Manage episode 522169650 series 3551002
In this episode, Alex and Karla Booth open up about the side of success no one talks about: what it feels like to finally get the dream job, the dream income, the dream city, and still feel completely stuck.
Alex shares his journey from Microsoft to Amazon, where he had everything he thought he wanted (a great salary, a beautiful Seattle life, a prestigious role, and a clear path upward), but inside he felt trapped. He talks about the exact moment he realized he loved his job but hated his life, and why staying on that path would have cost him more than it gave.
Karla reflects on watching Alex’s inner shift happen in real time, why so many "high achievers" hit this invisible wall, and what it really takes to admit that something isn’t working, even when it looks perfect on paper. Together, they break down the emotional, psychological, and practical turning points that pushed them toward remote work, freedom, and a life designed intentionally.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The illusion of the dream job.
- How achievement, promotions, and prestige can mask deep dissatisfaction and loneliness.
- Why so many people love their work but hate the life attached to it: The commute, the weather, the isolation, the burnout, and the cost of living that slowly wear you down.
- The pivotal moment that made Alex walk away from corporate life: What happened on that bus ride home and why it changed everything.
- How to recognize when it’s time to leave, even if everything looks "good enough": Signs your lifestyle is draining you even when your career is thriving.
- Why freedom isn’t about quitting your job, but about choosing your life: The mindset shift that helped Alex and Karla rebuild their careers on their own terms.
- The unexpected clarity that comes from stepping away from a path that no longer fits you: How Alex finally understood who he was outside of corporate identity and why that changed how he works today.
Alex and Karla also share intimate, raw moments from this season of transition (from burnout weekends to long commutes to feeling like life only existed on Saturdays). Their stories offer an honest look at what it’s like to outgrow a life you worked so hard to build, and why choosing yourself isn’t selfish but necessary.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to look successful on the outside while struggling internally, this episode will feel like a deep exhale.
Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/RichandRemote
Follow Alex and Karla:
Alex Booth: LinkedIn: Alexander Booth - Huckleberry Consulting | Facebook: GetCSM
Karla Singson: Instagram: @karlastefan | Facebook: Karla Singson | LinkedIn: Karla Singson
Big thanks to our sponsors Proximity Outsourcing, Huckleberry Consulting, and GetCSM for making this episode possible!
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See you next week, and remember, freedom is built one smart move at a time.
8 episodes