**Downshifting: Choosing Less and Gaining More**

Understanding Downshifting in a Professional Setting

Downshifting in a professional setting is the conscious decision to scale back workload, responsibilities, or career ambitions in favor of better work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and mental well-being (Kennedy et al., 2013; Buzovska & Karabeliov, 2014). This often means stepping away from high-pressure roles or forgoing promotions to prioritize personal time, family, or more meaningful yet less demanding work.

Professionals might downshift by:

Transitioning into a less demanding role with fewer hours.
Choosing part-time work over full-time employment.
Accepting a position with less stress and responsibility, even if it means a lower salary.
Leaving a high-paying but high-stress career to pursue a passion or a simpler lifestyle.

Downshifting is a response to the relentless demands of modern work; it gives individuals greater control over their time and energy while aligning their careers with their values and well-being (Kennedy et al., 2013)

My Downshifting Journey: From High-Paced Consulting to Intentional Living

A few years ago, if someone had told me I would leave the exhilarating world of Agile coaching and project management consulting for a slower, more intentional life, I might have laughed. My career revolved around helping organizations embrace change, optimize efficiency, and drive continuous improvement. Ironically, I failed to realize that I, too, needed a transformation.

Recognition of Need

The shift didn’t happen overnight. It began with subtle signs—burnout creeping in, the growing realization that the relentless pace wasn’t sustainable, and a quiet longing for something different.

Exploring Alternatives

While my career was rewarding, it demanded an intensity that left little room for reflection and creativity. Staying ahead in my field meant constantly updating skills, securing new contracts, and delivering at full speed. It was exhausting. I began exploring alternatives, applying for both contract and full-time roles, hoping the right door would open.

Making the Decision

Then came the moment of choice: stepping away from consulting to become an Operations Project Advisor. At first glance, it might seem like a step down—fewer responsibilities, less external recognition, and a departure from the high-energy world of Agile transformation. But in reality, it was a step toward something far more meaningful: a life with more space, greater focus, improved balance, and deeper alignment with my values.

Implementing the Change

As a project management professional, executing a decision is my forte. However, this transition involved more than signing the employment agreement. It meant packing up, saying goodbye to loved ones, and traveling 4,000 kilometers to start fresh. I was confident in my logistical abilities—I could do this on time and within budget! But what I couldn’t fully plan for was the emotional toll. The intangible weight of leaving behind familiarity and loved ones was significant. Yet, I made it to British Columbia. (You can revisit my earlier story for more details.)

Adjusting and Adapting

Surprisingly, adjusting to the three-hour time difference in my new home was a breeze. The space, location, and environment were lovely, and within days, I hit the ground running. I also found joy in my new job and the engagement with my coworkers. I was pleased that I made this choice.

Evaluating the Outcomes

I’ve committed to a six-month review—at a minimum—to assess my situation and plan my next steps. The beauty of downshifting is the flexibility it provides; nothing has to be permanent. So far, my career metamorphosis through downshifting (Buzovska & Karabeliov, 2014) has been both exciting and refreshing. I’m looking forward to my 12-month review and sharing my next chapter!

Stages of Career Metamorphosis in Downshifting

Trading the Hustle for the Mountains

With my new role came another decision: to leave Toronto, Canada’s most expensive and fast-moving city, for Squamish—a place where time feels different, where the mountains and ocean replace skyscrapers, and where life moves at a pace that allows for deep breaths and long walks. In Toronto, I was surrounded by a culture of constant striving—higher salaries, bigger projects, more prestige. In Squamish, I found a different rhythm, one that values presence over productivity.

Letting Go of Excess, Embracing Circular Living

My career shift also sparked a deeper commitment—to live with less. Not just in work, but in material consumption. I adopted a no-buy approach, stepping away from the endless cycle of acquiring and replacing. Instead, I embraced the circular economy, where items are reused, repurposed, and valued for their longevity rather than their novelty.

Instead of buying new clothes, I knit and sew my own when possible. The handmade outfits are durable and deeply personal. Instead of chasing trends, I focus on sustainability and self-sufficiency. There’s something incredibly satisfying about wearing something you’ve made yourself, knowing it will last for years.

Urban Minimalism: Researching & Sharing the Learnings

Even as I moved away from the traditional corporate world, I found a new passion: researching and sharing insights on urban minimalism. Cities, with all their complexity and contradictions, are fascinating places for exploring how we can live with less while still engaging deeply with our communities. I’ve come to see minimalism not just as an aesthetic or a decluttering exercise, but as a framework for rethinking the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.

The Trade-offs & the Unexpected Gains

Downshifting wasn’t without its challenges. Letting go of a high-powered role meant letting go of certain perks—professional recognition, a fast-moving work environment, and the thrill of big projects. But what I gained in return was far more valuable: time, creativity, connection, and a deep sense of peace.

I now have space to create, write, and be intentional about how I spend my days. I’m no longer chasing an abstract idea of success—I’m defining it on my own terms.

Conclusion: The Power of Choosing Less

Living in a world that constantly tells us to do more, earn more, and be more, choosing less can feel radical. But for me, downshifting wasn’t about giving up; it was about gaining a life that feels more authentic, more intentional, and more fulfilling.

I don’t know if I’ll ever return to the fast lane of consulting, but I do know this: I wouldn’t trade the tranquility, the freedom, or the clarity I’ve discovered for anything.

Sometimes, the most powerful transformation isn’t about climbing higher; it’s about stepping back and seeing what truly matters.

Have you ever considered downshifting or redefining success on your own terms?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

References

Buzovska, B., & Karabeliov, S. (2014). A Theoretical Model for Social Transformation – Downshifting. Career Metamorphosis, Well-Being and Mental Heal. Filosofiâ, 53(3), 316–330. https://doi.org/10.53656/phil2024-03-08

Kennedy, E. H., Krahn, H., & Krogman, N. T. (2013). Downshifting: An Exploration of Motivations, Quality of Life, and Environmental Practices. Sociological Forum, 28(4), 764–783. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43653917

My Downshifting Story