If you have had enough and have enough, it’s probably ready to retire

I was talking with one of my clients who had proclaimed his retirement date. He is a classic workaholic professional, annually billing far more hours than the traditional 40-hour work week contains.

The Details

And yet, in spite of an admitted lack of hobbies or a particularly strong social network, he is at peace with this next stage.

What got him to this point? He said that he had received advice that when he could answer yes to these two questions, it was time to walk away: Have I had enough? Do I have enough?

These questions are equally challenging to answer. Let’s take them one at a time.

When you have had enough, you may realize that you have accomplished what you set out to achieve. Or you may understand that what you once considered important may no longer be so (and frankly, may never have been).

You also may want to create a path for others. Or you are fed up with your workplace or profession, less resilient or having more bad days than good ones.

When you have had enough, it is likely a combination of all of the above. So how do you move on?

Try to have a happy ending.