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Hey Friends,

In today’s manifesto, we explore a question that strikes at the heart of how we choose to live, work, and dream. I recently had a night out with friends, and as often happens in such gatherings, the conversation drifted into familiar territory: career and corporate life. But this time, something struck me deeply about the dynamic at the table. The mindset around me was one of dedication (or actually, not considering any other career lane except for corporate) to the “corporate game”—a mentality that the only path to stability, success, or even survival was through a 9-to-5 corporate job.

As I sat there listening, I realized no one was speaking about their dreams. Not a word was uttered (except for 1 person) about life beyond the rigid structure of a corporate environment. There was no mention of hobbies or side passions that brought them joy, no dreams of exploring their potential outside their job roles. It was as if the corporate world was the only world they could envision for themselves.

And, to be clear, I’m not here to judge or say that working a corporate job is wrong. But, the absence of any other vision for a fulfilled life—anything that didn't revolve around clocking in and out—was jarring to me. I realized how much my perspective had shifted from that conventional viewpoint.

The Corporate Game: "Play the Game or Get Out"

At that table, I heard time and again about the struggles and compromises of corporate life. It’s a landscape that often demands you play by certain rules to move up or even to stay in the game. People shared stories about how management seemed focused only on their comfort, out of touch with the realities faced by those lower on the ladder. I couldn't help but feel the weight of it all: a world where people feel boxed in, with little room for exploration or growth outside the walls of their cubicles.

The phrase, “play the game or get out,” kept echoing. For many, staying in the corporate game means putting up with challenging hierarchies and sacrificing personal passions or dreams, maybe even to the point where dreaming of a different lane isn’t even possible for them. In contrast, my path is leading me out of this game altogether, embracing entrepreneurship as a way of reclaiming control over my life. I want to connect with people who, like me, crave more than corporate life—who feel that same drive to seek fulfillment beyond the traditional 9-to-5.

Where Did My Entrepreneurial Spirit Begin?

I started reflecting on how my entrepreneurial spirit took root and evolved. It dates back years, to when my two older kids were very young. My journey began somewhat unexpectedly: my son had severe eczema, and I began creating oatmeal soaps and lotions to soothe his skin after finding that prescriptions weren't working. What started as a way to help my son eventually turned into a small venture, selling handmade soaps, lotions, candles, and jewelry at local craft shows and bazaars.

At the time, I didn’t consider myself an entrepreneur. I saw myself simply as someone making things and selling them. But looking back, I realize those early ventures sparked my entrepreneurial spirit, which has since grown into a true calling. It wasn’t until about 10 or 15 years ago, when I became a certified coach, that I started consciously identifying as an entrepreneur. My coaching work allowed me to build a business around helping others, and it was then that I fully embraced my desire to create something meaningful and impactful.

Finding Purpose Beyond the 9-to-5

Reflecting on this, I began to wonder: how many of the people I spoke with that night ever considered an alternative path? They were intelligent, capable people who could likely excel in any endeavor they chose. And yet, the very idea of life beyond corporate walls never seemed to come up. Whether it's a creative pursuit, a hobby turned side business or a small entrepreneurial venture, I wondered if any of them had considered that such paths could coexist with or even replace their corporate roles.

And that led me to a bigger question: how much of our perspective is shaped by societal conditioning? From an early age, many of us are taught that a “good life” is one that includes a secure job, a steady income, and maybe a retirement plan. This path is often reinforced by family, school, and the media, making it difficult for some to envision anything beyond a traditional job.

The Power of Being Around Like-Minded People

One of the things I’m learning as I go deeper into my journey is that surrounding myself with like-minded individuals is essential. I crave connection with those who, like me, yearn for a life that feels aligned with their deeper passions. I’m not saying every person needs to be an entrepreneur or run a business to find fulfillment, but I am saying there’s a different kind of energy that comes from people who see beyond the corporate game—who know that the rules society gives us are not the only way to live. JOIN THE SOFT CEO WAY and connect with like-minded women!

Being around people who are passionate, creative, and eager to explore other possibilities has a profound impact on how I view my own journey. They inspire me to stay true to my path, to keep reaching for more and to believe in the possibility of a life filled with freedom and purpose. This environment feeds my desire to pursue the dreams that feel truest to me, regardless of whether they align with traditional expectations.

Human Design and My Role as a 3-5 Manifesting Generator

According to human design, I’m a 3-5 Manifesting Generator. For those unfamiliar, the 3/5 profile line is all about learning through trial and error and showing others a new way of living, working, and thinking. My “3” line is the experimenter, constantly learning through experience, while my “5” line represents a natural leadership quality that others gravitate toward. In many ways, I feel that this combination has given me a unique role: I’m here to illuminate different paths, to show that there’s another way to live a fulfilled life.

I believe this drive to explore non-traditional paths might be what makes me ask questions like, “Is this all there is?” or “Is there another way?” whenever I find myself in environments that feel limiting. My curiosity has pushed me to continually seek a life of purpose that feels expansive and true to who I am, rather than one that simply meets societal expectations.

Inviting Others to Dream Beyond the Conventional

If I had one message for those who feel constrained by the corporate game, it would be this: don’t be afraid to explore possibilities that light you up. Whether that means starting a small business, diving into a creative hobby, or simply expanding your idea of what’s possible, the important thing is to keep the door open. Living life in alignment with your true passions is incredibly fulfilling, and there is a whole world of potential waiting for those willing to explore beyond the norm.

As I reflect on this conversation, I feel a renewed commitment to creating spaces where people feel encouraged to dream, explore, and live life on their terms. Whether that means helping women reconnect with their feminine foundation or supporting entrepreneurs in building businesses rooted in peace and pleasure, my goal is to show others that they can shape their own path—free from the confines of the “corporate game.”

Live Pleasurably

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