Should I step away from my CEO role to focus on my children, or will I regret it later?

In this latest iteration of our Work and Wealth Watch series, where money coach Luca Caruana gives his expert responses to all your questions related to money, work and wealth, we explore the psychology behind a healthy approach to personal finances.

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Dear Luca,

I’m a 40-year-old female CEO with years of experience building and leading successful businesses. My career has always been a central part of my life, and I’ve thrived on the challenges that come with it. But now, I’m facing a decision that’s pulling me in a different direction.

I have four young children, and I’m seriously considering taking a long break from work to focus on them. Financially, I’m in a position where money isn’t an issue, so this choice is really about what’s best for my family and myself. But I’m worried. I’ve always worked a lot, and I’m not sure how I’ll cope with the shift from the fast-paced world of business to the more domestic life of raising my children.

There’s also the question of my future career. If I step away for four or five years—or maybe even longer—will I be able to return to work at the same level? How do I make sure I stay relevant and fulfilled during this time away from the corporate world?

I’d appreciate your thoughts on this. How do I mentally prepare for such a big change? And what can I do now to ensure that, if and when I’m ready to go back, I still have meaningful opportunities available to me?

Looking forward to your advice.

Best regards,

Torn but Determined

Luca’s Response

Dear Torn but Determined,

Leaving behind a successful career to focus on your family is never an easy decision, especially when you’ve spent years building something you’re proud of. But the pull to be there for your children during their formative years is strong, and rightly so.

You’re in a fortunate position where finances aren’t an issue, so this decision isn’t about money—it’s about priorities. Family comes first, always. Your children are only young once, and the chance to be present for them in a meaningful way is a window that won’t stay open forever. Many successful people have shared regrets about missing out on their kids’ lives, despite their professional achievements. Steve Jobs, for instance, spoke of this in his final days. No one looks back and wishes they’d spent more time at the office.

That said, I understand your concerns about stepping away from the corporate world. The fear of losing relevance is real, but your skills and experience won’t simply disappear. You’ve built a career based on talent and hard work—qualities that don’t fade with time. You can stay connected in small ways, whether through consulting, staying active in industry networks, or even keeping up with trends in your field.

This isn’t about choosing between family and career; it’s about recognising the right time for each. You’ve already proven yourself in business. Now, you have the chance to prove that same strength in a different, equally important arena—raising your children.

If, after a few years, you find yourself missing the challenges of the business world, there will be opportunities to return. But by then, you’ll have given your children something they can never repay: your time and attention when they needed it most. That’s a legacy that, in my view, outshines any corporate success.

In the end, this ‘risk’ is one worth taking. The alternative—a life filled with regret over lost moments with your kids—is far more daunting.

Wishing you clarity and confidence in your decision.

Luca,

The Money Coach, from the Money Coaching Hub

CEO & Founder of Monipal

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