Most default parents don't dream about winning the lottery so they can buy a yacht.

They dream about being able to stay home when their child is sick without worrying about work.

They dream about making doctor's appointments without rearranging six meetings.

They dream about eating dinner before 8:00 p.m.

They dream about not answering emails while mentally planning lunches, daycare pickups, and birthday gifts.

For many of us, quitting isn't about escaping work.

It's about wondering...

What would life look like if it felt manageable again?

A few months ago, I found myself asking a question I never imagined I'd seriously consider:

Could I quit my job?

Not because I hated what I did.

I actually loved many parts of my career. I worked with incredible people, built programs I was proud of, and spent years growing into a leadership role.

But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't just working one full-time job.

I was also carrying much of the invisible work at home.

The mental checklist that never really turns off.

Like so many default parents, I wasn't just exhausted from work.

I was exhausted from trying to do everything.

The problem was, I didn't want to make a life-changing decision simply because I was burnt out.

I wanted to make it based on facts.

So... I opened a spreadsheet.

What started as a simple spreadsheet turned into page after page of questions.

Instead of guessing, I started plugging in numbers.

For the first time, quitting didn't feel like a reckless leap.

It became a decision I could actually evaluate.

The answer won't be the same for everyone.

For some families, the calculator will say, "Yes—you can."

For others, it may say, "Not yet... but here's exactly what needs to change first."

Honestly?

Both answers are valuable.

After using it myself, I cleaned everything up into a calculator you can use too.

It helps you estimate:

Whether you're considering leaving your job, reducing your hours, taking a career break, or simply wondering if it's even possible...

This gives you a place to start.

👉 Download the "Can I Afford to Quit?" Calculator here.

I'll be honest.

Quitting has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever made.

Not because the math didn't work.

Because the emotions didn't.

Our family was incredibly fortunate to be in a financial position where this was possible. I know that isn't everyone's reality, and I don't take that for granted.

Even knowing we could make it work, I still wrestled with guilt.

Guilt for stepping away from a career I'd worked hard to build.

Guilt for no longer contributing the same income.

Guilt because somewhere along the way, I started believing my productivity determined my worth.

Now I'm in a completely different season.

I'm applying for jobs.

I'm exploring whether I can build something of my own.

I'm trying to figure out what work looks like when it actually fits my family's life instead of forcing my family to fit around my work.

It's exciting. It's scary.

Some days I feel incredibly confident.

Other days I wonder what on earth I'm doing.

And maybe that's okay.

If quitting, or even changing careers, has crossed your mind recently, here are a few things to keep on your radar.

Federal student loan repayment options continue to change, and many borrowers are seeing adjustments to available repayment plans and monthly payment calculations. If student loans are part of your budget, it's worth reviewing how any changes could affect your monthly expenses before making a career move.

Even highly qualified professionals are finding that job searches often take longer than they did a few years ago. If you're planning to leave your job without another one lined up, it may be wise to budget for a longer search than you expect.

Groceries, insurance, childcare, and housing all cost more than they did just a few years ago. When you're planning your financial runway, use what you're actually spending today - not what you remember spending. The economy is affecting people very drastically right now.

This season has me learning things I've never had to learn before.

Would you want me to share more of that journey here?

The job search.

Business ideas.

Financial planning.

Mistakes.

Wins.

The messy middle.

If that's something you'd like to read, just hit reply and let me know.

I'd love to bring you along.

Until next time,

Kailey

P.S. If you've caught yourself wondering whether quitting is even possible, don't let fear answer the question for you. Spend 15 minutes with the calculator first. Even if the answer is "not yet," you'll know exactly what you're working toward—and sometimes clarity is the biggest relief of all.