Sophie’s story is one so many people in our community will recognize — the high-performing career, the juggling of parenthood, the health crisis that forces a full stop, and the hard-earned decision to reclaim control. We’re sharing her story here, with a few reflections on the patterns we’re seeing in the Both& community — and how her lessons might apply to your own life too.
What led to the shift
“Before I had kids, I was deep in the world of corporate risk management and audit. I worked for iconic companies—Disney, Nike, the NBA—living what many would call a dream career.
I was flying across the country, leading internal audit teams, helping organizations transform their systems and controls. I loved the complexity, the problem-solving, and the sense of purpose. I thought I’d stay in that world forever.”
Sophie did what so many of us try to do — she figured out a way to keep working after having kids. She shifted to remote work. She went part-time. She tried to have it all, on paper.
“I had kids, barely took time off for my first child, then worked remotely and part-time. I was paid a nice hourly rate, and I thought I could do both.”
But even with accommodations, something started to crack.
“Shortly after, I got my ADHD diagnosis — never considered I had ADHD until my newborn would severely impact my ‘systems’ I created all my life to overcome ADHD challenges. Fast forward to my second child turning three years old, with the oldest one being five, I was slowly accumulating to burnout.”
And then, her body made the call she hadn’t yet made herself.
The breaking point
“The break happened in March 2024. I started to have spots all over my body after a very stressful week at work. I had pain all over my body and could not bend down no matter what.”
That physical burnout forced a reset — but Sophie didn’t immediately leave corporate life altogether. She took a new job that seemed like the dream scenario: low urgency, kind boss, more balance.
“I landed a lovely job — very relaxed, with no urgency, and a fantastic boss. I thought I had finally reached the ‘job’ that would get me to retirement, with an outstanding life balance.”
And then, as it does, life shifted again.
“Four months into that new job, I learned they were planning to sell their US business, and I would be terminated if they went through with it. Cue the spiraling process, once again, stress and raw emotions.”
What came next
It was that moment — the second round of whiplash — that led Sophie to a powerful realization:
“It is when I decided not to be at the mercy of big corporations for the stability of my family. As the primary breadwinner, and the cost of living that comes with the lovely California weather, my next gig would need to be more gentle on my health, my family, and my finances.”
She was officially terminated right before Christmas 2024 — but this time, she had a plan.
“I was terminated with a nice package right before Christmas 2024. By then, I knew it was coming, and I was saving any extra money I had made over the last couple of months to allow for a nice break and to try to become an entrepreneur over the next 12 months without too much pressure.”
That break gave her space to build something completely different — on her terms.
“I opened my advisory and consulting practice, called Audit Lab. While I ramped up the clients and projects, I took on a supervisory role at my kids' school. It was hard and underpaid ($16.50/hour) but so rewarding! In my mind, it was a unique opportunity to do that kind of work, without any financial pressure. I did that for 3 months, and then the advisory work picked up, and I've been focusing on that since April 2025.”
Where she is now
Sophie is now doing what so many parents dream of: choosing her work, her hours, and her life.
“I currently have two clients, and I pick and choose what I want to work on, the hours I work, and when I don't work. It also allows me enough time to start other side projects, such as a women's network in my community, called She Flourishes, which connects women in similar situations to mine, including perimenopause, mid-life awakening, and career debates.”
Challenges she’s faced along the way
Like many Both& stories, Sophie’s transition came with real challenges — especially financial and emotional.
“Money is always a stress factor! As the primary breadwinner, it is my responsibility to demonstrate to my husband that we are ‘ok’ for some time, even if the money coming in is not what it used to be. I keep a very tight budget. Emotionally, it was hard too. I was burned out, and despite my desire to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, I was too tired and couldn't put as much effort into it as I would have liked.
Also, the temptation to turn around and apply for a job like my old ones is always there... it seems more straightforward at times, but I have to remind myself that easy doesn't equal flexible. And now that I have flexibility, I don't want to lose it!”
What she wishes she’d known earlier
Sometimes the best thing someone can say is: I wouldn’t change it. That’s what Sophie told us:
“Nothing — I could have made that jump maybe one or two jobs ago, but I believe in ‘right things happening at the right time’ because my severance package has helped me make the jump to a 12+ months of ‘break’ from the corporate world, to try something else.”
Resources that helped along the way
These are real tools Sophie leaned on — and they might be helpful for you too:
“Rocket Money and AI helped me figure out my cashflow, what was the minimum I needed to make our payments, all the extras we were paying, and what we could cut to make this time off last as long as possible.”
“I worked with a coach during my last few jobs and ultimately, she helped me make this last decision an easy one, to take a break. We worked together on looking at my values and making sure my choices were aligned with my values. I've connected with women similar to me in my neighborhood and they became my support system.”
Her advice for others navigating a shift
This is one of the most Both& pieces of advice we’ve heard:
“Get rid of as many financial obligations as you can — that allows you to feel more freedom and less stress when you try something else! Downgrade the car to a lower car payment, look at all your expenses, and see what you can cut!”
Anything else to share?
Sophie’s ready to support others walking a similar path:
“If anyone needs help reviewing their budget or starting their own company, I would be happy to help, leveraging the knowledge I've gained from my own experience.”
Connect with Sophie: Sophie Langis on LinkedIn
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