If you’ve ever felt torn between professional obligations and personal priorities, you’re not alone. For CPA and CFO Sandy Payne, one moment early in her career defined how she would approach work from that point forward. She asked to come in late on a Saturday during busy season so she could take her children to an Easter egg hunt. The response from her female partner? “You need to understand that there are have to’s and want to’s. And this is a want to.”
Sandy disagreed—and her life changed because of it.
Choosing Intentionality Over Expectation
Rather than accepting the outdated standard of success in accounting, Sandy used that moment as fuel to define her own version. She realized that being a mother didn’t disqualify her from success. Instead, it gave her clarity. From then on, she chose roles and schedules that honored both her family and her talent.
She leaned into part-time and seasonal work, never chasing titles but always growing in her skillset. Over time, she proved something many women need to hear: You can be committed to your career without compromising your values.
Boundaries Aren’t Barriers—They’re Foundations
One of Sandy’s most important business strategies? Saying no.
Whether it was declining roles that demanded too much of her time or letting go of clients who didn’t respect her process, Sandy learned that protecting her time was essential. She shifted from believing she had to prove her worth to trusting that her worth was already there. And that’s what ultimately allowed her to build a firm on her terms.
She scheduled both work and life—including fun—with intention. She created systems that supported her goals, hired mentees aligned with her values, and stood firm in her boundaries.
Saying No as a Form of Self-Trust
Saying no isn’t always easy, especially in a profession that equates busyness with value. But for Sandy, every no was an act of self-trust. It meant choosing sustainability over burnout, presence over pressure, and purpose over perfection.
By drawing clear lines, she didn’t limit her success—she amplified it.
You can too.
If you’re building your practice and struggling with where to draw the line, let Sandy’s story be your reminder that boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re how we protect what matters most.
Ready to create a firm that works for you? Get support at https://cpamoms.com/start