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For years, I chased the dream that everyone told me would bring happiness—big title, high salary, working at the top of my industry in New York City. In 2016, I had it all: I was the Chief Information Officer, working on Madison Avenue, climbing toward an IPO with equity and prestige. But deep down, it felt like hell.

I remember the breaking point clearly—another phone call to my wife, telling her I wouldn’t make it home for dinner. Again. I had three young kids at home, a beautiful family I barely saw, and despite all the money and success, I felt exhausted, frustrated, and empty.

This video is the start of my journey to build something radically different: a life I didn’t need a vacation from.

I dive into the painful realization that chasing traditional success was costing me everything that really mattered. I share how I began to redesign my life, step by step—rethinking what work meant, redefining success on my own terms, and learning to prioritize freedom, presence, and purpose over status.

This isn’t a get-rich-quick story. It’s about alignment. It’s about creating a sustainable lifestyle where your values match your calendar. In this episode, I open up honestly about what pushed me to make a change and the early steps I took to get out of the rat race.

If you've ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains you daily, this story is for you. I hope it inspires you to ask better questions and start building a version of success that actually feels like your own.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to building a life without needing a vacation
02:30 Living the corporate dream—but feeling empty
05:15 The family sacrifices and emotional cost
08:00 The moment I knew something had to change
10:45 Redefining success and starting over
13:20 Learning to live with intention
15:40 Lessons from stepping away from the rat race
18:30 First steps toward a freedom-based lifestyle
21:00 Key takeaways and what’s coming next

Let me know in the comments if this resonates with you. Don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and check out the next part of the series to continue this journey together.