Why I Took a Step Back In My Corporate Career

Let me start by saying this: 2024 didn’t go as planned.

If you’ve ever felt like you were juggling too much, trying to be everything to everyone, or pushing yourself to the point of breaking—then you’ll understand exactly where I’m coming from.

Last year, I hit a wall. Hard.

Starting a business, being a full-time mom to my two beautiful kids, and working a demanding job left me burned out in ways I couldn’t ignore anymore. I was spinning my wheels, trying to do everything perfectly, while secretly battling imposter syndrome and the weight of being a Manifesting Generator (hello, constant energy bursts followed by deep crashes).

And just when things couldn't get worse, I was laid off in March. 

Instead of jumping straight into the next thing, I decided to pause. For the first time, I chose to take a step back and be fully present with my kids.

This decision didn’t come out of nowhere—it was the result of some deep soul-searching. 

Before the layoff, I was constantly working, putting in extra hours on weekends, and trying to keep up with everything. But those weekend hours came at a cost. While I worked, my kids would ask me to cuddle and watch movies with them. And every time I said, “Not now,” I felt a pang of guilt that I couldn’t ignore.

I also couldn’t shake the feeling when I dropped them off at after-school care—something I hated as a child myself. I wanted so badly to give them the time and presence I had longed for growing up, but I was stuck in a cycle of trying to do it all.

So when the layoff happened, I realized I had an opportunity to do something I’d never done before: choose alignment over achievement. 

I decided to pause—not because I didn’t love having a career, but because my kids are my ultimate priority. And if I couldn’t find a way to balance both in a way that honored my values, then it was time to reimagine what “success” really meant for me.

What Alignment Looked Like in 2024

That pause gave me space to reflect on what alignment truly means. It showed me something I’d been avoiding for years: many corporate settings simply aren’t set up to allow women to win holistically.

(To be clear, the role I was laid off from was an exception—it offered incredible flexibility and I worked with an amazing manager. My reflections here are shaped by years of experiences in environments that didn’t provide the same level of support.)

While I value my career and the sense of purpose it brings, working in environments that demand constant connectivity from 9-5 without flexibility? That’s just not something I can sign up for anymore.

I realized that alignment isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about achieving them in a way that honors every part of who you are. For me, that means:

• Prioritizing my kids without guilt.

• Embracing work that allows flexibility and fulfillment.

• Focusing on helping other women navigate these same challenges.

This year wasn’t perfect, but it was transformative. It reminded me that I don’t have to choose between ambition and authenticity—I can have both, and so can you.

Introducing Myself and My Mission

If you’re new here—or it’s been a while—let me introduce myself. I’m Sasha Elezovski, a SHRM-certified HR professional, Holistic Career Coach, and founder of Alchevate Coaching. With 13+ years in corporate HR, a certification as an HR Professional, a master’s degree in Human Resources Development, and an intuitive knack for seeing what others often overlook, I’ve spent my career helping women step into their power.

My mission is simple but bold: to empower career-driven women and entrepreneurs to align their goals with their true selves so they can claim the clarity, confidence, and success they deserve.

In the corporate world, I’ve seen women shy away from negotiating salaries, hesitate to set boundaries, and question whether they belong in the spaces they’ve already earned. I’m here to change that.

But there’s more to this mission.

Over the past year, I’ve realized that my expertise in HR and strategy can serve not only corporate women but also women entrepreneurs. Whether you’re leading a team, building systems to scale your business, or creating workflows that give you back your time, I’m here to help you succeed without sacrificing alignment or balance.

What’s Coming in 2025?

This time around, I’m doing things differently. I’m embracing what I call a “slow burn” approach—focused, intentional, and aligned. That means no more scattered energy or trying to cover all the bases at once.

Instead, I’ll focus on the things I love most:

• Empowering Corporate Women: Sharing tools and strategies to help you own your worth, while you’re climbing the corporate ladder.

• HR for Entrepreneurs: Helping you simplify hiring, build inclusive teams, and scale your business with confidence.

• Personal and Spiritual Growth: Guiding you through soulful practices that align your ambition with your intuition and values.

2025 isn’t about rushing to the finish line; it’s about creating sustainable momentum. I want this year to feel aligned—not overwhelming. So here’s my promise to you: I’ll focus on delivering value through content that feels meaningful, inspiring, and useful.

This newsletter will be your resource for actionable insights, soulful alignment practices, and real-world strategies that transform both careers and businesses.

Let’s Start 2025 Together

Next week, I’ll share the biggest lessons 2024 taught me—lessons that I believe can help you approach the new year with clarity and intention.

Here’s to taking bold steps, staying aligned, and making 2025 the year we claim success on our own terms.