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The Cost of Staying

Find Your Courage, Choose Yourself, and Discover What Awaits in Life and Career

Kristen Chimack

$35.95   $30.93

Paperback

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English
As You Wish Publishing
04 March 2025
Why is choosing yourself so hard? From a young age, we're taught to put others first, be nice, and not be selfish. By the time we reach adulthood, choosing ourselves feels like a betrayal. But what if it's not selfish at all? What if it's the most important decision we can make?

For years, I calculated the cost of leaving but never considered the cost of staying-the toll on my authenticity, peace of mind, joy, and health. I was so focused on what I might lose that I couldn't see what I was already sacrificing. Maybe you're standing at a crossroads, feeling trapped in a toxic job or relationship. You dread going to work, feel guilty for wanting more, or worry about what others will think if you make a change. You wonder if it's just you-why does everyone else seem fine while you feel lost? You're exhausted from pretending, scared of starting over, and confused because you worked hard to get here. If this is success, why does it feel so empty?

I know that feeling well. After decades of climbing the corporate ladder, I found myself at the top of a six-figure executive career-only to realize I was unfulfilled and disconnected from my true self. Walking away from a job I had built my identity around and a decade-long relationship that no longer aligned with my growth forced me to confront everything I thought I knew about success, purpose, and self-worth. Through that journey, I discovered that grief isn't just about loss-it's about transformation. Drawing from my own experience and years of studying personal growth, I help others navigate major life transitions, reclaim their authenticity, and find the courage to choose themselves.

The Cost of Staying is your guide to trusting yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and building a life that aligns with who you truly are. Written like a conversation with a friend, this book reminds you that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is admit that the life you've worked so hard to build might not be the one you're meant to live.
By:  
Imprint:   As You Wish Publishing
Dimensions:   Height: 216mm,  Width: 140mm,  Spine: 13mm
Weight:   286g
ISBN:   9781951131791
ISBN 10:   1951131797
Pages:   242
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

""What if every choice to choose yourself, hard goodbye, and brave new beginning led you home? This isn't about becoming someone new-it's about remembering who you've been all along.""Kristen Chimack, a former Fortune 50 executive, embodies the courage to choose oneself. Over her 30-year career, she rose from payment clerk to executive, navigating diverse roles in finance, HR, sales, and more. Despite her success, Kristen felt the pull for something more authentic, leading her to leave a six-figure role to found Down-to-Earth Insights LLC.From childhood, Kristen was drawn to creating experiences and organizing meaningful moments. Whether planning neighborhood games or road trips, she naturally brought people together, making lasting memories. This innate ability to connect and inspire others was always there, woven through every stage of her life. However, corporate America had different ideas about who she needed to be, teaching her lessons that ultimately led her back to her true self.Today, through coaching, creating experiences with retreats, and hotel sourcing, Kristen empowers others to embrace their potential and redefine success on their own terms. She actively shares insights about choosing yourself and authenticity through daily LinkedIn posts while building meaningful connections with her network. Her weekly newsletter, ""Kickin' it with Kristen,"" delivers Aha! Moments and mid-week motivation to her growing community.Kristen lives in Illinois with her husband, Mike, where they cheer on Chicago sports teams and treasure afternoons at Wrigley Field. A self-proclaimed Super Aunt, she creates unforgettable experiences with her nieces and nephews. When not transforming lives through her work, you might find her enjoying a Law and Order: SVU marathon.Are you hearing the whispers or feeling the pull to something more? Kristen is ready to support you on your journey. Connect with her on LinkedIn or visit www.kristenchimack.com.Are you hearing the whispers or feeling the pull to something more? Kristen is rea

Reviews for The Cost of Staying: Find Your Courage, Choose Yourself, and Discover What Awaits in Life and Career

""As someone who left the corporate world to start a business over a decade ago, this is the book I wish I had read back then! Now, after building a community of thousands of women entrepreneurs, many of whom have made the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship, I'll be recommending this book to all of them. Kristen not only shares a deeply moving and relatable story, but she also provides a clear roadmap for navigating the emotions, challenges, and unexpected joys of choosing yourself. Her Growth Through Grief framework perfectly captures what so many of our Entreprenista members experience but may struggle to put into words. And you're going to want to implemeent her virtual Diet Coke relationship building strategy, as it just may be the key to personal and professional to growth in your next chapter. If you're standing at your own crossroads, wondering if there's more to life than climbing the corporate ladder, let this book be your permission slip that you, too, can create the life that you want and deserve."" - Stephanie Cartin, Co-Founder Entreprenista""This is a must-read for anyone navigating the corporate world feeling lost or alone. Through candid, relatable stories, this book reminds you that you're not the only one and offers practical guidance to help you find and build your own path toward joy and fulfillment. It's a powerful blend of truth, connection and hope"". - Ashley Herd, Founder & CEO Manager Method""As someone who's built my career helping others forge their own path, I can say with certainty: Kristen's framework isn't just theory-it's a practical guide for anyone ready to choose themselves. Her Growth Through Grief model speaks to both men and women navigating major transitions, offering a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to build something authentic. This book is essential reading for anyone who believes success shouldn't require sacrificing your soul."" - Scott MacGregor, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief for Outlier Magazine, Founder of The Outlier Project's, Founder & CEO of SomethingNew LLC, 4x Author, Record 8x Winner of the American Business Award for InnovationA beautiful combination of personal and professional stories that will have you shaking your head in agreement and saying, ""I've been there too."" Kristen Chimack not only shares relatable stories from her decorated career but provides action-oriented exercises to help move you forward. The Cost of Staying: Find Your Courage, Choose Yourself, and Discover What Awaits in Life and Career is an easy-to-read and definitive guide to reinforce your belief in the power of showing up as your authentic self. - Laura Krauss, Author of The Layoff Cooties-It's Them, Not You and Founder of Ripple Effect Sales Advisory


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