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.

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. The job was a lifestyle, and for a decade, it was the lifestyle I wanted for myself.

I loved working 12-hour days, most days of the week. I loved leading a team of 100 people and six…