Why I pressed pause on full-time business (and what happened next)

If you’d rather listen to these insights, see episode 166 of The Powerful Content Podcast

Have you ever looked at your business and thought, this just doesn’t feel right anymore?

You’re doing all the things, but the spark feels a little dim. The pressure to keep going, to stay visible, to keep up – it starts to feel heavier than the joy that once fuelled it. That was me.

And while it would’ve been easy to push through, pretend everything was fine and keep running at full speed, I chose to do the opposite. I pressed pause.

What came next was something I never expected: clarity, calm, and a whole new connection to what matters most.

It all started with a workbook

Back in September, I bought the Design Your Season workbook from my friend Rowena Mabbott. At the time, I thought I was simply supporting her work but as I worked through those pages, something shifted.

It put into words what I’d been feeling for months: disconnected, stretched, and a little out of alignment. The kind of feelings that are easy to ignore when you’re in the thick of doing. But once I saw them? I couldn’t unsee them.

It became clear. I could either keep pushing, or I could gently make space for something different.

A spontaneous decision that changed everything

During that season of reflection, I was helping my kids look for casual jobs online. Just out of curiosity, I thought, what if I applied too?

With the school holidays coming up, I’d have a little more breathing room. So, I applied. And to my surprise, I landed not one, but two Christmas casual jobs.

Just like that, my full-time business shifted into a part-time one. I went from working 30+ hours a week to around 5. And honestly? I haven’t felt this aligned in a long time.

What I’ve discovered since pressing pause

Real human connection feels like magic
From colleagues to customers to random conversations on the street, this experience reminded me how much I need real-life connection. It’s uplifting. It’s grounding. And it fills a cup I didn’t realise was running low.
My purpose hasn’t gone anywhere. It just looks different
I’ve always believed my business was my purpose. But I’ve come to realise that purpose doesn’t live in one place. It can evolve. It can show up in new ways. And that flexibility? It’s freeing.
You’re never too old to learn new things
New systems. New routines. New people. And yes, new names to remember. It’s stretched me and as someone riding the rollercoaster of perimenopause, it’s reminded me I can still grow, adapt, and thrive.
A change of scenery breathes life into your creativity
They say a change is as good as a holiday, and I couldn’t agree more. Even the act of taking the bus to work became thinking time. A chance to let new ideas bubble up and find space.
Less time = more focus
With fewer hours in my business, I became more intentional. I leaned into systems, simplified my processes, and let go of the fluff. Tools like Kajabi helped me keep things ticking along and continue to earn, even with limited time.
I feel better—physically and mentally
Being on my feet, walking more, lifting weights again. It all added up. Plus, fewer hours at home meant fewer kitchen snacks (you know the ones!). The shift has boosted my energy and helped me reconnect with my body.

This season looks different and that’s OK

Stepping back didn’t mean stepping away. It meant creating space for something new to emerge. It gave me the breathing room to reconnect with what matters most and to redefine success on my terms.

So if you’ve been feeling that nudge to change things up, I hope this story gives you permission to follow it.

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. You get to choose your rhythm. Your way. Your season.

Want to start creating income in a way that fits your season?

Your business can be a powerful tool for impact, freedom, and joy. But it doesn’t have to take up all your time or energy to be successful. Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to move forward—lighter, clearer, and more you than ever.

Grab my free guide: Make Your First $100 in Sales on Kajabi. It’s designed to help you take intentional, aligned action (without the overwhelm).