When to Create Your End of Career Transition Plan

Exuberant Transition - Nevada, 2017

Create Certain, Sequential Steps on Your Path

The end of your career.  For you it may be near at hand; for others it may be beyond their visible horizon. For virtually all of us, it is something that we think about.

Early in our careers, we tend to think about it in vague terms that become more specific as the years go by.

Later, when our horizon becomes more clear, two things happen:

• Our dreams about how we will live our lives become uplifted by increasing excitement.
• Then, as time wears on, more and more questions surface. They are typically represented by “W" questions: when and how, among others.

As the dreams become more clear and questions about how to achieve them increase, we realize that there is really a lot to this “retirement” thing.  

It becomes very evident that planning in a timely manner is essential to create reality from our dreams.

My story…

When my time was approaching, I became very aware of it and I resolved to begin planning.

I was a solo practitioner in my Plastic Surgery practice. I wanted to create a succession plan and invite someone to join my practice. It was my desire to help that person develop their own career, care for my patients  and provide continuity for what I had established.

To make room for my growing practice and a future partner, I bought a standalone office building.  I undertook a major renovation that included the creation of a fine surgical facility.

At this point, I did not know when I would end my career. I felt well and enjoyed my practice. I was grateful for my patients whom I had the privilege of serving with excellence. I knew the end was coming but thought it was still be a good number of years in the future.

But that was not to be.

Life’s Menu

It seems that life sometimes presents us with an unexpected menu with a single item on it. 

This reminds me of John Lennon’s words:

"Life is what happens while you're making other plans.”

For me, the diagnosis of colon cancer and other problems suddenly ended my Plastic Surgery career.

Now, I really had to create and execute a full plan… quickly.

I did precisely that and carried out my own Transition. However, I must state that the lack of preparation made it extremely difficult and painful.

Thankfully, some years later, I am cured, healthy and happy!

Along the way, I once wondered if I could have done something different. 

Not really. I recognized the need to plan and began to prepare in significant ways. This, before I could even envision when I would end my career. But, life did present me with its own single item menu.  That is, no other choices.

Purpose and Fulfillment 

As part of my Transition, I wanted to continue to fulfill my purpose in life… to improve the human condition. This time, I had the gift of an opportunity to create my own menu. 

Now, I guide colleagues and others through their own Transition by consulting/coaching and creating online courses. This provides me with the privilege to fulfill my purpose. 

For this, I am grateful.

My circumstances were extreme. I am glad that they are uncommon. I do know that our future End of Career, whether expected or unexpected, is a reality for each and everyone of us.

I also know that whether or not we are looking forward to our End of Career, it is something that is wise to prepare for in order to make it an optimal experience.

Can You Prepare For the Unexpected?

I do not think so.

We all know that unwelcome, unexpected things can happen to anyone. So, if you cannot prepare for the unexpected, what can you do?

You can prepare for the expected in a timely manner. If life presents you with a surprise menu, then you can adjust your plans accordingly.

When to begin?

It is very difficult to end one's career without having a well-prepared plan.

The creation of your customized End of Career Transition Plan, will provide you with a more clear timeline for when you will be prepared to end your career.

So, how do you determine when to begin to plan?

I believe that the most sound approach, is to begin to prepare when you find yourself thinking about your end of career more frequently than you have been accustomed to.

My experience is that for most, this is approximately five years in advance of the actual end date.

Some might say that it is much too early, that some things will change.

It is very likely that some things will change. However, the key elements of your plan will probably remain fairly consistent and applicable. 

Why is that?

Because the most critical preparations are about preparing yourself.

What to prepare for?

There are two major things to think about:

• First, you should prepare yourself personally and professionally. The methodology to do this is to prepare your Post Career Holistic Lifestyle Plan.
• Second, you should prepare your practice as well. This is accomplished by creating your End of Career Transition Plan.

Lasting Success

After you have successfully ended your career, taken care of your patients, staff and practice, you will be left with your ongoing evolution throughout this process.

Your End of Career is not an event. It is a process. 

It is a Transition, the purpose of which is for you to experience renewal and fulfillment.

You will likely find that your personal and professional preparation is that which requires the most time and effort.  Your long-term success is directly related to your personal reflection and development in the context of your End of Career Transition.

My finest, best wishes to you and your family!

Plan. Prepare. Prosper. _TM   

PS: Do you want to learn more from me about how to create and experience a fulfilling end of career Transition? To help you, I provide consulting services tailored to your specific needs. Click here to apply for a complimentary strategy session.

Renewal - Gulf of Mexico, FL -  2011

© Enrique Fernandez, M. D.