I’ve worked with many folks who have left 7-figure W-2 jobs. First, they were greeted with a blast of euphoria. The euphoria then fades into a messy middle. Then you’re left at a crossroads. There’s a lesson for all of us at this juncture. ## New to RadReads? Hi, I’m Khe Hy. Nearly a decade ago [I quit my 7-figure job on Wall Street]() to become a writer. I explore topics like [money](), [happiness](), [ambition](), [relationships](), [productivity]() and [more](). I also host [The Examined Life Podcast]() where I explore life’s thorniest questions with a different guest each week. My newsletter is the best way to experience my work. Sign up here: ## Phase 1: Hooray for Time Freedom [Time freedom]() is incredible. At that level of income, you’ve likely made huge [sacrifices in health](), [relationships](), curiosity and hobbies. And you’ve always had to “be on” – weekend conference calls, [missing kids’ recitals]() and [checking email on vacation.]() There’s a honeymoon period when you work out in the middle of the day, grab lunch with your spouse on a Tuesday and take an off-season adventure trip. ## Phase 2: The agitation sets in Once those things are out of your system, then the agitation sets in. People are constantly expecting you to have some “master plan.” Or a cohesive narrative that cleanly stitches everything together. When that fails to materialize (because [a high-status job]() is a clean container for said narrative), the anxiety starts to kick in. Once kicked in, then the thoughts of [sunk costs]() (“I dedicated 20 years to this path”) or declines in status (“I used to never think about the price of things”) start to go into overdrive. ## Phase 3: I’ll see you at the crossroads If you’re making 7 figures in a W-2 role, you probably have some [unhealthy source of fuel.]() Maybe it’s a strong desire to win and be seen. Or a [deep sense of unworthiness](), that is temporarily assuaged by peer validation. Or [financial scarcity]() imprinted upon you from earlier childhood experiences. So now what? Making content, [buying an SMB](), writing a book, or starting a VC-backed company probably isn’t going to assuage this. But you’ve left “the path” and the walls feel like [they’re collapsing around you.]() At this point, many folks will “go back.” ## So what’s next? Absolutely. The beauty of leaving is that in this “wilderness phase” you have [nowhere to look but within.]() With all the markers of success and money stripped away, you’re left with your true essence. Every single one of us are born with a beautiful soul, it’s just covered by a lot of emotional scar tissue. If you quit, you get to heal that scar tissue. And then it’s totally worth it. __You just have to stay in the game.__ ## Are you a high-earner going through a career transition? Find purpose, navigate money scarcity and reimagine ambition with our Group Coaching program. [Apply today]()