From Corporate Grind to Global Freedom: Robyn and Paul Sartorius Show What’s Possible When You Break Free from the 9–5 and Back Yourself

One of the biggest thrills for me as a founder and trainer at Prosperity Of Life is seeing people rewrite their story — and Robyn and Paul Sartorius are an extraordinary example of that.

Robyn came from a successful corporate background in South Africa, working long hours in executive marketing for one of the biggest retailers in the country. Paul was an entrepreneur and consultant, always chasing the next contract, but still trading precious time for money. Together, despite working harder and harder, their income felt capped. They knew in their hearts that if nothing changed, nothing would.

Celebrating success - Robyn and Paul have completely transformed their life-style by taking a calculated risk and backing themselves!

Then came a pivotal moment. As a couple, they sat down and took an honest look at their long‑term financial plan for retirement. What they discovered shook them to the core. The path they were on would only ever give them an “average” life. An average income. An average retirement. The big dreams they shared — travel, a beautiful home, financial freedom — would remain just that: dreams.

That was the moment of decision. They weren’t sure how, but they refused to settle for average. They chose to find a way to break free from corporate constraints and break free from the 9–5 grind for good. Just two weeks later, a tiny Instagram ad about an online business appeared. They said “yes” — and that decision changed their lives.

"The biggest gift? The time to slow down, laugh, and just enjoy being together — one of the best blessings this journey has brought us."

Today, Robyn and Paul are a living example of what can happen when you break free from corporate life, back yourself, and commit fully. In the last two months, their online business generated $36,000 USD. To put this in perspective, that’s roughly what Robyn earned in an entire year as an executive in her former role. What used to take 12 months of long commutes, late nights, and corporate pressure now arrives in just 60 days — and it’s growing.

I asked Robyn what her partnership with Prosperity Of Life means to her and her family, and she shared:

“It’s been about so much more than income — it’s about reclaiming our time, living life on our terms, and showing ourselves and our daughter what’s truly possible when you bet on yourself.”

More than the money, it’s the freedom that shines through. No more daily commutes. No more long hours away from their daughter. Today, they work from home, take spontaneous trips to the beach, and build a global business that operates beyond borders and beyond the constraints of their local economy. They’ve built their dream home, rediscovered passions long put on hold, and are living proof that when you invest in yourself and have the right vehicle, you can create a life most only imagine.

Nothing beats beach days! Robyn and Paul along with their daughter, Abigail at the beach in Cape Town.

Robyn and Paul’s story is about more than income. It’s about choice. It’s about putting yourself in an environment that allows you to rewrite the rules. It’s about going from capped income and corporate grind to unbounded possibility. And it’s about knowing that if you’re brave enough to say “yes” to a new chapter, life has a way of rewarding that commitment in ways you could never have predicted.

I’m so proud of these two for what they’ve achieved, and more excited for where this journey will take them. Their story is a beacon for anyone — in South Africa or anywhere in the world — that with the right tools, the right mindset, and a decision to step up, you can break free from the 9–5, break free from corporate constraints, and create a life of abundance and freedom.

Robyn and Paul’s journey is a reminder that when you break free from corporate constraints and say ‘yes’ to a bigger vision, life has a way of rewarding you. And it’s not just their story — this is happening all around the world.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out last week’s post where I shared the story of Caroline Hope Light — another South African expat now living in Sydney, who has built a global business spanning 19 countries and counting. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when you bet on yourself and have the right vehicle to make it happen.

Be sure to pop a comment below - I'd love to hear how taking a chance has impacted your life's jounrye too!