Paul Morgan & Associates Wealth Management Ltd. ’s Post

I have settled back into my role at Lilly after a refreshing family holiday in Porto, I am taking a moment to reflect on a transformative month for me - returning to work as a mam, in a new country and an exciting new role.   I wanted to share some of the exciting lessons I have learnt on balancing life's significant milestones;   𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 🤗: Transitioning from maternity leave to a new job while adjusting to life back home in Ireland with a baby has been nothing shy of a whirlwind (and breath!). But each step has reinforced the importance of embracing change.   𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 🧘♀️: My recent holiday was more than just a break; it was a chance to recharge both physically and mentally. The past month has been a huge change, and taking time off reminded me that self-care is essential to sustaining long-term productivity and well-being.   𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 🤝: Juggling the life of a working parent and a new job has opened my eyes to the value of having a strong support network. One of the main reasons we moved home was to have the village it takes. Luckily, my family and friends have always been there for us but to step into a role with a supportive manager & team at Lilly, it is those people who lift you up during big transitions.   𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 🌱: Starting a new job amidst all these changes has been a thrilling experience. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, both as a professional and as a person. It’s a reminder that new beginnings, though daunting, are gateways to exciting possibilities.   This new journey is a testament to the beautiful, albeit sometimes chaotic, balance of work, family, and personal growth.   Here’s to new beginnings, continued memories, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. 🚀✨   #BackToWork #NewBeginnings #MaternityLeave #WorkLifeBalance #Gratitude #Parenthood #CareerGrowth

Ever been so sick of corporate life that herding sheep sounds like a better alternative? 🐑 🤷🏻♀️ 🐑 This week on Sabbatical Stories I am joined Tanya Saker and what fun we had! Tanya shares her story of leaving corporate America after 15 years and returning to the UK 🇬🇧 Initially Tanya planned only to take the summer off to work in pubs and restaurants in her childhood village. But then, through various steps, she ended up extending her sabbatical and starting two new lifestyle businesses: pet sitting and career coaching. We discuss amongst other topics: 🌍 How to build a nomadic and varied life around pet sitting and other revenue streams. 🌍The fear of failure and imposter syndrome plus tips to overcome them. 🌍Embracing the imperfect and future proofing life including a savings plan. 🌍Trusting your gut and not waiting for everything to be planned. 🌍The importance of being open-minded and prepared to pivot as opportunities arise. 🌍Learning to live with less and prioritising what is truly important. If you’re in need of a giggle, Tanya’s animal encounter stories will be sure to bring you the sunshine at the end of your week! #sabbatical #careerbreak #careertransition #careerchange #careerchoice

Happy Independence Day! Let us rejoice in that spirit of freedom and run after our happiness, both in work life and personal, in the pursuit of happiness. How are you celebrating this 4th of July? Share your festive plans below! #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #Celebration #AccountingCommunity #FinanceCommunity #WorkLifeBalance #BenchmarkSearch #DFWJobs

THE ART OF THE CORPORATE SABBATICAL - Dale Meise ACMA, GCMA Dale is a corporate animal. He’s an accountant with lengthy tenures at big multinationals such as Unilever and Heineken. Despite this, he has somehow managed to take three separate sabbaticals of 3 months, 10 months and 12 months during his career so far. He used these 25 months to do what he loves: travel the world. In this talk, he discussed his journey, why he chose the path of regular sabbaticals, and how he was able to afford it and uproot himself each time. He also discussed the trade-offs he encountered that came with this lifestyle choice, specifically in relation to his career and stability.

