My Journey:
From Corporate Burnout to Financial Empowerment

Written by Alana Santarelli

You know that moment in a relationship when you realize, “This just isn’t working anymore”? Well, that’s exactly how I felt about my career. For years, I was stuck in a corporate role that sounded impressive and looked great on the outside—good salary, benefits, stability— but deep down, I wasn’t happy. I didn’t feel fulfilled. There was no real growth in sight, (in fact I was even told that the plans outlined by the company weren’t easily reachable) and I definitely wasn’t feeling the love from my employer. No promotions, no flexibility, little recognition, and I found out a new hire was making $10,000 more per year than I was 5 years into my time with the company. When I stepped up and asked for a raise I was met with “we don’t look at raises in the middle of the year.” The moment I left that meeting, I knew I had to start reevaluating my future.

The Breakup

Shortly after this conversation, I found out I was expecting my first child! I stuck it out knowing I would be able to enjoy an extended maternity leave.

Maternity leave became a time of reflection. For the first time in years, I had a pause button in my career, allowing me to step back and think about what I really wanted, not just for myself but for my family. I realized I didn’t want to return to the same grind with no clear path forward. Could I be the kind of mom I wanted to be while being stuck in a cubicle for 8 hours, commuting an additional 3, barely making it home for bedtime?

I was faced with a huge decision: should I leave the workforce altogether and focus on being home with my new baby, or should I take a chance and find a career that actually worked for me and my new life? The clock was ticking as my return-to-work date approached.

57%

of Millennials would take a pay cut for increased flexibility!

Axios, Millennials Drive Remote Work Push, 2022

I couldn’t shake the feeling that going back to the same grind wasn’t the right move. I wasn’t just looking for any job — I wanted a role where I could leverage my skills, build something meaningful, and have the flexibility I needed as a new mom.

Finding Financial Clarity

Before making any decisions, I knew I needed to check in on another relationship – my financial relationship. I wanted to ensure that whatever path I chose was sustainable for my family. So, I reached out to a financial advisor for guidance. I needed to think through a variety of factors, including, ironically, whether I’d be facing a pay cut. It turns out I wasn’t alone in this dilemma. According to a FlexJobs survey, 84% of workers said flexible work arrangements were top priority when considering new career opportunities. (Spoiler alert: I was one of them!) As I weighed my options; it highlighted just how many people like me were looking to prioritize work-life balance.

80%

of 401(k) participants do not know what options are available when changing jobs!

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

One of the crucial conversations I had with my financial advisor was about my employer retirement account, specifically my 401(k). I had to decide what to do with that money—should I roll it over into an IRA, leave it with my previous employer, or transfer it to my new employer’s plan?

Budget considerations were another essential piece of this puzzle. I had to take a hard look at what I could comfortably live on in a new career path, factoring in possible salary changes and new benefits I’d be receiving. I worked with my advisor to model different scenarios, including potential income changes and benefits, so I could visualize my options and get a feel for where my comfort level was before I had to make a decision with an offer letter in hand.

Our conversations opened my eyes to the different options available to me. We discussed our family’s budget, savings goals, and the potential financial implications of leaving my job. It was reassuring to have someone who understood my concerns and could help me navigate this transition. My advisor helped me see that there were ways to make my financial situation work while pursuing a career that truly aligned with my values and aspirations

Rebound Turned Something More

I don’t know about you, but anytime I’ve “rebounded”, I found myself moving fast and the next one has stuck around.

I knew I didn’t want to stay in a job that didn’t respect my time or my worth, but I wasn’t sure where to go next. That’s when I began exploring options that offered flexibility, purpose, and excitement. I focused on roles where I could leverage my existing skills and pursue my passions. For me, this wasn’t just about finding a new job; it was about finding a career that would allow me to flourish.

With my new salary and benefits in hand, I reached out to my financial advisor again and we made a plan that would ensure I could maintain my financial goals while adjusting to this new chapter. We discussed ways to maximize my retirement contributions, the best investment strategies for my new salary, and how to navigate the changes in my overall financial picture. The best part? I didn’t have to choose between being a mom and having a career I love. My new path has given me the flexibility I was craving. It’s the kind of flexibility I could’ve only dreamed of in my old role.

The best part? I didn’t have to choose between being a mom and having a career I love. My new path has given me the flexibility I was craving. It’s the kind of flexibility I could’ve only dreamed of in my old role.

Here’s where the real growth happens: I’m not just doing a job. I’m building relationships, making meaningful impact in the lives of others and playing a role in their financial success. I’m learning, growing, and loving every minute of it. The skills I’ve gained from both my previous career and my new one have made me a stronger, more confident professional and mom.

From Burnout to Balance

So, if you’re at a crossroads, feeling like your current career just isn’t cutting it, remember this: It’s okay to break up with your job and find something that fits you better. For me, that new path was a game changer. It’s given me flexibility, fulfillment, and most importantly, the ability to thrive in both my personal and professional life. Sometimes, the right career is just waiting for you to take that leap—and trust me, it’s worth the jump.

Having a trusted financial advisor is important for helping navigate career changes and ensuring you stay on track with your goals no matter the transition. The right advisor will understand your unique needs and goals, making it easier to move forward with confidence. With Willow’s Advisor Match, finding the right advisor to support you is quick and seamless.

About the Author

Alana Santarelli lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with her husband, daughter and their playful pup enjoying all life in New England has to offer. With 7 years in the financial world, she knows the difference a great financial advisor can make! She’s all about helping people find the right advisor for them—someone who understands they’re worth way more than their net worth!

About Willow

Willow connects you with vetted financial advisors who truly understand the big moments in life—like buying a home, navigating career changes, or going through a divorce. It’s not just about finding any advisor, but about building a meaningful, long-term relationship with someone who gets your goals and challenges. Using a concierge matchmaking approach, Willow ensures you feel confident and empowered as you plan for whatever life throws your way, making financial advice feel less transactional and more like finding the right partner for your journey.