Rewriting the Narrative

Sometimes, life surprises us with a plot twist. It takes us in a direction we didn’t plan, and at first, it might feel like failure. But what if that step back is a leap forward?

This is how I chose to pivot—after nine years as a business owner to take a corporate job. It’s a decision that some might see as a step back, but for me, it’s an intentional move toward growth, alignment, and renewal.

In this article, I’ll share:

• Why stepping back can be a strategic move for personal and professional growth.

• The lessons I’ve learned from this experience.

• Practical advice for anyone considering a similar pivot.

By the end, I hope to inspire you to see the potential in life’s unexpected turns and embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Breaking the Stigma of "Going Backward"

In today’s world, “going backward” often comes with a heavy dose of stigma. Society celebrates constant forward motion—more achievements, bigger goals, and relentless growth. But life isn’t a straight line. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to pause, pivot, or step back.

For entrepreneurs, the stigma can feel even stronger. I’ve often heard fellow business owners say, “Once you leave the corporate world, you can never go back.” The implication is that returning to a traditional job is a sign of failure or giving up on your dreams.

But here’s the truth: It’s not about giving up—it’s about choosing a path that aligns with your values and goals at that moment.

Why the Stigma Exists

Entrepreneurship is often seen as the ultimate expression of freedom and self-reliance. Leaving that behind can feel like stepping away from the dream. People worry they’ll lose the independence they’ve worked so hard to build or be viewed as unsuccessful for "returning to the system."

But this mindset ignores the bigger picture. Life isn’t static, and our needs and priorities evolve. What served you in one season might not serve you in the next.

Going Back Isn’t Giving Up

The reality is that going back to corporate life doesn’t mean abandoning your entrepreneurial journey. Regrouping, gaining new skills, or finding stability is a strategic decision for many.

Here’s why it’s not giving up:

• You’re Adding to Your Toolbox: Corporate roles often offer access to resources, systems, and experiences that can broaden your expertise. You can bring these assets back to entrepreneurship if you choose to return.

• You’re Realigning with Your Values: If a role offers the opportunity to grow while supporting your core values—like family, financial security, or learning—then it’s a step forward, not backward.

• You’re Prioritizing Long-Term Growth: A corporate role can provide stability that allows you to plan for the future, whether saving for a big goal, expanding your skillset, or simply recharging your energy.

A Mindset Shift: Defining Success for Yourself

The key to breaking this stigma is redefining success on your terms. Success isn’t about staying on one path no matter what—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your goals and values.

By reframing the narrative, we can see “going backward” not as a retreat but as a recalibration. It’s a chance to take stock of where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to get there.

My Decision to Pivot

For nearly a decade, I had the privilege of running a small email marketing and automation company. Working directly with small and medium-sized businesses was deeply fulfilling. I loved partnering with founders with a clear vision and watching my work create real, measurable impact.

But over the past few years, the challenges began to add up.

Why I Needed a Change

The unpredictability of running a business during COVID-19 and economic shifts turned every project into a rollercoaster ride. I constantly juggled the pressure to secure new contracts while delivering high-quality work to my existing clients.

At the same time, my personal life was busier than ever. Homeschooling two teenagers—taking college classes and thriving in their extracurricular activities—left little room for anything else. As I poured everything into my family and business, I began to neglect myself. The stress eventually took a toll on my health and well-being.

I realized something had to change.

A New Opportunity

When I was offered the chance to step into a Manager of Marketing Operations at a national healthcare company, it felt like a door opening at the right moment. At first, I hesitated. Would I lose the flexibility I’d worked so hard to build? Could I balance this role with my family’s needs?

But as I explored the opportunity further, I realized it checked all the boxes:

• Financial Stability: A consistent salary would ease the financial strain of running a business.

• Growth and Learning: The role would challenge me to grow as a marketing operations expert and expose me to new systems and tools.

• Flexibility and Support: The company values family and allows me to manage my time as long as the work gets done.

Reconnecting to My Values

Ultimately, the decision came down to one thing: alignment. This role allows me to refocus on what matters most—learning, growing, and prioritizing my family and health.

Far from being a step back, this pivot feels like a step toward a more balanced, sustainable future.

The Benefits of Taking a Step Back

Taking a step back isn’t always easy, especially in a culture that equates constant progress with success. But when you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, or out of alignment with your values, stepping back can offer exactly what you need to move forward.

Here’s how my decision to pivot has brought unexpected benefits—and how it might for you, too.

1. Financial Stability

One of the most immediate benefits of returning to a corporate role was the consistency of a steady paycheck. Running a business means living with the unpredictability of feast-or-famine cycles. While that risk can lead to big rewards, it also creates stress and uncertainty, especially in a fluctuating economy.

With a consistent salary, I’ve been able to ease financial worries and create a more stable foundation for myself and my family.

2. New Opportunities for Growth

Taking this corporate role didn’t mean abandoning my skills—it meant expanding on them. In my new position, I’m working with systems and tools designed for medium and large businesses, which challenges me to develop my expertise further.

This hands-on experience sharpened my project management and CRM skills, broadened my perspective, and gave me tangible accomplishments to enhance my career in the long run.

3. Flexibility and Support

One of my biggest hesitations about leaving entrepreneurship was the fear of losing flexibility. Homeschooling two teenagers means my schedule often includes driving to extracurriculars or managing mid-day commitments.

