How do you know it's time?

Launching our book was fascinating, challenging, inspiring – and so many other things. One of the activities I really enjoyed as part of the process was talking to a variety of groups about it! At one of these sessions, I was asked an insightful question which has stayed with me, and I’ve spent time reflecting on it.

For those who may not be familiar with the focus of the book – it’s about inspiring experienced professionals through storytelling and practical advice on how to transition out of longstanding organisational careers into what Mike Mister, my co-author, and I refer to as fulfilling encores.

Back to the insightful question, we were asked: “How do you know it’s time?” On the face of it such a simple question, but when you really start to hone in, the answer is not straight forward. So many of us experienced professionals have huge amounts tied up in our professional identities, our routines well established with our work colleagues often forming our core friendship group (read family) – to change this can be both daunting even if offers excitement for some.

We found through our book research as well as our own professional experience that many experienced professionals struggle to face and acknowledge this transition even if they are excited! Universally, we observe that the majority fail to dedicate sufficient time to reflect and plan adequately. As with many major life transitions (and arguably this is one of the biggest as it often coincides with other major life transitions like empty nesting, ageing parents, increasing health concerns etc), it takes courage to acknowledge that the time is approaching.

But the question after all that we were asked is HOW do you know it’s time? The answer I’ve concluded is complex and different for each individual. However, there are some consistent elements across the board:

• it starts with an awareness of self and your relationship to your work and professional identity,
• a willingness and commitment to explore an identity and a purpose beyond your current ones and openness to excitement about the art of the possible (even if fear is the dominant emotion),
• an understanding of transitions (here we often reference William Bridges’ work on transitions) and how to manage these,
• crucially, flexibility – as often happens – the time may be sooner than you anticipate or hope for.

It looks so straightforward when presented in black and white, however, it requires courage to be open with oneself and others, to embrace ones agency and to identify and recognise when the time is right to take the bold step of talking to ones organisation to make and act on a plan!

To learn more about my work, check out Wise Sherpa www.wisesherpa.co.uk. If you are interested in discussing further with me, you can contact me at rebecca@wisesherpa.co.uk.

#coaching #businesscoaching #midlife #transitions #midcareer  #fromworklifetonewlife

A bit more about the author –

Rebecca Hill, founder at Wise Sherpa, is an experienced respected, trusted, sought after and award winning coach, consultant, facilitator and mentor.

Her passion is working with purpose led and impact focused leaders, professionals and organisations (including start ups and scale ups) in London and internationally in a thoughtful, collaborative and considered way guiding them to successfully realise their aspirations and achieve their goals. Rebecca’s approach is highly personalised and tailored to the needs of each client which is why clients report strong outcomes and she is considered one of the best leadership coaches and consultants.

Rebecca is also an author and speaker. She speaks on a range of issues including mid-life to later life transitions into fulfilling encores, navigating major life stages from a career perspective and women’s economic empowerment to name a few.

She holds an MSc in Coaching and Consulting from HEC Paris (in association with Said Business School, University of Oxford), as well as being a Chartered Marketer and qualified coach. She has lived and worked in several countries including France, US and Switzerland and speaks several languages. In her spare time, she also sits on a number of boards and committees.