From Federal Desk Job to Freedom: A Career Transformation

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From Burnout to Breakthrough: My Journey from Fed to Freedom

By Glen Maylone

In a world where people feel trapped by their jobs — chained to their desks, restrained by the golden handcuffs of stability and benefits — the idea of breaking free can seem like a fantasy.

For years, I sat behind a desk in a federal office, feeling the weight of monotony pressing down.

The fire that brought me into public service had dimmed to a flicker. The daily grind was predictable and safe… but it also stifled my creativity and drained my spirit.

I knew I needed a change. But the thought of leaving a secure job, transitioning to a new agency, or making a major move felt overwhelming.

I was boxed in, burned out, and no longer a believer.

Yep. Been there, done that. (All of that.)

This isn’t how-to. It’s a how-I-did. I’ll share the steps I took, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.

The first half of my journey is complete — and the second half is just beginning.

Come along as it unfolds, let's have some fun.

Recognizing the Need for Change

The first step was admitting I wasn’t happy. It crept in slowly, affecting every part of my life. I made excuses for a long time — we all do — but eventually I had to face the truth: I wasn’t living the life I wanted.

And maybe you’re feeling it too.

Signs of Discontent:

• You feel drained after work

• You lack motivation

• You dread Monday mornings

• You sit through meetings that go nowhere

• You do busy work that doesn’t matter

  
  

Every so often, there’s a burst of purpose — a moment of public service pride — just enough to remind you why you chose this path.

But those moments don’t last. And they don’t fix the rest.

The Wake-Up Call:

I’d already moved cities, led big programs, survived reorgs, watched great people get chewed up and spat out while gladhanders got promoted.

But this time hit different.

It wasn’t one event. It was the slow realization:

This system isn’t going to change.

But I can.

I must.

No more pretending. No more grinding myself down for a machine run by people more focused on reelection than results. I had reached the edge. And I stepped off.

Getting Real (With Myself)

The hardest thing wasn’t leaving the job — it was being honest with myself.

That deep, uncomfortable mirror-check:

What do I actually want? What do I need?

It was time to plan the next phase. I didn’t know exactly what it would look like.

But I was finally excited about something. And that alone felt like oxygen.

Self-Reflection:

I thought about what I loved: writing, traveling, helping others. I thought about what I’d neglected: my health, my family, my hobbies.

And I started to imagine something different.

Research & Exploration:

I researched career paths that aligned with my interests — freelance writing, coaching, business-building.

I didn’t jump right in. I gave myself space.

That time away was critical. You don’t need to leap before you breathe.

Breathe first. Try a few things, take a breath, and be honest, "is this for me"?

Building a Safety Net

Before I made any big moves, I built a cushion. No one needs the added stress of wondering how to pay next month’s bills.

This one is hard I know. I have talked to people who get this far and throw in the towel. They are just living paycheck to paycheck. (Safety net, what is that?)

Big moves start with little steps though. It is amazing how much can be saved with tiny contributions, or how much you identify that you "are really spending" by tracking every expense for a month.

In the days of the checkbook register I used to round up with every check I wrote.

If it was $18.20, I wrote in $20.00.

I did this for years, only reconciling every 6 months, and moving the excess to savings.

Every year it ended up being thousands of dollars moved over to savings or investment accounts. Once moved, I considered it gone.

Life happens and sometimes you have to use that cushion, but only as a last resort, and honestly, that is what it was there for. The safety net.

This is much harder today of course with instant access, instant balance updates, etc.

But there are accounts out there that automatically round up and move the little differences from checking into savings.

I round down the checking account balance and move the excess to savings every week.

Then at the end of the month move that money into an investment account.

It only takes a few minutes, but you will be shocked how fast it adds up.

This transitions into:

Financial Prep:

I saved up — aiming for at least six months of living expenses. Just saving wasn't enough, I also cut back where I could.

I also considered that "not going into the office" meant no more expensive commutes, lunch runs, or dry-clean-only workwear. I figured this into the future budget.

