After years in high-pressure corporate environments, Respiratory Care WA’s Carole Sinclair made a choice many women quietly contemplate, to step away from expectation and step toward purpose.
This International Women’s Day, as we reflect on Balancing the Scales, Carole shares her journey of redefining success and reclaiming value, building a life where meaningful work, family and small business can coexist. Not perfectly, but sustainably. Not equally measured in hours, but equally valued.
Choosing purpose over pressure
I’ve spent much of my career in commercial environments driven by performance, deadlines and constant pressure.
For years, I believed that if I worked harder and gave more, I would become indispensable. But the personal cost was significant, especially for my family and my own wellbeing. Over time, I came to see that I was investing enormous energy into delivering results for a corporate organisation and clients who rarely saw, or valued, the person behind the work. Eventually, I realised I wanted my work to mean something more than financial results.
After running my own food business for a time, I briefly returned to corporate life. Within two weeks, I knew it no longer aligned with who I was. I made a conscious decision to move into the not-for-profit sector, where my skills in finance and administration could support something bigger than profit.
When work aligns with values
At Respiratory Care WA, I see every day how strong systems and sound financial stewardship help deliver real support to people living with respiratory conditions.
”My role may be behind the scenes, but it contributes to something that changes lives. That connection to community gives my work meaning."
Being part of an organisation grounded in community has also shown me the power of connection beyond the balance sheet. Community-led fundraising does more than raise money. It builds awareness, reduces stigma and strengthens understanding.
Progress, and the scales that remain unbalanced
I’ve seen positive change for women in the accounting sector. There is now greater flexibility, more open conversations and more varied career paths.
But many women still carry the mental load of family, home and caregiving alongside their professional responsibilities. Even with supportive workplaces, we often place immense pressure on ourselves to succeed everywhere at once. Understanding this and finding ways to support/acknowledge it are essential.
Finding my voice
Earlier in my career, I experienced being overlooked, pigeonholed and, at times, silenced. There were fewer supports and less willingness to speak openly about these challenges. I learned resilience but I also learned the importance of advocating for myself, setting boundaries and choosing environments that align with my values.
Respect and professionalism should always exist together.
Choosing environments that aligned with my values was a turning point and it’s encouraging to see these conversations happening more openly for future generations.
Building something of my own
Alongside my bookkeeping role at Respiratory Care WA, I run Soak or Simmer, creating handmade overnight oats and porridges using fresh local ingredients. What began as a creative outlet became an opportunity to build something of my own.
Business ownership doesn’t mean fewer hours. Often it means more, but they are hours I can shape around my life. That flexibility is empowering.
Building something independently has strengthened my confidence and created opportunities, not only financially but personally.
Redefining balance
Balance, for me, isn’t measured daily. It’s weekly. It’s seasonal. Some weeks one role requires more attention than the other. Sustainability depends on protecting energy as much as time.
You cannot do everything at once and remain well.
Balance is not about equal hours. Rather it’s about ensuring no single role becomes all-consuming.
For me, balancing the scales means recognising that contribution takes many forms including professional work, caregiving, volunteering, small business ownership and community support.
Success shouldn’t only be measured in promotions, income or hours worked. Presence, wellbeing and meaningful contribution deserve equal weight.
My path hasn’t been straight or traditional, but it feels aligned.
”I’m proud to build a business that supports others and brings people together, while still being present for the people who matter most in my life. That, to me, is what real balance looks like."
