I worked 12-hour days in a corporate job I loved. I wanted my life back, so I quit, and now I'm a waitress.

Lisa Eder left her corporate job with no plan. Courtesy of Lisa Eder Lisa Eder is a 36-year-old woman in Sydney who left her career as a leader in the corporate world. She resigned and worked as a waitress to give herself time to figure out what was next. Although she doesn't regret her decision, she said leaving the corporate world isn't for everyone. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lisa Eder . It has been edited for length and clarity. For 10 years, I worked my way up in luxury hospitality , eventually becoming a director at a high-end hotel group. It had always been my dream position, and I loved my job. Everything about it was exciting, and no two days were ever the same. There were important VIP arrivals, high-profile events, and constant challenges. I became consumed by it all.