How Perspective Can Affect Your End of Career Experience and Life Beyond

Facing the Facets, Pioneer Peak, Alaska - 2015

Factors That Can Affect Your Perspective

It is common for individuals to look forward to their End of Career Transition. There are others who, for variety of reasons, do not look forward to it. Both have in common some degree of apprehension born of many concerns that coexist with their positive aspirations. Yet, this is not an either/or perspective. Indeed, there are varied attitudes that differ greatly, as they reflect diverse personal and professional concerns.

Amidst these seemingly opposite viewpoints, there is yet another major one that is relatively common. It is that of colleagues that derive so much satisfaction from their role as a physician that they just want to keep practicing for as long as they are able.

I personally know colleagues that have each of these major perspectives. It is common to see a blend of these as well. As I reflect on my personal experience, understanding of human nature as well as that of the Transition process, it is understandably natural.

The Personal Experience

However positive the outlook, besides financial and other questions, there are usually other preoccupations that need to be resolved. These questions and answers reside within you and it is up to you to identify and answer them. You will benefit, as that will provide an important basis for your renewal and fulfillment that is the essential purpose of a significant Transition.

The End of Career Transition is not an event. It is a process that can be shrouded in anxiety that emerges from factors external to you. However, some arise from very personal and professional concerns as that end date looms ahead. Here are significant personal reasons:

• Individuals sometimes do not clearly distinguish the difference between their internal identity and professional, public persona. In the course of a long, professional career, there seems to be a morphing of these two entities. This can be beneficial during your career. Confidence in your role is an essential element that favors the accomplishment of great things… and sometimes make them look easy. However, this can be detrimental as you approach the end of your career.
• Highly accomplished individuals from virtually all walks of life have a strong tendency to describe themselves by their vocation or profession. Consequently, when you foresee it coming to an end, you may naturally begin to question what will be your identity and whether you will feel relevant. So it is, that preoccupation and anxiety over this can begin long before the actual end date. It may even become an impediment to your career Transition.
• Extreme focus on career to the detriment of personal development over a lifetime. One consequence of this imbalance is not fulfilling your potential, which can inhibit a fuller expression of your character, Who you are. As a result, the more you describe your identity by your professional or vocational persona, the more it inhibits your ability to achieve your full potential and your purpose in life. The result is a restricted view of yourself now and how you can express yourself after your End of Career.
• Strong cultural tendency to describe persons by career role.  This strongly reinforces personal perceptions. As an example, think about and remember the first question you were asked recently by someone you were just introduced to.

Another Factor

Yet another factor that is a significant source of concern, whether you feel joyful or apprehensive, is not knowing how to prepare for your End of Career. This is understandable. This is a completely new experience for which typically, individuals have not trained. Indeed, in the past, there has been little in the way of a comprehensive approach to prepare for your End of Career Transition.

Good News to Make the Most of Your Transition

The End of Career Transition is a process, not an event. It actually begins when you begin to think about that future event, usually years in advance. 

A major purpose of your Transition is to experience renewal and fulfillment.

The good news is that you can prepare and create aTransition that resonates positively within you and your loves ones.

So, reach for preparation well in advance. As you do so, know that you have it within you to create a future lifestyle born of the dreams you are dreaming today.

Best wishes to you and your family!

PS: By the way, do you want to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your practice for a fulfilling End of Career Transition and life beyond? I would like to help you. I provide consulting/coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to request a complimentary introductory conversation.

In Search of Answers…and Salmon

Kenai River at Confluence of Russian River

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - 2008