What Matters Most: 3 Steps To A Career That Feeds Your Soul

Does your career feed your soul?

According to data from Quidlo, almost half of Americans consider themselves workaholics. Nearly 80% have faced burnout, and two-thirds admit they’re missing the work-life balance they truly need. But here’s the truth: balance isn’t just about freeing up time; it’s about intentionally making space for all the things that matter most. When we get that right, we’re better in every role—at work, in our relationships, and for ourselves.

Here’s how Helen, started creating a career and life that fulfilled and energized her...

After a 25-year career in finance, Helen was exhausted. She was a high achiever, the person everyone relied on to handle major projects and keep clients happy. But at 52, she realized she was worn out, missing out on family moments and feeling a growing emptiness. She’d been working harder than ever, but quietly wondered - was this really *living*? When Helen reached out to me, she confessed that she was so busy juggling deadlines and expectations, she didn’t know where to start. 

To get Helen thinking, I asked her a simple but powerful question: “What does *fulfillment* mean to you?” She paused. She realized she hadn’t thought about that in years. Over the next few weeks, we worked together to identify her true priorities and values. In other words, what mattered most to her. Helen discovered that she wanted more time with people she loved, to rekindle her love for painting, and to feel a stronger sense of community. Together, we mapped out three key steps to make those goals a reality:

Set Boundaries

Helen had fallen into the habit of responding to emails late at night and working on weekends. I helped her establish boundaries—blocking off time in her calendar for family dinners, weekend painting sessions, and, crucially, a firm “clock-out” time each day.

Measure Progress

To keep her on track, we set tangible milestones and scheduled weekly check-ins. We agreed on smaller, achievable actions, like saying “no” to extra work that didn’t align with her priorities. Little by little, she felt her energy returning.

Review and Adjust Goals

I taught Helen that career fulfillment is dynamic—it changes as we grow. Every few months, we revisited her goals and adjusted as needed. Soon, Helen found herself volunteering on weekends for a cause she believed in, reconnecting with her sense of purpose and making her work more meaningful. Months later, Helen had transformed her life. She found a way to succeed professionally without sacrificing herself in the process. Her evenings were now reserved for family and her love of art. Most importantly, she finally felt a sense of balance.

Helen’s story is a reminder that balance and fulfillment aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials for a sustainable, rewarding career and life. If you’re ready to make a similar shift, let’s talk. Together, we can create a path that truly aligns with your values.

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About the author 

Therese Nicklas

Therese Nicklas is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Money Coach(CMC)®, and Certified Success Principles™ Coach. She specializes in helping high-achieving women create a life and career they love. By empowering them with smart strategies, women create "True Wealth" - a fulfilling life of purpose and unlimited possibilities. She's coached clients to create an exit strategy from corporate so they can either retire, launch a business or a passion project. “True wealth – true financial freedom – is being free to focus on the things that matter most to you – what money can’t buy.”

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