A Letter From Your Future Self: A Glimpse of What’s Next
Hey, it’s me. Well… it’s you. But, you know, from the future.
I know you’re probably buried under a mountain of emails, stressing over deadlines, and trying to juggle it all. But I need you to stop for a second. Seriously.
Take a deep breath. This is going to sound a little crazy, but trust me — I’m here to tell you that everything’s going to change. And it’s actually going to be okay.
You’re Going to Realize Something Huge: Success Isn’t Just A Title
Right now, you’re all about the grind. The VP title? It’s a huge deal to you. I get it. You worked hard for that.
But here’s the thing: there’s going to come a point when you look at that title, and it won’t feel as amazing as it used to. You’ll start feeling empty. The whole “success” thing starts to feel… kind of shallow.
You’ll realize, maybe for the first time, that you’re missing out on things that really matter. Like time with your family, and actually being present with them. You’ll start wondering, “Is this really what I want?”
Spoiler: It’s not.
The Wake-Up Call: That Soccer Game Moment
There’s going to be this one moment — one tiny little moment — that changes everything. Ethan is going to ask you, “Mom, are you coming to my game?”
You’re going to say, “I’ll try.”
But, deep down, you know that “I’ll try” means you’re not really going to show up.
And that hits hard. You’ll realize you’ve been physically there, but emotionally checked out. It’ll sting. Like, a lot.
But here’s the thing — you’re going to realize that work will always be there, but your family won’t be. Time with them? You can’t get it back.
So… What Do You Really Want?
When you start asking yourself what you really want, it’s gonna feel like you have no idea. You’ve been living on autopilot for so long, focused on work, that you’ve kind of lost touch with what you really need. What you want.
I know it’s gonna take a minute, but don’t rush it. It’s all about getting clarity on what’s most important.
Is it working around the clock?
Is it sitting in back-to-back meetings?
Or is it being there for Ethan’s games, having quiet mornings with Chris, and actually taking care of yourself?
Trust me, that last one’s gonna matter the most.
Time to Make Some Changes: The Money Talk
Okay, now we’ve gotta talk about the practical stuff — like, the money talk. Because yeah, you can’t just walk away from your VP role without thinking about finances.
Don’t panic, though. You’ve got this.
Start saving. You don’t need to save for an entire year’s worth of salary, but you do need a cushion. Start putting some of your income into side projects, savings, investments. You’ve been good with budgeting, but now it’s time to get more intentional about building a future that doesn’t rely on your 9-to-5.
You’ll feel so much better when you’re financially prepared for whatever comes next.
Pick Up New Skills—Even If You Feel Like an Imposter
You’re probably thinking, “I’m too old to start something new.” But listen to me: You’re never too old to learn something new.
You’ll start exploring things like digital marketing, blogging, and maybe even coaching. At first, it’ll feel totally weird. You’ll think, I have no idea what I’m doing. And yeah, you won’t have it all figured out — but who does?
It’s about starting. And then learning as you go.
And you know what? You’re gonna be so glad you did. Every step you take toward something new is going to make you feel more alive, more empowered.
It’s your chance to start building something for you. Not just a job title, but your own legacy.
The Hard Conversation: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want
Eventually, you’ll have to talk to your boss. And I know, you’re scared. You’re scared that asking for a more flexible schedule will make you seem like you’re not committed enough. But here’s the truth: You have to ask.
Tell your boss that you need a shift. Maybe you go part-time. Maybe you transition into a new role. But the key is: you need to take control of your schedule.
And trust me, it’s going to work out better than you think. They’d rather have a happy, balanced you than someone who’s just burnt out.
Set a Timeline—Take It Slow
I know you’re eager to make a big change, but don’t rush. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Give yourself a solid timeline. Set a goal for, like, 18 months to start scaling back your hours. Give yourself another 2 years to fully transition.
I know you hate the idea of waiting, but trust me, it’ll be worth it. By the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll be financially prepared, mentally ready, and really excited about your next chapter.
A Glimpse of the Future: You’re Going to Love It
I want to give you a little sneak peek into your future:
- You’re going to wake up without an alarm.
- You’re going to drink your coffee slowly, no rush.
- You’ll be at Ethan’s soccer games, cheering him on, present in every moment.
- And you’ll be working on projects that truly excite you—things like writing, speaking, and coaching other people who are in the same place you are right now.
And guess what? You’re not going to miss the title or the late nights at the office. You’re going to feel free.
It’s Gonna Be OK
Here’s the thing: I know you’re feeling lost right now. Like, how do you step away from everything you’ve worked so hard for?
But I promise you — you can.
It’s all about creating the life you want, not the life other people expect of you. You’ll have to shift your mindset, but once you do, it’ll feel like you’re finally living for you.
So, start small. Make a plan. Give yourself time. And remember: You’ve got this.
P.S.
It’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you. This isn’t quitting. This is evolving.