The summer holidays are drawing to a close, and we’re ready to start our next chapter. My daughter is beginning her final year of secondary school, and my son is starting his own secondary journey. Balancing a career I’m passionate about with the joys and responsibilities of life has been both an honour and a juggling act. My career in the learning disability sector began when I returned from maternity leave in 2010, a new mum determined to make my mark while nurturing my family. Over the years, I’ve risen from senior manager to CEO, all while growing my family and remaining dedicated to my roles as a parent, partner, and professional. It’s important to recognise that working full-time doesn’t diminish our personal roles—whether as parents, caregivers, or individuals with passions and responsibilities outside of work. In fact, it enriches them. The resilience, dedication, and passion we bring to our work are the same qualities that shape our personal lives. I’m incredibly proud of the well-rounded, brilliant individuals my children are becoming—not in spite of my career, but alongside it. As my children embark on their own educational journeys, I’m reminded of the countless others who are managing this delicate balance in their own unique ways. Whether you’re just starting out or have been walking this path for years, know that your dedication is seen and respected. We juggle meetings and responsibilities, deadlines and personal time, often feeling like we’re constantly moving pieces on a complex chessboard. To all those who share this journey, past and present: I see you. I respect you. And I’m inspired by you. Let’s continue to support one another, lifting each other up in this shared experience of striving, loving, and leading by example—for ourselves, for our colleagues, and for those we care about. Here’s to embracing every role we play, knowing that we are enough in each one. #Leadership #CareerAndLife #WomenInLeadership #CEO #WorkLifeBalance #Inspiration #Respect #LearningDisability #WomenInBusiness #CareerGrowth

Last week, I celebrated my 1st year anniversary as a working mom in Canada, a country I’ve called home since 2018 when I immigrated from Peru. Before becoming a mom, I was told that my world would change but I didn’t fully appreciate just how drastically. My daughter Bianca changed everything, and did so in the best way possible. Below are the biggest 5 lessons I’ve learned: 𝟭-𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 - coming from a country where moms get 3 months and dads 10 days, I realize what a luxury it is to be able to have up to 18 months of maternity leave. Being present for your baby’s first meal, first time crawling or saying “mama” are memories I will cherish forever. 𝟮-𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗼𝗸 - as someone who’s been super career-driven for many years, I never thought my daughter’s arrival would be enough to shift my priorities. For her, I’ve slowed down. Working 24/7 is no longer appealing, but spending an entire afternoon at the park with her is. 𝟯-𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 - knowing that you are working on complex and impactful initiatives with a team that deeply cares about you and recognizes your work is priceless. I am grateful for being part of one. 𝟰-𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗲𝗿. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿 - you suddenly realize that you are mastering new skills (e.g., operating in ambiguity, crisis management and adaptability), many of which are transferable to your professional life. 𝟱-𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 - motherhood isn’t the typical love story; it is the raw, unedited version, which makes it the most beautiful love of all. I now have a greater appreciation and profound respect for all working parents climbing this same mountain. You’ll fall, but keep climbing because you are unbelievably strong. The view from the top is beautiful, and so is the one behind you.

As I look back on the past year, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude for the growth, challenges, and beautiful moments that shaped it. Wearing many hats—mum, full-time working professional, wife, and foreigner keep adjusting —has been both humbling and inspiring 👌 Being a mum has been my most rewarding role. Every giggle, every milestone, and even the moments of chaos reminded me of the joy of nurturing and raising a little soul. Balancing this with everything else wasn’t always easy, but it taught me patience and the beauty of being present.💫 #mortherhood Navigating my full-time job while managing home life has been a masterclass in perseverance. It wasn’t without its hurdles, but each challenge pushed me to become more adaptable and focused. Celebrating small victories at work kept me motivated and reaffirmed that hard work truly pays off.🧗♂️ #fulltimejob #navigating As a wife, this year has deepened my appreciation for the partnership we’ve built. Amid the demands of daily life, we found moments to reconnect and support each other, strengthening the foundation of love and respect we share.🥰 #family #values #wife #support Living in a foreign country has been an adventure in itself. Adjusting to a different culture, language, and way of life wasn’t always easy, but it enriched my perspective. Every new experience taught me resilience and opened my heart to the beauty of diversity.🔥 #foreigner #diversity #adjustments Photography remained my cherished escape—a way to capture fleeting moments and celebrate the beauty around me. Whether it was my child’s laughter, a quiet sunrise, or a candid street scene, photography reminded me to pause and appreciate life’s simplicity.🤳📷📸 #photography #hobby The past year wasn’t perfect, but it was meaningful. It reminded me that growth often comes through challenges and that even in the busiest of seasons, there’s beauty to be found. I’m entering the new year with gratitude, hope, and a heart full of memories, ready to embrace what lies ahead.🎄🙏#resolution To anyone juggling multiple roles: take a moment to honor your journey. You’re doing more than enough, and every step you’ve taken has been a testament to your strength and grace. #multiple #feedback

