The 'I'm Done" Moment - Life After Corporate Burnout
For many women in their 50s to 60s, there comes a pivotal moment in their corporate careers—the "I'm done" moment. It's when your inner voice screams, "Enough is enough!" I experienced it myself after 20 years in corporate life, well before retirement age. I started my own business and never looked back. If you're nodding along, you're not alone.
The Corporate Grind vs. The Freedom to Choose
The Fear That Lurks: "Will I End Up a Bag Lady?"
One of the biggest fears I hear from clients is the dreaded "bag lady" scenario. It's that deep-seated worry about whether there will be enough money to last through retirement. This fear often drives women to seek out financial advice. But eventually, another feeling creeps in, overshadowing even the fear of running out of money—the desire to be done.
After years of careful planning, these clients decide to take the leap and retire. I have had a few clients who retired earlier than planned, thinking they may take on some consulting work.
The Reality Check: Retirement Isn't All Rosé and Netflix
Here's the pattern I see play out more often than not:
Phase 1: The Honeymoon (Months 1-3)
Waking up with no alarm, no meetings, no expectations? Bliss. Every day feels like a Saturday.
Phase 2: The Couch Potato Phase (Months 4-6)
The novelty wears off. Netflix starts asking if you're still watching, and the answer is... you're not sure.
Phase 3: The Existential Drift (Months 6+)
You begin to wonder if retirement was a good idea. You might even land a part-time gig, but it feels too much like the grind you left behind.
The Positive Shift
And then, something magical happens. You find your rhythm—without work. You start exploring new (or old) passions. Your days start to fill with activities that bring joy and fulfillment
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Ideas for Rediscovering Yourself:
Join a book club or hobby group
Volunteer for causes you care about
Travel to places on your bucket list
Take up a new sport or fitness routine
Preparing Financially for the "I'm Done" Moment
Build an emergency fund to cover 6-12 months of expenses
Max out your retirement contributions in the years leading up to your exit
Consider downsizing or relocating to reduce living costs
Explore healthcare options and factor in potential medical expenses
The Happy Ending
This isn't just retirement; it's reinvention. You've traded in the 9-to-5 for a rich life with experiences, connections, and joy. You've moved past the fear of not having enough and into the realization that you already do.So, if you're staring down the barrel of that "I'm done" moment, know this: The transition might feel rocky at first, but on the other side is a different life waiting to be lived. And it can be pretty amazing.