93. Leaving Corporate After 27 Years: How Cancer, Financial Freedom, and a Second Chance Led Me to Entrepreneurship

After 27 years at Costco, nearly 20 as a senior manager, I made the life-changing decision to walk away from corporate life and bet on myself. But this wasn't a spontaneous choice—it was the culmination of a transformative year that included a stage three cancer diagnosis, financial struggles, and the realization that I was missing my daughters' lives.In this deeply personal solo episode, I'm sharing the full story of how I went from $20,000 in credit card debt and pulling from my 401k to becoming debt-free and pursuing my calling as a speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur. If you've ever felt stuck in the "it works for them, but not for me" mindset, this episode is for you.The Financial ResetHow I went from $20,000 in credit card debt to completely debt-free in one yearWhy I sold my Big Bear cabin investment property (and what I learned)The exact tools and strategies I used to track spending and change my money mindsetHow I leveraged my 401k strategically with guidance from financial advisorsCancer as a Catalyst for ChangeProcessing trauma and PTSD after cancer treatment endedWhy the "check your baggage at the door" workplace mentality stopped working for meHow being home during treatment showed me what I was missing with my daughtersThe symbolic choice to turn in my resignation on the one-year anniversary of starting chemoThe Turning Point: My First Keynote SpeechThe October speaking engagement that changed everythingWhy the fulfillment from one speech exceeded the best day of my 27-year corporate careerHow my daughters watching from the audience confirmed this was my pathRewriting the "Not For Me" NarrativeBreaking free from limiting beliefs about entrepreneurship (single mom, expensive California, no spousal support)The game-changing discovery: None of the successful entrepreneurs I admired were making enough to replace their salary when they quitWhy betting on yourself means figuring it out along the wayBuilding Multiple Streams of IncomeSpeaking engagements and keynotes (including upcoming Nebraska event in March)Podcast hosting and guest appearancesCustom merchandise creationLeveraging 27 years of corporate experienceResources mentioned:Rocket Money app - For tracking spending and managing subscriptions ($3/month)Jess Burgio - 1:1 business mentor (previous podcast guest)Katie Saltsman - Health coach specializing in hormones and metabolismJen Gottlieb's Stage Leaders Program - 8-week speaker training for crafting your storyWomen Who Scale - Group container for women entrepreneurs.hank you for listening to Creating Sunshine!  Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful you’re part of this community.If this episode resonated with you, I’d love it if you could take a moment to rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.  Your reviews help other listeners discover Creating Sunshine and find the encouragement they need on their own journeys.Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss an episode- there’s so much more sunshine to create together!Are you looking for support, encouragement, and a community of like minded women who hold each other accountable while growing together? Join The Sunshine Era today!Let’s stay connected:Follow me on InstagramJoin my email listJoin the 7-Day Mindset Reset ChallengeGet your free Sunshine Moments download Remember, even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way to create a little sunshine.  Until next time, keep shining bright!