I quit my nearly 6-figure corporate job to work at Trader Joe's for $17 an hour. I'm still here 5 years later and happier than ever.

• Akeem Caballero has worked at Trader Joe's since 2018 and now leads the flower section of his store.
• After burning out as a digital-marketing manager, he decided to give the grocery store a try.
• He makes $22.75 an hour, has control over his schedule, and feels like he can be himself at work.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Akeem Caballero, a 34-year-old Trader Joe's employee who lives in Denver. Insider has verified his employment. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I spent six years putting my master's degree in corporate communications to good use as a digital-marketing manager for startups.