What’s Next? Questions to Consider When Facing a Life Transition

What’s next? That’s a question we often find ourselves asking when we’re making a major life transition late in our careers. 

The leader who is turning over the business or non-profit to a successor, the retiring professional, the person feeling called to a new direction, the empty nest spouse ready to translate decades of experience in a new way. Whatever the setting, there’s a compelling sense that we’re not finished – that we have more to do, that we want to make an impact in a new way. 

Many people begin to feel a bit lost or bored in retirement. Hobbies are great, but they do not provide meaning and mission. We still have something to offer! God has created us for purpose - to use our gifts and talents in meaningful ways that leave a legacy. When you inventory the totality of your work, your experience, and your passions, what stands out as something God has uniquely equipped you to do… next?

Questions to Consider in Transition

Below are some of the common questions we find leaders asking as they move closer to the second half of their lives:

• What am I passionate about?

• What unique gifts do I possess?

• What brings me joy and satisfaction?

• Where do I want to live?

• What can I expect when I step away from my present role?

• How much money will I need?

How to Determine “What’s Next?”

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The Center Consulting Group offers the expertise to guide you through your transition to your next adventure, and it can be a truly exciting journey.

Research shows there’s a predictable path for walking through transitions in the second half of life that is unique for each person. With the right help, we can refine our understanding of our identity and gain greater self-awareness. It can be a challenging experience, but you didn’t get where you are by shrinking from challenges. And, it almost always results in clarity, a decision unique to us, renewed vigor, and a peace that moves us forward into a rich new season of service and impact. What could be more exciting?

Join us for our workshop “The Next Step” in March to look deeper at your approaching life transition. We’ll provide an in-depth exploration of the transition experience – how to get the most out of your transition to your next adventure, tips from leaders who have gone before you, questions for your own self-inventory, and coaching options to link with a professional who can guide you. Learn more and register here.

Lee DeRemer, Ph.D., is a Senior Consultant at The Center Consulting Group and has led, built, and operated organizations in Air Force, consulting, higher education, and non-profit settings for over 35 years in groups ranging from 90 to 500 people. His leadership, consulting, and teaching experience have focused on executive leadership, organizational culture, change management, crisis leadership, servant leadership, strategic planning and strategy development. He holds a doctorate degree in Values-Driven Leadership from Benedictine University. Lee is the founding director of LIFECYCLES, a non-profit ministry to teens. He serves on numerous boards and is a frequent speaker and coach on life transition.