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Today, I quit my corporate job...

Writer's picture: Cassie ParlottoCassie Parlotto

I wrote this three weeks ago, on the day I put in my notice. I have since finished my tenure at my company, and am now a full time Joiful studio owner. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.

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Looking back on my career, I feel incredibly fortunate. In 2009, I was 25 years old, newly divorced, and raising three kids under the age of six. I had no college degree, no professional experience, and the overwhelming responsibility of putting food on the table. Having grown up in a strict religious cult (which I had only recently left), women weren’t expected to go to college or plan to financially lead a household. Yet, here I was, trying to do just that.

 

I started with a string of jobs, earning near minimum wage, and sometimes juggled three at once just to make ends meet. Two years into my divorce, I landed my first “real job.” To me, that meant working at a company that provided health insurance. At $40,000 a year, it felt like a million dollars, even though it was barely enough to cover our needs. For the first time, I didn’t have to put groceries on a credit card.

 

That job in marketing operations ignited something in me. I loved the work and my coworkers. I poured my heart into it, suggesting automations that saved me and the company 20-25 hours a week. A year and a half later, a friend recommended me for a junior Product Manager position at large tech company. At the time, I didn’t even know what a Product Manager did, and to this day, I’m amazed they hired me.

 

As a Product Manager, I dove headfirst into software development, learning processes and how to deliver quality products. I loved it all—the work, the teams, and the challenges. That role kicked off a 12+ year journey in Product Management, spanning companies of all sizes. Each job brought joy, growth, and incredible colleagues who shaped my career. To all who supported me, thank you.

 

A New Chapter

 

In 2023, a string of unexpected, almost “woo-woo” events led me to purchase my local yoga studio. This wasn’t part of the plan. I was working full-time in corporate while running the studio on the side. At first, it was manageable. The lessons I learned in Product Management translated beautifully to running a business.

 

Listening to our customers, we crafted something unique. In a city where heated Vinyasa classes dominate, our data told a different story: not everyone wanted that. So, we took a risk. We removed heated classes, sold our heaters, and introduced offerings like Restore & Reiki, Sound Baths, and even a Yoga & Jesus program, after hearing our students talk about how they weren't sure how yoga fit into their faith.

 

The results? In our first year, we were named the best yoga studio in town—and we repeated that honor the following year.

 

The Cost of the Hustle

 

By late 2024, the adrenaline wore off. Though I felt immense joy and contentment, I was also exhausted. Health issues crept in. During a doctor’s visit, my PCP paused while prescribing more blood pressure medication and said, “I’d usually recommend yoga and meditation…” trailing off, knowing full well I was a studio owner & practiced both daily.

 

Despite the glamorization of hustle culture, I realized the truth: hustling isn’t sustainable. Forcing something to move faster or inauthentically isn’t a long-term strategy. While I derived joy from building my yoga community, the constant juggling act of corporate work, family, and the studio took its toll.

 

Something had to give.

 

Making the Leap

 

The decision wasn’t easy. Could we live on one income with a kid in college and another heading off next year? Should I reduce hours and take a part-time job? Dip into my 401K? None of the answers felt simple. After many tears, sleepless nights, budget reviews, therapy sessions, and signs from the Universe, the answer became clear: I needed to quit my corporate job and go all-in on the studio.

 

It terrified me. Leaving a secure paycheck and placing financial responsibility on my husband (I had since remarried) wasn’t a decision I made lightly. But with his support and a shared commitment to our family’s future, we decided to take the leap.

 

Today Is the Day

 

Today, I'm giving my notice. I expected to feel nothing but excitement, and while I do feel excited, I’m also scared and nostalgic. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunities and the people who have shaped my journey. Who knows? I may return to the corporate world someday. I love Product Management, and I have always somehow managed to work with the very best people.

 

For now, though, I need to prioritize my health and dedicate myself fully to what I’m most passionate about right now: my yoga community. Even if it doesn’t make perfect sense on paper, it feels right in my heart.

 

As Ray Bradbury said: “Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.”

 

Here’s to unfolding.

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2 Comments


vgo56
Jan 24

Congratulations on your changes!

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Replying to

Thank you so much! ☺️

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