, family, and readers who believed in me. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or lean on the people who love you.
- Success isn’t measured by a paycheck — it’s measured by fulfillment.
Walking away from a six-figure salary wasn’t easy. But I don’t measure success by numbers anymore. I measure it by joy, freedom, and growth.
Where I’m Headed Next
If you’ve made it this far, you might be wondering: What’s next for me? Well, I’m just getting started.
My next big project is continuing the Seasonally Spellbound Series, a collection of urban fantasy romances centered around holidays. Each book will feature a female witch paired with a holiday-themed love interest (like a vampire for Halloween or the Elf King for Christmas).
I’m also working on my second book, tentatively titled Mistletoe and Magic, which follows a thirty-year-old witch named Trudy as she finds herself caught between two worlds — one with her CEO boyfriend at a toy company, and another with the Elf King, her fated mate.
I’m excited, I’m scared, but most of all, I’m ready.
Final Words of Encouragement
If you’ve ever thought about leaving your job to pursue a dream, I want you to know this: It’s possible. It’s hard, yes. But it’s possible. You don’t have to have all the answers before you begin. You just have to start.
Take the leap. Take the risk. Trust that you have everything you need to make it work.
And when you do? I’ll be here, cheering you on.
If you loved this post, stay connected with me! Follow my journey as I release more books in the Seasonally Spellbound Series and share behind-the-scenes updates on writing, self-publishing, and embracing the creative life.
What dream are you chasing? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to hear from you. ✨
Elizabeth Yuen 