How I Retired at 46

How you can architect your own path to purpose

Jul 23, 2025

The Blueprint to My "W2 Freedom Season”

How I Retired at 46 and How You Can Architect Your Own Path to Purpose

By Tiana Symmonds, Founder of AskTiana Solutions

“I retired at 46.”

That sentence, when I first share it, often sparks a double-take. For many, retirement conjures images of silver hair, golden years, and a timeline far beyond our prime. For Black women, particularly those navigating demanding careers and societal expectations, the idea of reclaiming our time so profoundly, so early, might even feel audacious.

But let me be clear: it wasn't luck. It was strategy. It was a deliberate-layered-blueprint built over decades, culminating in what I call my "W2 Freedom Season"—a purposeful liberation from institutional obligations, not from impact. At 46, I shifted from my last W2 role, I rested, focused on my health, rested some more, and without warning, even for myself, I channeled my energy entirely into my company, AskTiana Solutions.

This isn't just a business; it's my "heart work." It’s where I help organizations and individuals solve problems they didn't even realize they had.

My journey is unique. So, I like to tell all the business upfront: I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY—a first-gen born in the States whose family hails from Barbados and St. Lucia. My West Indian heritage forged my path, navigating systems that weren’t always clear.

But the principles that guided me are universal, and I believe, accessible to you. This isn't about prescribing a one-size-fits-all path. It's about revealing the mindset shifts and purposeful actions that allowed me to redefine "work" and "freedom" on my own terms. It’s about sharing how you, too, can architect a life where your wisdom leads the way, your values drive your decisions, and your "heart work" is not just a dream, but your sustainable reality.

Part 1: The Seed of Freedom – Reshaping My Financial Blueprint

My journey to financial clarity didn’t start with a high-paying executive role. It began, unexpectedly, with a book and a board game right after college.

Like many fresh graduates, I was eager to climb the corporate ladder. But a book fundamentally shifted my perspective: Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad. This wasn't just about money; it was a masterclass in mindset. The core philosophy resonated deeply: the wealthy don't work for a salary; they acquire assets that generate money for them.

This concept was revolutionary. What truly solidified it was the accompanying board game, Cashflow. Every week, a group of friends and I—a community I still cherish—would gather to play. We openly discussed financial strategies, celebrated small wins, and, most importantly, held each other accountable to take action. That community was invaluable.

My very first "action step" from those game nights was pivotal. I bought my first home: a duplex. That’s right—I took advantage of that First Time Home Buyers assistance program. Leave no money on the table! Instead of simply renting, I lived in one unit and rented out the other. The income from the rented side significantly offset my mortgage, making my housing cost less than the apartment I'd previously rented. This was my first taste of an asset putting money in my pocket, a conscious shift from being a consumer to an owner.

Beyond real estate, the philosophy instilled crucial disciplines. The most impactful was the command to "Pay Yourself First," which became a simple, non-negotiable rhythm to my finances. Before any bills were paid, before any discretionary spending, the process was automatic. First, the full company match for my retirement plan was secured. Second, a set percentage was moved to my investment accounts. Third, an intentional payment was made toward any bad debt. These weren't glamorous steps, but their consistency created an unshakeable foundation.

The final piece was leveraging expertise. I transitioned from a generic tax service to working with a dedicated Tax Accountant who helped me understand and plan for annual deductions, legally minimizing my tax burden to free up more capital for investment. It reinforced that financial literacy is an ongoing commitment. These early strategies fostered in me a profound sense of the "Power of Ownership," laying the groundwork for the freedom I would later claim.

Part 2: Beyond the W2 – Architecting a New Identity

My corporate career, spanning decades at global organizations like Amazon, General Electric (GE), and Hewlett Packard (HP), was instrumental. This was my "work to learn, not to earn" phase, where I actively sought roles that expanded my expertise in optimizing systems and operations. Leading a $32M+ cost savings initiative and co-inventing a patented return management system at Amazon weren't just jobs; they were masterclasses in complexity and scale.

But a deeply personal shift catalyzed my desire to redefine my path. My mother, a profound influence throughout my life, imparted a timeless piece of wisdom from the last poem she wrote before she passed away: "Time is on your side. Grab it, hug it, and use it fast." Her eventual diagnosis with cancer and her passing in 2007 underscored the urgency of that message. Witnessing life's fragility, even amidst the supportive leadership I experienced at HP and Amazon during those years, cemented my resolve to fully "own my choices" and "claim my time." It became clear that while building someone else's dream had its benefits, my ultimate purpose lay in leveraging my skills for a deeper, more personal "why."

