7 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Ending My Corporate Career

When I abruptly finished my corporate life, I wasn’t really prepared for what was to come next. On the one hand I was excited and relieved to finally be my own boss, but on the other hand, I was unprepared for the emotional, psychological and existential changes I was about to face.

That’s why I started Executives Over 50 – to help former executives deal with the realities of their often last big transitions. From my personal experience and coaching executives, there are the 7 things most of us don’t realize until after we’ve stepped away from our corporate careers:

1. You’re Not Your Title
   For years, my profession and position defined me. When I no longer had those, I grieved from the loss of self. But I learned that this was actually an opportunity to redefine myself the way I wanted to be as opposed to how someone else wanted.
2. You Still Have So Much to Offer
   What I discovered over the last few years is incredibly reassuring: former executives still have a lot to offer well into their 70’s. Even if you don’t want the stress of a full career, semi or full retirement doesn’t mean you stop contributing. Many executives underestimate the demand for their expertise in consulting, advisory roles, or mentoring. You are now a valuable resource with a lifetime of experience.
3. The Learning Doesn’t Stop
   Post-corporate life offers new opportunities for growth, whether it’s learning a new industry, technology, or even an entirely different skill. The difference is that you get to choose what, when and how you want to learn.
4. Your Network is More Important than Your Resume
   Fortunately, I actively nurtured my network throughout my career and that has been extremely valuable. But I was surprised by how much additional work it takes to keep those relationships alive after I went into semi-retirement.
5. Your Health Becomes a Priority
   I found that the constant pressure and fast pace of a corporate career left little time for self-care. Unfortunately, I continued a lifestyle that ultimately compromised my mental and physical health. I was lucky and I made changes. I now give my health more intentional focus.
6. Freedom = a Lack of Structure and Uncertainty
   Many executives miss the structure and pace of corporate life. I found that unstructured freedom can feel disorienting at first and I still struggle with the feeling that I waste a lot of time.
7. Legacy Matters More Than You Think
   After years of leading teams and driving strategy, I discovered my impact should not be just measured in financial terms. The way I shaped people, cultures, and organizations has become even more important as a valuable skill set for both my work as a coach and in my life.