I quit an amazing job at 53 – here’s why

I recently made the decision to unshackle the golden handcuffs and resigned after 10 years at a successful consulting firm.

My decision to quit wasn’t because of the usual reasons such as pay, personalities and politics. On the contrary, it’s a good company, I was a shareholder and part of the leadership cohort, and I was successful in my role. My reason was more subtle but no less significant to me.

Why?

I felt like I had moved on from what I wanted and found attractive when I first joined the company. Almost as though I have matured and am now looking for different things from my relationship with the company. However, what they were offering hasn’t really changed and we are now no longer a perfect match. I hold absolutely no ill will towards the company nor any regret for being there. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the company and continue to recommend them to others who may be thinking of joining.

My needs have changed now – I have entered what I call the fourth quarter of my career.

I had moved on from what I wanted and found attractive when I first joined the company

When I turned 50, I discussed with my family and friends that I’d like to retire early, perhaps at age 60. At that point I started talking about my 10-year retirement plan. A few weeks ago, after what seems like only the blink of an eye, I celebrate my 53^rd birthday. The speed at which time has closed in has really taken me by surprise. Since then, I’ve come to the realisation that I’ve been flying on autopilot for some time.

My inner voice had been trying to send me signals. I wasn’t feeling the passion as much, I was chasing the next level of seniority without real clarity around why I wanted that, and my ambition just wasn’t as bright as it was before. When I eventually started listening to those signals, I realised that it was time to move on. And if we’re going to be honest, setting a target date for retirement was perhaps the biggest sign of all that something was amiss. For people who are living their calling, it’s rare for them to want to do anything else but continue to live it.

So, I’ve decided to take a career break. The idea is that I will use the time to rest, recuperate, strengthen and build my networks, and most importantly dedicate some soul searching to what my calling looks like in the fourth quarter of my career.

Risky

At this point you may be thinking that I’m crazy for leaving a perfectly good job and the financial stability. This is a completely sensible point of view. The risks certainly did occupy a large part of my thinking leading up to the decision. Leaving a job is daunting at the best of times let alone for those over 50. You would certainly be reasonable for thinking that my strategy is flawed.

But when I weigh-up the prospect of travelling on autopilot for the rest of my career against the risky, but hopefully highly rewarding – and almost certainly fun, leap of faith, the choice is clear to me. And based on numerous discussions with others, I’m confident that this blog will resonate with many of you.

Moving forward

So where to from here and why have I started this blog?

In short, I’m not entirely sure right now, but the path will take shape in the coming months. It’s important that I have an open mind about where it may lead. Part of my journey will be this blog itself where I plan to share my evolving thoughts and ideas with those of you who are interested, and to get your ideas and feedback as well. I’d really like to talk with others who are in, or are approaching, the fourth quarter of their career.

Are you living out your true calling or simply treading water until you retire?

Have you made a similar leap of discovery as I have and how is your journey going?

For those of you in your early or mid-career – can you relate to what I am doing?

Opportunity

I’d also like to build awareness amongst business leaders. Many people in their fourth quarter are looking for different things from what they were in their mid-career. The great resignation is happening around the world and ramping up here in Australia. Of course, this represents a significant risk for many organisations. But as with so many things the biggest risks, paired with the right strategies, so often represent the biggest opportunities.

One such opportunity may be realised by those organisations that are willing to truly engage with people in their fourth quarter, to shed light on what really drives them and in return understand the value they are able to offer. In my experience, companies are well set up to address the learning requirements of early career people and the ambitious, upwardly mobile people in mid-career. But we need to do more for those wanting to close out their career with purpose and meaning.

…the biggest risks, paired with the right strategies, so often represent the biggest opportunities.

Invitation

I will leave you with the following:

• If you are interested in following along with me on my journey, feel free to subscribe to updates, follow on social media or simply come back here to check in
  
  
• Your opinions and ideas are important to me. Please leave a comment below or get in touch with me
  
  
• If you’d like to know more about me and my background, have a look at the about me section.

I’m excited to start this journey and am very much looking forward to our exchanges along the way.