As a 62-year-old professional with decades of senior management experience in global IT organizations, I never expected to find myself in a sort of professional limbo. After leaving the corporate world just before the pandemic, I embraced the freedom to shape my own path by launching a consultancy focused on helping people thrive, not merely survive. This work, which taps into my training as a nutrition adviser and my accreditation as a gcologist, allowed me to help others understand their natural energy, or proclivities, using The GC Index framework to maximize their strengths. It was fulfilling, purposeful, and aligned with my desire to help people.
Yet, like so many others, the pandemic caused a disruption. I took a sabbatical, allowing me the space to reflect and explore other areas of my life. Now, as I contemplate my next steps, I find myself in a new challenge: reengaging with my professional identity and my consultancy. It’s not a simple return to the hustle of corporate life, nor is it a complete withdrawal into retirement. Instead, it's an in-between space—too young and active to be "retired," but also not entirely sure if I want to relaunch into work full-time.
This period of transition, though complex, isn’t unique to me. Many professionals at this stage of life face a similar crossroads, and I’ve found comfort in recognizing that. How are others navigating this no-man’s-land? Here are a few key insights that have emerged from my own experience and conversations with others in similar positions:
1. Redefining Success
For much of my career, success was defined by growth, leadership roles, and tangible business achievements. But now, success feels different. It’s more about balance, purpose, and freedom. The question isn’t just about how much work I can do or how much impact I can make; it’s about how I can align that work with the lifestyle I value. Success now includes the ability to choose when, where, and how much I engage professionally, while still leaving time for personal fulfillment.
2. Acknowledging the Value of a Sabbatical
Taking time away from my consultancy during the pandemic was a gift, even if I didn’t fully appreciate it at first. That period allowed me to step back, recharge, and focus on areas of my life that had been sidelined. The sabbatical gave me new perspectives, not only on my work but also on what I want from this next phase of life. It’s okay to acknowledge that my needs have shifted, and that my reentry into work doesn’t need to look like what it did before.
3. Embracing Flexibility
One of the greatest joys of this stage is the flexibility it offers. I have the freedom to choose my projects, set my own schedule, and balance my time in a way that works for me. I don’t feel the pressure to engage in a rigid, full-time routine, but instead can explore part-time engagements, consulting on projects that resonate with my passion for helping others thrive. This flexibility is a luxury, and it’s one I’m learning to embrace fully.
4. Staying Busy but Selective
It’s not that I don’t have enough to do—on the contrary, my life is full! Whether it’s staying active in my personal pursuits, spending time with family and friends, or diving into projects that excite me, my days are rich with activity. But I’ve also realized the importance of being selective with my professional commitments. I don’t need to say yes to everything, nor do I need to feel guilty for choosing personal over professional engagements at times.
5. Finding a Community of Like-Minded Individuals
There’s great comfort in knowing I’m not alone in this journey. Connecting with others who are navigating the same space—people who are too active to fully retire but not interested in reentering the corporate grind—has been invaluable. Conversations with peers have reminded me that there’s no right or wrong way to approach this phase. Some may choose to relaunch their businesses full throttle, while others may opt for a slower, more deliberate pace. The key is finding what works for you.
6. Exploring New Passions Without Pressure
I’ve found joy in giving myself permission to explore new passions without the pressure of monetizing them. Whether it’s continuing to offer guidance through The GC Index or delving into my nutrition work, I can pursue these interests with a sense of curiosity and enjoyment, rather than as obligations. This has reinvigorated my sense of purpose and allowed me to feel productive, without the constraints of traditional work expectations.
Conclusion: Thriving in the In-Between
As I navigate this no-man’s-land between retirement and full-time work, I’ve come to realize that thriving in this space is entirely possible. It’s about redefining success on my own terms, embracing flexibility, staying selective, and finding fulfillment in both personal and professional pursuits. Most importantly, it’s about giving myself permission to enjoy this time, without the pressure to conform to traditional career trajectories.
For anyone else finding themselves in a similar position, remember that this period can be an opportunity—a chance to reengage with work in a way that feels right for you, while still maintaining the freedom to live the life you’ve worked so hard to build. There’s no rush, and there’s no formula. This is your journey to shape.
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