Thankfully, I found a company that values family and understands the importance of flexibility. As long as I meet my goals, I can manage my time in a way that works for me and my family.

4. A Chance to Reconnect with Myself

Burnout had left me disconnected from my values and priorities. Taking a step back allowed me to focus on what truly matters: my health, family, and personal growth.

By stepping into a structured role, I’ve been able to set clearer boundaries, regain a sense of balance, and prioritize self-care in ways I hadn’t been able to before.

5. A New Perspective on Success

This pivot has also redefined how I view success. It’s not about the size of your paycheck or whether you’re running your own business—it’s about alignment. Success is finding fulfillment in what you do and living in a way that supports your values.

Stepping Back to Propel Forward

These benefits have reinforced that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step back and recalibrate. Deciding to pivot isn’t about failure; recognizing when a different path can lead to more significant growth, balance, and alignment.

If you’re considering a similar move, remember that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping down. It’s a strategic choice that can position you for even greater success in the future.

Lessons Learned (and Why You Should Consider This Too)

Looking back on my decision to pivot, I’ve gained several valuable insights. While every journey is unique, there are universal lessons that can help anyone facing a similar crossroads. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to take a step back—or recalibrate your path—these takeaways might offer the clarity you need.

Your Values Are Your Compass

Your core values should be at the heart of every decision. For me, these included family, personal growth, and balance. By realigning my career with these priorities, I’ve found more fulfillment than I ever did chasing external markers of success.

Ask yourself:

• What do I value most in life and work?

• Does my current path reflect those values?

If the answer is no, it’s worth exploring a change—even if it means stepping back temporarily.

It’s OK to Redefine Success

One of the hardest lessons was letting go of the traditional definition of success. I used to believe success meant running my own business, being my boss, and constantly pushing for the next big milestone.

Now, I see success as a fluid concept. It’s about choosing what’s right for me in this season of life, even if it looks different from what others expect.

Reminder: Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s personal and ever-evolving.

Stepping Back Can Be Strategic

Far from being a retreat, stepping back can be a way to reposition yourself for long-term growth. My corporate role gives me access to tools, training, and experiences that I wouldn’t have encountered alone.

It’s like pulling back the string on a bow—you might go backward momentarily, but it’s all to propel yourself forward with more incredible momentum.

Think about: What skills or experiences could a step back help you gain for future success?

You’re Not Starting Over

One fear that often holds people back is the idea of “starting from scratch.” But that’s rarely the case. Every skill, lesson, and experience you’ve gained comes with you.

The expertise I built running my own business has made me a more decisive, more strategic leader in my corporate role. Your path might shift, but the foundation you’ve built remains.

Take stock: What strengths from your current journey will carry over to your next chapter?

It’s About the Long Game

Burnout, stress, and misalignment can cloud one's vision. Taking a step back is often the reset one needs to see the bigger picture. My pivot wasn’t just about immediate relief and setting myself up for long-term balance, fulfillment, and growth.

Ask yourself: Where do I want to be in five or ten years? Will my current path get me there?

Why You Should Consider This Too

If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or out of alignment, it might be time to take a step back and reevaluate. Here’s why this can be a decisive move:

• It creates space for reflection: Sometimes, stepping away from the grind gives you the clarity to see what’s next.

• It opens doors to new opportunities: A pivot can lead to growth you hadn’t anticipated.

• It allows you to recalibrate: Align your path with your values and long-term goals.

The key is to make the decision intentionally, not reactively. Taking a step back isn’t a failure—it’s a strategic choice to create a life that truly works for you.

Rewriting the Narrative

It’s time to change how we think about stepping back, pivoting, or making career shifts. For too long, these choices have been portrayed as failure or retreat. But in reality, they’re often bold, strategic decisions that lead to deeper alignment and more success.

Embracing a New Story

We all have stories we tell ourselves about what success should look like. These stories often come from societal expectations, the opinions of others, or even our own fears. For entrepreneurs, there’s usually an unspoken pressure to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

But what if we told a different story?

• What if stepping back is seen as a strength, not a weakness? It takes courage to admit when something isn’t working and make a change.

• What if taking a corporate job after entrepreneurship isn’t “selling out”? It’s a chance to gain new skills, stability, and perspectives.

• What if success is defined by fulfillment, not external markers? The ultimate win is aligning your choices with your values and long-term goals.

Redefining Success for Yourself

Your journey is yours alone. While others may have opinions about what you should do, only you can decide what aligns with your priorities, values, and vision for the future.

For me, rewriting the narrative meant letting go of the idea that running my own business was the only way to be successful. It meant embracing a corporate role as an opportunity to grow, contribute, and find balance—all while staying true to my values.

Your Next Step

If you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of what’s next, here are some final thoughts to guide you:

1. Reflect on your values: What matters most to you right now?

2. Reframe your fears: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?

3. Be open to new opportunities: Sometimes, the unexpected path is the one that leads to the most significant growth.

The Power of a Pivot

Taking a step back—or in a different direction—doesn’t mean failure. It’s an intentional choice to recalibrate, realign, and set yourself up for a brighter, more fulfilling future.

The narrative is yours to write. What will you choose next?