Three Years Post-Tech Reflections

I’ve been noticing a trend, both those I know personally and from stories I encounter online, of people leaving tech. Perhaps it’s not new, but these stories feel more mainstream now. Hearing about them has made me reflect on my own journey and the wisdom I’ve gathered along the way, especially for friends who are considering the same path who’ve come to me for insight. With some distance from my decision, I feel I can now speak about it more holistically and objectively.

1. It’s important to have a financial safety net. During my tech years, I built up sizable savings, which I attribute to both my success and sense of security in leaving corporate life. In the first 1-2 years of my career transition, I was making a fraction of my previous salary and there’s an undeniable fear that comes with no longer receiving a steady paycheck. Having savings gave me reassurance that I’d be alright for several years while building my business. I thought I would draw down on those savings, but surprisingly, my accounts have only grown. The fear of “drying up the well” often keeps people working longer than they need to, which leads to the “One More Year Syndrome”. What I realized is this fear often leads to inaction or complacency. Action creates reality and you will find yourself more abundant than expected.
2. The grass is greener!! I have friends curiously asking me whether I’ll stay in real estate or go back to tech, essentially trying to gauge how I feel about my decision. In my first year I did consider returning to tech, but since then, I haven’t looked back. With my business building momentum, years ahead to grow my career, and most importantly, autonomy over my days, schedule, and time, I wouldn’t trade this for a 9-to-5 and a paycheck. My biggest fear when leaving tech wasn’t whether I’d be happier (I knew I would be), but whether I could still meet my financial goals. Given the point above, I now feel secure in this decision.
3. There will be hard days. Some days, I questioned the path I was on. I was especially susceptible to this when I compared myself to peers. Even though I didn’t want their jobs or their lives, I found myself feeling left out of the promotions, titles, and milestones society tells us we should chase. These moments are fleeting once I remember why I left in the first place, and I expect that over time, they’ll fade away.

If you’re standing at that same crossroads, know that fear is natural, but it can coexist with faith. The life you want might just be waiting on the other side of one brave decision. I’m rooting for you!