5 Comments
User's avatar
Alex Kerr's avatar

The question around no longer feeling needed, relied upon, or wanted, is an interesting one.

I find it very sad when people make work their whole identity, yet I also got sucked into it in my 40s.

Highly recommend changing the 'work is my life' dynamic in the last few years of working life. Makes you realise that work is just one facet of a well rounded life and becomes much easier to walk away and embrace change without feeling like its all over.

Expand full comment
Mary K's avatar

I have had many different “careers” during my life, including a ski instructor and running my own business. I currently work in the public service in a job that I have loved. But I’m so ready to move on. I have never made work my identity and I am 100% sure I will when I quit this job I will be making a community and making friends and routines and a life similar to what I had when I was working, I will just have a much greater say over how I spend my time and with whom. I feel really lucky to be able to say that each job I have moved on from, it is because I squeezed alllllll the juice from it and now I am ready for the taste of something else.

Expand full comment
Victoria's avatar

An early January birthday (and turning 58)makes reflecting on this question even more poignant. The answer is no and am taking on more responsibility and a bigger team than I ever have. And looking forward to the challenge. But also know I don't want to sustain this new pace/way of working for years to come. It will be a long time before I stop working all together - I l love what I do.

Expand full comment
Tracey Coleman's avatar

To be honest, the fear that I'll not be able to meet ever rising costs. Therefore not being able to live to the standard I currently do, which is not over the top. But I've worked hard not to worry about having money to cover the bills and still take holidays every couple of years.

Expand full comment
Joanne Oliver's avatar

Im on sabbatical after surgeries and family stuff. I don't miss the stress, the hustle and the long work days but I thought I'd miss being an important cog...and I don't.

I'm now venturing back to paid work (if there is any)but with a different view on what work will look like for me.

Expand full comment