At a mature age (60), I made what seemed to be a courageous move that left many people in my circle scratching their heads.
I exited my successful financial advice business and moved to another successful financial services business. It’s a decision that sparked countless questions, including:
- "Do you think you did the right thing?”
- “But I thought you owned the business!”
- “What prompted the move?”
- And the big one: “Are you happy?”
The short (and long) answer is yes, I’m happy.
At one point, however, I did consider retiring. I thought it might be the right time to step away completely because I just wasn’t happy. Something inside me, though, knew I wasn’t ready for that yet – and the journey to this decision was anything but simple.
I’ve learned that life transitions, at whatever age, never come too late. And they often come with surprising lessons, too.
Why change?
For a long time, I was in a situation that, looking back, was unsustainable. Working in a challenging environment takes a toll on both physical and mental health. The tricky part? Sometimes you’re too close to the situation to recognise just how bad it is and that you have options.
I thought I could simply work my way out of the problem—power through, fix the issues, keep going. But as many of us learn the hard way, that approach rarely works.
It took a series of realisations to prompt my decision. First, I had to acknowledge that the situation was affecting my health and well-being. That was a tough pill to swallow because, like many business owners, I identified so closely with my role. My business wasn’t just a job; it was part of who I was.
Then came the understanding that I needed to be selfish – and I mean that in the healthiest way possible. I needed to prioritise my own well-being. Clients and team members would carry on, even without me at the helm. It was a humbling but liberating realisation.
Lastly, it dawned on me that I had control and had options, and it was up to me to be brave enough to consider all options available and then make a decision.
The process of letting go
Once the decision to leave was made, it felt like the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. The hard part was over, and I could finally breathe again.
Letting go of my business wasn’t a snap decision. It was a long and difficult process filled with moments of both doubt and clarity. I had to remind myself repeatedly that I had choices and control over my future. We all have choices, but making the right choice requires action.
And annoyingly, that action isn’t always linear. There were days when I felt empowered and ready to move on and other days when I questioned everything. What I’ve learned is that transitions are messy but that’s okay. The messiness is where the magic happens.
So what’s next?
Now I’m at a new business, which was the only one I even considered partnering with due to trust and a long-standing relationship, and I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose. The shift has allowed me to focus on what I love – helping clients – without the weight of running an entire business.
And yes, I’m happy. More than that, I’m healthier and more at peace.
So, are you ever too old to make a change? Absolutely not. Life doesn’t come with an expiration date for growth and reinvention. If you find yourself in a situation that’s no longer serving you, remember: you have choices and the power to make a change.
To anyone contemplating a major transition, whether you’re 30, 60 or beyond, I offer this advice: trust the process, embrace the messiness and don’t be afraid to put yourself first. Change is never easy, but it’s often where we find our true strength and joy.
Advisely Board