Burned Out to Balanced: My Journey to Building a Meaningful Family Life In 2013, as a first-time mom, I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected from the life I truly wanted. My husband’s flexible career helped us navigate those early years, but without much outside support, we often felt alone. Despite the chaos, I held onto one dream: exploring the world with my kids. During each maternity leave, we traveled—first to Panama, then southern France, and finally Portugal. Each trip revealed a slower, more connected way of life. In 2018, after my third child, Nazaré Évora, was born (named after the Portuguese town and Cape Verdean artist Cesária Évora), something shifted. On maternity leave in Portugal, my husband and I realized: we didn’t have to live the life we thought we “should.” In 2020, we left California for Portugal, unsure of what the future would hold. Nearly five years later, I can confidently say it transformed our lives. We’ve built a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and aligned with our values. Now, I help parents do the same—escape burnout, reclaim their values, and create a life that truly serves their family. If you’re ready to start living life on your terms, book a call today. Your future self—and your family—will thank you. Don’t wait for the “right time” to make a change. The best time to start creating the life you want for your family is now. If this resonates with you, take the first step today toward building a family life that aligns with your values, dreams, and aspirations. Book a call to find out more today… I have only a few slots left before 2025 starts, and what better way to get started now on your 2025 intentions! Your children and your future self will thank you for it, and you’ll never regret choosing a path that truly reflects your heart. #MovingToEurope #AmericanInEurope #ExpatLife #RelocationJourney #LifeAbroad #LivingOverseas #FamilyRelocation #ExpatFamilies #InternationalMove #MovingAbroad

🌍 Living Abroad or Taking a Sabbatical? Here’s How to Handle Other People’s Opinions 💭 “What will others think?”* When considering a big life change, it's natural to worry about how others perceive your choices. But remember: your life is yours to live! 🛑 Acknowledge the Noise Recognize that people often project their own fears and insecurities onto your choices. What they say reflects more about them than about you. ✨ Focus on Your Values Stay true to your own values and motivations. Ask yourself: What do you want to gain from this experience? Align your decisions with your personal goals. 🌟 Seek Supportive Voices Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. Engage with like-minded individuals who understand the journey of living abroad or taking a sabbatical. 🤔 Consider the Long-Term Remember, your life choices should serve your long-term happiness and growth. Those who truly care will support your journey, even if they don’t fully understand it. 💪 Embrace Your Journey Ultimately, it’s about your growth, experiences, and happiness. Don’t let others dictate your path. Live boldly and authentically! 📩 Ready to embrace your journey? Let’s chat about your plans to live abroad or take a sabbatical! Reach out directly or through my website: #LivingAbroad #MovingAbroad #Sabbatical #LifeChanges #Values

🚀 Today, I leave for my Paris sabbatical. How I made this possible. Since September, it’s been a dead sprint—helping my clients reach the TED stage and guiding them toward their big ideas. Next week, I’ll host clients in the City of Lights, but after that, I’ll take a much-needed break. The usual response I hear? “You’re so lucky.” Luck had nothing to do with it. Every year, I sit down and ask myself: 👉 How will my business reflect my top 3 values? ↳Adventure ↳Beauty ↳Freedom This isn’t random. It’s strategic. I decided to take a sabbatical each year. It helps pull me out of the New York City hustle. It helps me to heal (if there is anything to heal) It helps me be with my thoughts. ↳I started with 3 weeks. ↳Then a month and a half. ↳This year? I designed my life so I could spend 2 months in France in 2024. If you’re looking ahead to 2025 and want a framework to set intentional, value-aligned goals, I’ve created something for you. A 7-day email course where I break down how to: ✅ Reflect on the past year ✅ Define your vision for the future ✅ Set goals you’ll actually stick to Each day, you’ll get actionable frameworks delivered straight to your inbox. Here’s to building a life and business that reflect your deepest values. 👉 Sign up here to get started. https://lnkd.in/eSVFgtQj