I was also lucky. With enough years in, I could take an early retirement. It was a large pay cut — but it was a lifeline.

That safety net made all the difference. It gave me the confidence to leap without fear snapping at my heels.

Taking the Leap

Once the plan was in place, it was time to jump.

(I looked over the edge, took one last look back at the comfort that the golden handcuffs had provided, turned back around and leapt)

The Exit:

Submitting my early-out retirement package was surreal. (Hitting that send button felt like a point of no return).

I felt both terrified and alive. So many documents, so many numbers, so many things to consider. So many things to go wrong that will take time to get corrected.

The First Steps:

I started sketching ideas, drafting content, reconnecting with people I’d lost touch with during the grind.

I launched a website. I leaned into my past experience writing ECQs and coaching others into executive roles.

Helping people with focused resume writing, interview practice skills, targeted job search protocols.

The early days were bumpy. But they were mine.

Facing the Unknown

Leaving a steady job means facing uncertainty.

Income Fluctuations:

Some months are lean. But I’ve realized: I’m happier with less. Less stress. Less noise. Less nonsense. And that means I don’t need as much.

Time Management:

No one’s making my schedule anymore.

I had to learn how to manage myself — and build “me time” into the mix.

Honestly? That was the whole point.

Celebrating the Wins

I started practicing what I used to preach. (This is a hard one for many people), the old routines are deeply embedded.

First Clients:

Every new project feels like a victory. Confidence snowballs, and momentum builds.

Personal Growth:

Better writing. More discipline. Deeper conversations. Stronger relationships. Actual human connection — not just talking about work.

Building a Support Crew

No one does this solo.

I reached out to friends who’d gone independent. I attended meetups. I found mentors. (Yes, I still seek out mentors.)

Their guidance helped me filter what was worth pursuing and what could wait. More importantly, they reminded me I wasn’t crazy — just courageous.

Of course, my most important cheerleader my spouse.

She is right there supporting me, guiding me, being my muse, my reflecting mirror, and the safe place I can bounce ideas around and get honest feedback.

Embracing the Freedom

Freedom’s not automatic. It takes practice, patience.

Many tiny changes in your mindset.

Many changes in your routine.

Many changes in how you manage life.

Space to Explore:

I’m traveling more, reading more, thinking more. This blog? It’s part of that exploration.

Flexibility:

No more 9–5 grind. But that also means learning to roll with the unknown. You have to stay agile — trends shift, clients change, ideas evolve.

Staying Grounded

Freedom doesn’t mean not working 24/7. Freedom in the most basic form, is whatever your own terms are. Doing life your way.

Boundaries:

I’ve learned to say no to things that don’t align with my goals.

You also have to learn to manage your resources, time, money, energy.

So no to things that sap any of them with no return on the investment.

Self-Care:

Health. Rest. Peace. These aren’t luxuries. They’re non-negotiables now.

What is the point of being free if you cannot physically or mentally enjoy it.

The hardest part of it all, may be getting the "you" back that the desk took 30 years taking.

Looking Back — and Ahead

I’m proud of what I’ve done. And I’m fired up about what’s next.

This leap is much like being a kid in a toy store, so many things you would love to do, but the one luxury you think freedom will give you "time", is still a limited resource.

So, focus is important.

What I’ve Gained:

Confidence. Fulfillment. Sanity. A new sense of self.

I never thought about writing for fun, and I have found new love of old joys. Riding a bike, going bowling, movie nights.

What’s Coming:

I’ll keep expanding services, refining my craft, and staying curious. And yeah — I’m gonna have some fun along the way.

Final Thoughts: Your Move

This isn’t about quitting your job tomorrow. It’s about reclaiming your life.

• Step One: Be honest with yourself

• Step Two: Build a plan

• Step Three: Embrace the discomfort — and grow

You have more power than you think. You can reshape your story.

Whether you’re a fed looking for freedom, or someone in the corporate grind… the path is the same.

Let’s walk it, together. Follow the blog, interact with other subscribers, give me feedback.

Reach, out, I am here to help.