Life & Career Coach Strategy

Client left a $340K VP role. Took a $180K job instead. Everyone thought she was crazy. She's never been happier. Here's why: The Client: Name: Jennifer, 41 Role: VP of Product at Series C startup Compensation: $340K ($240K base + equity) Performance: Crushing it (promoted twice in 3 years) Probleem: Completely miserable Our First Session: Jennifer: "I make more money than I ever imagined. I have the title. I'm successful. But I'm absolutely miserable." Me: "What does miserable look like?" Her Reality: Work: - 60-70 hour weeks - Always on (Slack at 11pm, emails on weekends) - High-stress environment (toxic exec team) - Constant firefighting - Zero work-life boundaries Health: - Gained 30 lbs in 2 years - Sleep 5-6 hours/night - Anxiety attacks - On blood pressure medication at 41 Relationships: - Marriage strained (husband: "I barely see you") - Missed daughter's recitals, games, school events - No social life - Felt like she was failing as wife and mom Identity: - Entire self-worth tied to job title - Scared to leave (who am I without this?) - Guilty for wanting to leave (I worked so hard to get here) The Turning Point: Her daughter (age 9): "Mommy, why do you love work more than me?" Broke her. The Coaching Journey: Month 1: Getting Clear on Values I asked: "If you could design your ideal life, what would it look like?" Her Answer: - Present for kids (mornings and evenings) - Marriage: actual quality time, not just coexisting - Health: time to exercise, cook, sleep - Work: challenging but sustainable - Purpose: feel like work matters Then I asked: "On a scale of 1-10, how well does your current job align with that?" Her: "2. Maybe 3." Month 2: Exploring Options Option 1: Stay and Set Boundaries Tried for 30 days: - No work after 7pm - No Slack on weekends - Delegated more Result: CEO and fellow execs pushed back. Culture didn't support boundaries. Option 2: Find Similar Role, Better Company Interviewed at 4 companies: - All wanted 50-60 hour weeks - All high-pressure environments - All $300K+ comp Realization: Same job, same problems, different logo. Option 3: Pivot to Different Role/Industry Explored: - Product roles at non-tech companies (slower pace) - Consulting (control over hours) - Smaller companies (less political, more impact) Month 3: Making the Decision The Offer That Changed Everything: Mid-size healthcare company (500 employees). Role: Head of Product Comp: $180K (no equity) Culture: Work-life balance valued, 40-45 hour weeks Mission: Healthcare tech improving patient outcomes Her Reaction: "It's $160K less. I'd be crazy to take this, right?" My Response: "Let's do the math on what that $160K is actually costing you." The Real Cost of the $340K Job: Financial: - Therapist: $400/month - Marriage counseling: $600/month - Blood pressure medication: $100/month - Stress-eating and convenience food: $800/month - Total: $22,800/year Health: - 30 lbs weight gain - High blood pressure at 41 - Chronic stress - Anxiety - Future cost: Potentially massive Relationships: - Marriage on the rocks - Missing kids' childhood - No friendships - Cost: Priceless Her Decision: Took the $180K job. The Transformation (12 Months Later): Work: - 40-45 hour weeks - Home by 6pm most days - No weekend work - Challenging work, but sustainable pace - Actually enjoys the work Health: - Lost 25 lbs - Off blood pressure medication - Sleeps 7-8 hours - Exercises 4x/week - Anxiety gone Relationships: - Marriage: "We're actually happy again" - Kids: Makes every important event - Social life: Has one again - Friends: Reconnected Fulfillment: - Healthcare mission feels meaningful - Work improves patient outcomes - Aligned with values - Actually proud of her work Her Reflection: "I was making $340K and felt like a failure at everything except my job. Now I make $180K and feel successful at life. Best decision I ever made." The Math Everyone Misses: What she gave up: - $160K in compensation - Prestigious startup VP title - Big tech resume line What she gained: - Health - Marriage - Relationship with kids - Peace - Fulfillment - Time The question: What's that worth? For her: Priceless. What I've Learned Coaching Career Transitions: The biggest career trap: Chasing the next level, next title, next salary increase... Never stopping to ask: "Is this actually making my life better?" Most high achievers climb the ladder faster than they question whether it's leaning against the right wall. The Framework for Career Decisions: 1. Define Your Ideal Life (not career, LIFE) What does a great life look like? - Relationships - Health - Purpose - Time - Fulfillment 2. Assess Current Alignment How well does current job support that life? (1-10 scale) 3. Identify Non-Negotiables What must a job provide? What can't it require? 4. Explore Options Can you improve current situation? Or do you need different role/company/industry? 5. Calculate True Cost Money is one variable. Also consider: - Health - Relationships - Time - Fulfillment - Alignment with values The Truth About Career Success: The most expensive job you'll ever have is one that costs you your health, relationships, and peace. No amount of money is worth that. Success isn't about maximizing income. It's about designing a life you actually want to live.