There comes a point in some careers when the problem isn’t just work–life balance. It’s not simply about needing fewer hours, more flexibility, or a bit more holiday time. Sometimes the realisation runs much deeper: the career itself no longer aligns with who you are, what you value, and the impact you want to make in the world. That’s when you don’t just need a break — you need a reset.

For me, that moment came after more than two decades in retail buying. On paper, it was a great career. I worked with well-known brands, managed big budgets, and travelled widely to develop products. But behind the scenes, I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

The industry was built on overconsumption — constantly producing more, faster and cheaper, with little thought for the environmental cost. I’ve always cared about sustainability and our responsibility to the planet, and I started to feel that what I was doing every day was in direct conflict with my own beliefs. Add to that a toxic work environment and a culture that showed little care for employees, and I began to question why I was still there.

I realised my job no longer gave me satisfaction because it no longer fitted my goals or values. I didn’t want to contribute to a system that fuelled waste and placed profit above people. What I needed wasn’t a short break to “recharge” before returning to the same cycle — I needed a complete reset.

That decision led me to take time out to focus on my own skincare business rooted in, sustainability and selfcare. It was a way to channel my skills and experience into something that genuinely felt meaningful and aligned with my values. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been worth it. It’s given me the breathing space I needed to think about what matters most to me, while giving me a focus and renewed ambition. 

Like many small, independent brands, the greatest challenge lies in the lack of consistent funding and external support. Without that backing, it becomes incredibly difficult to scale in a way that not only covers costs but also provides a reliable and sustainable income. The pressure of wearing every hat — from product development and marketing to sales and operations — can be overwhelming, and while the work is fulfilling in many ways, it often can’t provide the financial stability, security, or career progression that I got from a job.

I’ve decided to step back into employment, hoping to discover a path that feels meaningful and purposeful, while still nurturing Ermana as a creative and fulfilling side project. It feels like the best way to balance stability with the passion that drives me.

A career reset is about more than changing jobs. It’s about pausing to ask yourself:

• Does the work I do reflect what matters most to me?
• Do I feel proud of the impact it has on others and on the world?
• Am I working in an environment that supports my growth and wellbeing?

If the answer is no, then maybe it’s not time for a break — it’s time for a reset.

A career reset isn’t about “giving up” a successful career — it’s about redefining success on your own terms. It’s the decision to choose purpose, meaning, and alignment over staying stuck in a role that no longer serves you.