This wasn't an overnight decision. By July 2023, I had reached my planned retirement age of 45. I chose to stay for two more years at KIPP Texas Public Schools, committed to strengthening the systems I had built while serving as Deputy Chief of Data Transformation and Interim Deputy Chief of Information Technology. My commitment to mission-driven work was cemented during my nine-year tenure at KIPP Texas Public Schools. I had the opportunity to lead across the entire operational spectrum—from on-the-ground School Operations to Regional strategy and state-wide Student Recruitment & Enrollment—before ultimately taking on the dual roles of Deputy Chief of Data Transformation and Interim Deputy Chief of Information Technology. This comprehensive experience gave me a deep, holistic understanding of what truly makes mission-driven organizations thrive.

Then, in October 2024, 9 months before my new retirement date, my role was eliminated—a structural decision, not a personal one. But I was ready. My years of intentional planning meant this wasn't a setback; it was a launchpad. I immediately embraced it, shifting to projects for mission-driven organizations. I set a baseline for myself—no more than 40 hours a month—because I am retired. But the true freedom is in the choice. Some months, a compelling project will have me joyfully diving in for 80 hours. Other months, I might work 10. That's the point: I am no longer obligated, I am only inspired. Not retired from impact, but retired from institutional obligations.

For many women in their 40s and beyond, the idea of leaving the corporate system can be daunting. Fears of imposter syndrome or financial instability are real. But my journey taught me that the skills we refine in corporate settings—data analysis, process optimization, strategic alignment, and leading with empathy—are not left behind. They are powerful assets, repurposed for entrepreneurship.

It’s not a pivot; it’s a powerful transformation into your own CEO.

I tell my team members, "you are the CEO of your work." Today, I am telling you...

… You are the CEO of your work—choose who that work is for.

Part 3: Renewing Purpose – The AskTiana Blueprint

My "W2 Freedom Season" was about stepping fully into my purpose with AskTiana Solutions. This venture is defined by my "heart work": compassionately uncovering opportunities and transforming complex challenges into lasting, people-centered growth. This philosophy is codified in my proprietary T-I-A-N-A approach—that's right, spell it—a framework that translates overwhelming complexity into clear, decisive steps.

One of the most transformative parts of this journey has been learning to truly value my expertise. For years, I identified as an "extreme giver," someone who often provided extensive free advice and struggled with the "sales side" of entrepreneurship. Friends often warned me to "be careful that you are not taken advantage of." This stems from a deep, people-centered desire to help.

However, a pivotal realization emerged: I could no longer just "give away my knowledge." This led to a courageous decision—to formalize my services. As of July 1, 2025, all new coaching clients will be under agreement. This wasn't about shutting down my desire to help; it was about building a sustainable "revenue engine." This structure allows me to find a balance and intentionally choose where and when I can offer my services pro-bono, ensuring my "heart work" can continue to make a lasting impact without leading to burnout. This lesson is critical for many Black women who often carry the burden of "doing it all" and giving endlessly, making it hard to honor our own worth.

Conclusion: Your Path to Freedom

My journey to a "W2 Freedom Season" was not a straight line. It was a mosaic of intentional financial choices, personal catalysts, continuous learning, and the courageous embrace of a new professional identity. It was about transforming chaos into opportunity.

For you, my sister, my cousin, my neighbor, my friend, who may be in your 40s and beyond, standing at your own unique crossroads, know that your own path to freedom is within reach. Here are the key lessons from my blueprint:

"Pay Yourself First" with Fierce Intentionality: Start by understanding the difference between assets and liabilities. Relentlessly tackle bad debt, and find a trusted financial advisor. Small, consistent steps compound into significant freedom.
Reframe Your Career Trajectory: Your corporate skills are not limitations; they are invaluable assets. Recognize how your strategic thinking, process optimization, or team leadership can be repurposed for your own venture.
Claim Your Time and Define Your "Freedom": What does true freedom look like for you? My "W2 Freedom Season" isn't about doing nothing; it's about choosing where and how I apply my energy for maximum impact and personal fulfillment.
Value Your Expertise—Courageously: Many of us struggle to charge our worth. Learn to set clear boundaries and understand that your "heart work" is worthy of compensation. This isn't just business; it's self-worth in action.
Lead with Your Values. Let your core beliefs guide every decision. My approach is rooted in compassion and truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. This builds trust and ensures your work creates lasting, meaningful change.

As my mother wisely taught me, "Time is on your side. Grab it, hug it, and use it fast." Your unique story, your hard-won wisdom, and your deep experiences are your most powerful assets. It’s your time to shine.

What's one intentional step you're taking this week to claim your path to freedom?

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Malorie

Jul 25

Thank you so much for sharing this! Early retirement and financial freedom felt so overwhelming but little by little, reading accounts from Black women that have done it make it feel a little more possible ✨

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1 reply by Felicia Pride