When the Basket Breaks: Choosing Purpose Over Paychecks

People love to say, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But what they don’t talk about is what happens when the basket looks sturdy, even safe, and you only find out about the gaping hole after your eggs are already on the floor.

That was me.

I had built a career I loved at a nonprofit organization doing meaningful work that made me proud. I had autonomy, access, and impact. I was rubbing shoulders with changemakers in my profession. I thought I was on track for growth. I assumed that my performance and passion would translate into opportunity.

I was wrong.

I was passed over for a promotion I know I had earned. It gutted me.

Then, just as I was trying to recalibrate, another opportunity I applied and interviewed for at the organization was quietly eliminated without warning or explanation. It felt personal, even if it wasn’t. I was lost, confused, and deeply hurt. I knew it was time to go, but I had no idea where I was headed next.

Then came the call. An unexpected invitation to return to the law firm that nurtured me throughout my law school journey. They had supported me early in my legal career, and now they were offering me more money, more resources, and a solid team behind me.

It was flattering, but it wasn’t part of my vision.

Private practice wasn’t on my radar. In fact, I had often stated that I would never return to private practice. But after long talks with family and friends, I took the offer. The pay was incredible. My paralegals were top-tier. On paper, I had made it.

But inside, I was crumbling.

I was unmotivated. Unfulfilled. Exhausted. I wasn’t just tired. I was soul-weary. My body felt it. My mind felt it. My spirit was drained. I slid into a depression so deep that getting out of bed felt like lifting concrete. The panic attacks became regular. My energy was gone. I kept asking myself: What the hell is happening?

And here's the other thing, after returning to private practice, I finally felt respected by my peers again. I was once again what they considered to be a “real” lawyer. The credibility returned. But deep down, I started to realize something no one had ever told me:

I get to define what being a lawyer means to me.

Not the title. Not the firm. Not my peers. ME!!

Therapy helped me peel back the layers. And when we got down to the core, the truth was sharp: I wasn’t walking in my purpose. I was out of alignment with my assignment. And I had a decision to make.

Stay the course, collect the checks, and sacrifice my health and joy?

Or choose peace, purpose, and possibility, even if it meant walking into the unknown?

They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. And despite what some folks might think, I’m not insane.

So I walked away.

I didn’t have another job lined up. No next big thing waiting in the wings. But the moment I resigned, I felt a peace I hadn’t known in quite some time.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know this: betting on myself was the bravest, most necessary move I could make.

I chose me.

And I would do it again.

Because here’s the truth, that broken basket? It wasn’t a failure. It was a filter.

It sifted out everything that wasn’t meant for me.

The eggs I thought I lost? Turns out, they weren’t part of my future. They were the false promises I was carrying — expectations, assumptions, and the illusion that purpose and paychecks always play nice.

Now, I’m building something new. With my own hands. On my own terms.

And this time, I’m the basket.

Reflection Questions:

• What signs have you ignored that your current role may no longer be aligned with your purpose?

• Have you ever stayed in a position simply because it looked good on paper?

• What would it look like to choose peace over performance?

• What are you holding onto that is holding you back?

• If you had to choose between financial security and fulfillment, which would you choose and why?

• What version of your professional identity needs to be redefined?

• What would you walk away from today if fear wasn’t a factor?

Ready to realign with your purpose?

If you're a high performer who's lost your spark or a leader navigating a major transition, I help professionals like you reconnect with your values, lead with clarity, and design careers rooted in authenticity. Let's talk about how we can work together.

📩 Email me at nichole@dnicholedavis.com or visit www.dnicholedavis.com to explore coaching, workshops, or speaking engagements.

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✅ Next week: Boundaries Are Leadership Tools, Not Just Self-Care Tips