Almost six months ago, I traded in $3 million annual sales goals and endless Zoom calls for something a whole lot more fulfilling: joy, movement, laughter, and chuckling as I drive home at the end of the day as I replay magical moments — that remind me exactly why I blew up my life so I can do this kind of work.
In June, I left my 20+ year career selling B2B recruiting services and took at 75% pay cut to accept the role as the Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator at St. Rita Square, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m still getting used to how alive I feel. I mean it—I feel alive. Not the kind of alive where you chug coffee and muscle through emails at 9pm like a corporate zombie. The kind of alive where my cheeks hurt from smiling, my 10,000+ steps have purpose, and my heart feels full before lunch.
Let me say this plainly: I love this job. I love it deep in my bones.
For years, I lived the 24/7 “corporate job” life. I showed up. I did the work. I sat in the all-day training seminars. I spoke at trade shows in Vegas like the grown-up fancy thought leader I am. I logged 10,000 hours because Malcolm Gladwell told me that I could be an ‘Expert’ if I did (source: Outliers). I stared into the abyss of my computer screen until I forgot what daylight felt like. And sure, I was “successful”—whatever that means—but something in me was… well, not dead exactly, but definitely distracted… which I simply chalked up to ADHD… I couldn’t make myself do the work. I just didn’t want to and I couldn’t force myself.
What if life actually doesn’t need to be so hard?
At St Rita Square (owned by Capri Communities, a Wisconsin-based company) every day, I get to plan and lead fun, heartwarming, life-affirming outings and experiences for older adults who are seeking joyful experiences and new ways to enrich their lives. And lemme tell you: these seniors know how to live. They’ve done all the all hard things. They raised kids. And grandkids. Many of them cared for their ailing spouse before they died. Now they take care of each other. And they show up every day with curiosity, courage, and delight. They want to go on boat rides, try trendy new downtown restaurants, sing old songs, tell bad jokes, and make new friends. They want to build community. And I have the tremendous privilege to help make that happen.
The intersection of wisdom and wonder.
What I gave up in cash bonuses, I’ve happily traded for jet fuel in my inspiration tank. Jack, a 91-year old, a weekly Bingo-player who proudly went to the University of Florida, so anytime I call out “N-32” (which was his number when he played football), we all yell “GO GATORS!!” I know a lot about these residents because they share who they are. They want to be seen and engage with me. Everyone keeps me on my toes—in the best way. And somehow, in their presence, my own edges soften. I laugh more freely. I cry more easily. I listen better. I stop rushing. Something I wasn’t even aware I was doing. It was imperceptible.
And if I’m really honest, there’s a more personal reason I made the decision to blow up my life and quit my corporate job.
Almost two years ago, my mom had a serious health challenge. It was one of those moments that stops life in its tracks and rearranges your priorities overnight. For all of 2024, I helped her recuperate, rebuild strength, and regain confidence. It was hard and humbling for us both, but it was also sacred. Watching her fight to get well taught me what true resilience looks like. My mom is still the bravest, most kind, most lovely person I’ve ever met. She is my hero.
After living in my duplex on the first floor (and me on the second floor) for the past decade, my mom decided she wanted to move out to live among her peers. I was sad but also proud to see her striving for independence. After an exhaustive search for the right community in Milwaukee, she chose to move to St Rita Square. Just a few months later, I learned about an open role for the Lifestyle Enrichment Coordinator. I applied and to their credit, they didn’t see a conflict (that my mom was a resident), the Executive Director hired me immediately. when the opportunity came to join the team here, I didn’t hesitate. I wanted to be close to her—to see her every day, to know she’s part of a community that cares for her deeply, and to bring that same sense of love and purpose to others. This isn’t just a job to me. It’s personal. It’s full-circle. It’s love put to work. Bonus: I get to see my mom every day!
Beautiful serendipity.
Turns out… all those years in the corporate world weren’t wasted. Every spreadsheet, every marketing brainstorm, every “how can we make this better?” meeting—turns out, I was in training for this. Now I get to use my organizational, sales, and marketing superpowers for something that feels truly meaningful. I’m creating calendars that sparkle with fun and purpose. I’m promoting events that actually bring people joy. I’m tapping my fancy friends to be speakers all while building relationships, nurturing engagement, and using my knack for connection to help make senior living more vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.
Enjoy Life.
And get this: St Rita Square’s tagline is “Enjoy Life.” How’s that for poetic irony? I left a job where I was too busy working to actually live—and now my entire role revolves around helping people enjoy life. I plan it, celebrate it, and witness it daily. And somewhere along the way, I realized I’m finally living that message myself.
I think that’s what happens when you spend your days with people who know what matters. Who have had full lives and are still chasing moments of joy with wild enthusiasm. Who remind you that it’s not too late to be curious, or bold, or silly, or brave.
And on a very practical note: I’m no longer sitting in a cubicle, chained to multiple computer monitors 60+ hours a week. I go outside. I stretch. I move. Yesterday, I drove a group to Holy Hill so we could all “ooooh and ahhhh” at nature’s wondrous autumnal colors. I’m like a convict who has been released from cinderblock walls. And when I see the sunlight dappling on leaves, I feel overwhelming gratitude. I feel so damn lucky. I talk to real humans about real things. I use my creativity, my sense of humor, and my deep love of connection—every single day. This job feeds my soul.
There’s a quote I love that says, “Work is love made visible.” That’s how this feels. This job is love in motion—driving the bus to the Brewer game, or to Swimming or to Trader Joe’s. The task doesn’t matter much… because I’m only doing it to see my passengers’ eyes light up when they board the bus.
Here’s why I wrote this blog — because… if you can reach just one person… So if you’re contemplating “blowing up your life” — AKA changing your life… do it. You’ll never look back.
Here I am, almost six months in, wildly grateful and still a little stunned at how different life can feel when you’re doing something that lights you up from the inside. I’m not saying every day is perfect. But I am saying that I feel aligned, on purpose, and deeply human in the best possible way.
Here’s to the beautiful humans I get to work with. Here’s to late bloomers and joyful rebels. And here’s to St Rita Square, where “Enjoy Life” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the whole mission. And here’s to me, doing exactly that.
betsyrowbottom 