At the end of 2023, I stepped away from a corporate career that spanned nearly 40 years, seven countries, and five industries. It was a journey that culminated in a move to yet another country, this time for what I initially called ‘retirement’. This was not a decision I made lightly or stumbled into. I had seen too many poorly planned career transitions shake a person’s identity, purpose, and well-being. I was determined to approach on my own with intention.
This involved extensive planning, reflection, and asking many questions of myself and others. One question, in particular, stayed with me: How do you measure what you have truly achieved over a career? It’s easy to count the money earned, the teams led, or the projects delivered. But if the business continues to grow after you leave, and it always does, was your impact truly lasting?
After much thought, I realised that only two questions really mattered:
- Was it worth it, to me?
- Did any of it matter?
Answering these questions led me down a path of rediscovery and redefined my understanding of successful career transitions.
Redefining Success Beyond the Balance Sheet
The first question, “Was it worth it?”, was the easier of the two. Not every single year felt “worth it,” but when I look at the entirety of my career, I can say yes, it was. I know this partly because of what it cost: time, energy, and sacrifices in my family life. And still, I would do most of it again.
The second question, “Did any of it matter?”, was harder. It’s natural to fear that your work might disappear behind you like footprints in the sand. A quote from the late Clayton Christensen gave me a new lens: “Don’t worry about the level of individual prominence you achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people.”
That line reframed everything. I thought about the people I had mentored and the messages I received when I announced my retirement. My impact wasn’t in KPIs, but in conversations, encouragement, and shared experiences. In those reflections, I began to see coaching not as a new direction, but as a natural continuation of my life’s work.
Understanding the Psychology of Career Transitions
Career transitions are more than just updating a LinkedIn profile. They are identity shifts. Leaving a long-held corporate role means letting go of a routine, a title, and often, a significant part of how you see yourself. William Bridges, a leading expert on change, makes an important distinction: change is external, but transition is internal.
He outlines three psychological stages for navigating this process:
- Ending: Letting go of old roles and identities.
- Neutral Zone: An uncertain, in-between space of redefinition.
- New Beginning: The emergence of a new sense of self and purpose.
What surprised me was how long I spent in the “neutral zone.” Even with all my planning, there were emotional and existential aspects I couldn’t anticipate. The process forced me to ask not just “What’s next?” but also, “Who am I now?” and “Who do I want to become?” This is a common experience during major career transitions, and it’s where the real work begins.
A Framework for Navigating Your Transition
One of the most helpful tools I found was the Transitional Intelligence (TQ) model from the Modern Elder Academy. This framework treats transition not as a disruption, but as a life skill; something to be navigated with self-awareness and intention. The TQ model invites you to consider:
- What is ending in my life, and what do I need to grieve or release?
- What am I learning during this uncertain in-between space?
- What wants to emerge in my life now?
This structure helped me move from a sense of loss to a feeling of curiosity. It gave me the language and confidence to embrace reinvention as a strength, not a weakness. It’s important to add that this is a process; it doesn’t happen easily or overnight.
Why I Now Guide Others Through Their Career Transitions
Reflecting on my journey, I realised that what I valued most in my career wasn’t just strategy or execution. It was people development. It was helping others grow, stretch their abilities, and see what was possible for them. At its core, that is what coaching is all about.
Today, I work with individuals navigating their own career transitions. Whether they are leaving leadership roles, contemplating a career change, or facing uncertainty, I guide them with the lived experience of someone who has been there. I know what it means to step away from a long-held identity, ask the big questions, and intentionally build what comes next.
Your Next Chapter Matters Most
If you are in a period of transition, whether by choice or by circumstance, do not rush through it. Your worth is not defined by what you have left behind. Instead, give yourself the space to ask the important questions:
- Was the last chapter worth it to me?
- Did it matter in ways I might not have seen at the time?
- What would it mean for this next chapter to be meaningful on my own terms?
Ultimately, careers don’t have to end. They can evolve. And that evolution, when managed with reflection and purpose, might just be your most important chapter yet. It’s the essence of a successful career transition.
If you are considering or currently navigating a career transition, don’t go through it alone. Taking the next step with confidence and clarity can make all the difference. Book a consultation today to explore how you can craft your next chapter with purpose and align it with your personal and professional aspirations. Your most meaningful career evolution starts here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Career Transitions
What is a career transition?
A career transition involves changing your professional path, which can mean shifting to a different industry, role, or even starting an entirely new profession. It often includes re-evaluating your skills, interests, and goals to find a career that aligns better with your personal and professional aspirations.
Is 40 too late to switch careers?
Absolutely not! Switching careers at 40 is entirely possible and can be highly rewarding. At this stage, you bring a wealth of experience, transferable skills, and maturity that can greatly benefit your next career path. With the right planning and mindset, a career change at 40 can lead to new opportunities and fulfillment.
Is a career change worth it?
A career change is worth it if it brings you closer to the kind of work that satisfies your personal values, interests, and goals. Although it may require effort, time, and sometimes financial adjustment, the long-term rewards of aligning your career with your passions often outweigh the initial challenges.
How to make a mid-life career change?
Making a mid-life career change involves careful planning, self-reflection, and action. Start by assessing your strengths, transferable skills, and passions. Research potential industries or roles you’re interested in and, if needed, upskill or retrain. Networking, seeking mentorship, and consulting with career coaches can also help you turn your goals into achievable steps.
What is the easiest career to transition into?
The easiest career to transition into depends on your existing skills, interests, and experience. Roles in growing industries like technology, healthcare, and education often offer opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds. Additionally, freelance or consulting positions can provide flexible options for leveraging what you already know while exploring new challenges.
