How you leave work matters
“Shew, I made it out of there!”
“It feels like I’ve been pushed out."
"It’s not the retirement I envisioned."
As I approached retirement, the story I told myself and others was one of growth, resilience, and the meaningful connections I’d built throughout my career. I reflected on the journey not just in terms of the successes, but also in the challenges that shaped me and made me stronger.
I reflected on the early days when I started my first job — how little I knew but how eager I was to learn. Over the years, I saw myself evolve from someone who simply followed instructions to someone who guided others, nurtured talent, and offered insights. I remember moments when I was uncertain or faced with leaders whose style was difficult to work with, yet those experiences forced me to adapt and grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Resilience became a cornerstone of my career.
There were also difficult decisions, moments when I had to move out of my comfort zone. Maybe it was leaving a position that had become stagnant or taking on a role that challenged me in new ways. At times, I had to leave behind colleagues I cherished, but in doing so, I learned the importance of trusting my intuition and prioritizing my growth. Those moments weren’t easy, but they ultimately led to more fulfilling paths.
As I reflect on those milestones, the story I tell now isn’t one of an abrupt end, but of a new beginning. Retirement is a continuation of my narrative, not a conclusion. It’s a transition to passing on the lessons I learned, helping others to build on the foundation I helped lay, and embracing new roles that allow me to continue contributing in different ways. My impact, I hope, is felt not just in the projects I led or the tasks I completed, but in the way I supported others, inspired creativity, and fostered a positive, collaborative environment.
If there were any challenges or regrets, I chose to frame them as essential parts of my growth, rather than wounds to carry into retirement. I am proud of the obstacles I overcame and the resilience I developed. And as I retired, I embraced the opportunity to write a new chapter — one where I still play a role, whether through mentoring, guiding, or simply being a source of wisdom and support for those continuing the work I loved.
I left with a sense of fulfillment, knowing I made a difference, and I entered retirement with excitement for what lies ahead, for both me and those who will carry on the journey.
What’s the story that will usher you into retirement? Unsure? Let me help.