Series: The Courage to Create: How I Built HappyKids HQ: A Startup Journey for Australian Families

(Read time: 2 minutes)

Part 2: Why Leaving My Corporate Job Was the Best Decision I Made for My Family and Community

I’ve spent over 20 years building a strong career across corporate business, nutrition, technology, and marketing. I had what many would describe as the dream - well-paying jobs, a beautiful family, and a balanced life.

And yet, something was missing.

That something was contentment.

From the outside, I ticked all the boxes. But inside, I knew I wasn’t living my most actual purpose. As I progressed in my career, I felt increasingly drawn to making a tangible difference.

This discontent wasn’t just professional - it was personal. Like many working parents, I was constantly juggling school pickups, tuition schedules, sports events, and creative classes. My time disappeared into online searches, as I tried to find meaningful activities for my kids amid a flood of irrelevant information. I wasn’t alone in this frustration, and I knew there had to be a better way.

Ask Yourself: Are you truly fulfilled - or just comfortable?

Next in Part 3, I’ll show you how a daily struggle became the seed for something that could serve thousands of families like mine.

Renu Wasal, Founder & CEO, HappyKids HQ