When Taking A Step Back In Your Career Makes Sense

In corporate tax, and really, in most competitive fields, ambition and drive are the currencies of the profession. Firms want people who are hungry, hardworking, and ready to climb. The narrative is almost always about moving up: bigger titles, bigger responsibilities, bigger teams.

But what if your goals don’t align with “up” right now?

Maybe you’re feeling burned out from years of late nights and constant deadlines.
Maybe you’ve started a family, and the balancing act of home and work feels impossible at your current level.
Maybe you’ve realized that you enjoy being the steady, reliable support behind the scenes rather than the one in the spotlight.

None of those scenarios make you less valuable. They just mean you’re ready to take a step back. Or maybe better said, a step toward what you actually want from your career.

Why “stepping back” isn’t a bad thing

I’ve experienced this firsthand. Over the years, I’ve taken a step back multiple times in my career, not because I wasn’t capable of pushing forward, but because I knew my family needed me in a different way. When my wife Ashley and I were building our family and small humans at home, I scaled back so we could have stability during those chaotic years. Later, when Ashley launched her business from home, I adjusted again to give her the space and energy she needed to get it off the ground. And again, when she was in the final stages of writing her dissertation, I took on more at home and less at work so she could cross that finish line.

Those weren’t easy decisions in a profession that celebrates forward momentum. But each time, it was the right call for the greater good of my family, and it gave Ashley the opportunity to grow her career while reminding me that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away.

Here’s something I didn’t expect at the time: those choices not only benefited our family, but they also strengthened our partnership. It was important for our kids to see what equity looks like within a marriage, and that, for a guy who talks A LOT, I was also walking the walk.

And the biggest added perk, Ashley had the chance to develop her expertise in systems and operations - a skillset that has become crucial to our company and has driven immeasurable growth and opportunity. What felt like a pause in my career trajectory actually set us up for greater long-term progress, both personally and professionally. Sometimes taking a step back now creates opportunities you never could have planned for.

Here’s why that mindset is not only okay, but powerful:

Consistency builds strength.

Companies don’t run on executives alone. They rely on consistent, dependable professionals who can deliver quality work without burning out.

Retention matters.

Employers would rather have a motivated professional who wants stability for five years than a fast-riser who flames out and leaves after one.

Perspective adds depth.

Stepping back doesn’t erase the experience you’ve built. If anything, it makes you a stronger contributor because you understand the bigger picture without needing the constant chase of the next promotion.

How to talk about it with your employer

The key is framing. Employers want to know you’re intentional. Not that you’re giving up, but that you’re making a choice.

Here are a few ways to phrase it:

Focus on sustainability.
“I’ve had great experiences leading teams and managing large projects. At this stage, I’m looking for a role where I can contribute deeply without the long hours that come with constant upward progression. I want to build a sustainable career with consistent impact.”

Emphasize your strengths.
“My strength is being a steady, reliable support in the tax function. I enjoy being in the details and making sure things are done right, and I’d like to focus on the areas where I can create the most value long-term.”

Highlight alignment with the company’s needs.
“I know many teams are looking for stability and continuity. I’m not chasing the next promotion. I want to be the person you can rely on year in and year out.”

Taking a step back isn’t about slowing down. Sometimes, it’s about creating the margin so your family can thrive, or so your partner can grow into their next chapter. Other times, it’s about choosing a pace and path that actually fits your life and priorities. And if you’re lucky, it may open unexpected doors later on - the kind that lead to stronger relationships, more balanced opportunities, and even bigger growth than you imagined. That’s not a weakness. It’s a career strategy, and in my experience, one of the best investments you can make in both your work and your family.