Over the past two years, I've had countless conversations with leaders about their future. It often begins with: "I've got one more role in me," "I've got ten years left," or "I'm not sure what's next." What starts as a career convsersation often evolves into something deeper; an exploration of life path, identity, and purpose.
This reflection can happen at any stage, but it’s most common during life transitions: children leaving home, caring for or losing elderly parents, illness, relationship changes, redundancy, menopause. And yes, I see this just as much in men as in women; it’s not gender specific.
After decades of investing in our careers, we may find ourselves feeling uncomfortable in the coat we’ve worn for years. The role that once defined us no longer fits. We feel disconnected, uncertain, or simply changed. This is a natural phase, a sign we’re entering a new chapter.
Life mirrors our career more than we realise, and we rarely talk about it holistically. Richard Barrett, a thought leader in values-based leadership, outlines seven stages of psychological development from birth to 60+. Each stage brings a different motivator:
Childhood (0-24): These three stages are about surviving and growing as youngsters. We need love, acceptance and belonging from our family, and recognition as individuals for what we bring as we grow to early adulthood.
Middle years (25-49): In the first part of this period we seek independence, freedom and autonomy, and to be recognised as ourselves. Towards the latter stage it’s about Integrity, becoming more fully who we are and finding meaning and purpose
Later years (50-60+): These final two stages move us to integrating and giving back. Finding our real purpose where we can make a contribution and serve others.
So it’s no surprise that our focus and motivation evolve. What mattered in our 30s may not matter now. The identity we built may no longer serve us. The question becomes: how do we navigate this transition well? Bar getting yourself a coach, who can act as the objective sounding board to enable you to explore this, I’d also advise you to reflect on the following.
1.Identify your vision of the future
Think beyond job titles. Where are you living? What’s your lifestyle? Who are you with? How do you feel? What’s your home like?
Are you working full-time, part-time, from home, or in an office? What are you doing, and with whom? How much are you earning? Yes, we’ll have that uncomfortable conversation-because without clarity on finances, how can you plan the next step? A financial plan alongside a life and career plan is essential.
What are your hobbies? Who do you spend time with? What do you want freedom for-and freedom from?
2. Decide what’s important now.
Consider all aspects of your life-work, family, hobbies, friends, community, faith, personal development, fitness. Every person’s list will differ.
Rank your satisfaction in each on a scale of 1-10.
Then ask: which of these are part of your future vision? What needs attention now to create the balance you want?
3. Map out a path from current to future state.
Once you know where you’re heading, you can start creating a plan. That might mean staying in your current role while finding fulfilment elsewhere, or making one or two shifts to reach your vision. What matters is knowing your direction and taking steps toward it.
And don’t do it alone. Bring those who matter into the conversation-it impacts them too. And dream big. Future you will thank you for it!
Annabel is an Executive and Team Coach, Leadership Facilitator and Coach Supervisor. If you would value a thinking space to explore transition, why not reach our to Annabel for a chat via LinkedIn, annabel@successfultraining.co.uk, or visit www.successfultraining.co.uk