Testimonials/Stories
LEAVING THE C-SUITE
For many people, work provides much more than just a paycheck. Charlie’s story is more common than not. Charlie spent 32 years in corporate America making his way to a senior level management position. For those 32 years, Charlie worked within the confines of his many positions.
He enjoyed the structure that his career path afforded him. He welcomed the challenges and competition. He loved being an integral part of a dynamic team. For him, there was always an ongoing sense of purpose, direction, and security as he rose through the corporate ranks.
This isn’t to say the journey to the top was a bed of roses. There were the endless meetings, the inner office personnel conflicts, and the never-ending pressure to keep the Board of Directors and the shareholders happy. He had attained position, power, prestige, and prominence and for the most part, was happy with his success. Now 63 years old, it was time for a change.
Financially Charlie had done well yet when he retired he was stymied by how ill-prepared he was for the changes he encountered. He didn’t miss the meetings and really, really enjoyed being free of the stress that came with his position. But something was missing that left a void in his life and it took some time to figure out what it was.
His career provided him a purpose to get up in the morning, a schedule to fill most of the day, an environment he thrived in, and relationships that encouraged and challenged him. Much of what he enjoyed and experienced in his career seemed nowhere to be found in this new season of life. This is where coaching makes sense to help discover the purpose and vision of this new season of life.
Your story will not be Charlie’s story, yet it may be similar in some respects. Whatever your vocation, as you prepare to retire there are things you will be happy to leave behind. There are, however, aspects of the job that you will miss and may create a void in your life once they are no longer there. Finding a replacement for these is essential to a successful transition into the Encore! of your life.
LEAVING THE FAMILY BUSINESS
When Paul took over the reins of the family’s consulting business, the company was doing well. Paul knew the expectations for him were not only to maintain the business but to grow it. Paul did not disappoint. He was a natural leader and soon surrounded himself with a leadership team that embraced his vision for the future of the company.
Together they worked to expand their areas of expertise and incorporate new technologies to help their clients to grow and prosper. As Paul was engrossed in leading a now very successful business, he began to ponder the question of that old song, “Is That All There Is?” Was there more that he could be doing or should be doing?
It was shortly after that, he received an invitation to go on a short-term mission trip from his church to rebuild homes for those impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. On that trip Paul saw firsthand the extent of the need that existed in that decimated area.
Year after year he continued making that trip. He loved the opportunity to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty while truly helping these people who had such a great need. In the process became acquainted with folks from the sponsoring organization, Habitat for Humanity.
Paul was impressed by the work that they did, the mission they pursued, and could identify with the Christian beliefs of the founders Millard and Linda Fuller. Over the years the relationship with the organization grew and Paul found himself more and more excited about each Habitat trip.
As Paul considered his transition out of his company it was only natural for him to connect with Habitat to see how he might become more involved and fulfill his passion.
THRIVING vs. STRIVING
It is interesting that there is only one letter difference between the words thrive and strive. But there is a tremendous difference in the lifestyles they describe. When it comes to your retirement lifestyle, that one letter can make all the difference in the world.
Ben was a senior-level manager for a large publicly-traded company. He had tons of responsibility and scores of people who reported to him. He loved what he did and was totally immersed in his career. Unfortunately that all disappeared after he retired. The loss was devastating and even after several years, he continued to struggle, striving hard to make sense of his new lot in life. Sometimes trying to go it alone can be difficult. Finding a Coach to guide the process can be a freeing experience.
Mary also worked in a management position for a large company. But Mary had always loved the outdoors and was interested in sharing that love with others.
Shortly after she retired she began volunteering for the National Park Service. Over the years she has been to several different parks and has educated and entertained thousands of Park visitors as she shares her passion for nature and the wilderness. She is flourishing in her new season of life and has found a new purpose that brings her meaning and satisfaction.
One person is thriving, the other striving. One has a meaningful purpose, the other is still searching. Retirement has great potential to go either way. The good news is, you get to choose. Having a Coach to help you capture your vision, explore your possibilities, and create your Encore! may be just what you need.
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