3 Counterintuitive Retirement Tips for Professional Services Partners
Retiring from partnership in law or professional services firm means deep personal and professional identity shifts. You’ve been operating in one mode for a long time – possibly your whole career in the one place. How to prepare for a new kind of life?
Here are three counterintuitive ideas you could consider:
1. Embrace a 'beginner's mindset' in a new field
Partners at professional firms are often at the pinnacle of their careers, accustomed to being experts in their field. Paradoxically, embracing a 'beginner's mindset' in a completely new area can be liberating and fulfilling.
This involves actively seeking out experiences or hobbies where you are not an expert, such as learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, or exploring a new sport. The humility and curiosity required in these pursuits can be refreshing and provide a sense of growth and discovery that is very rewarding.
2. Volunteer in roles that do not draw on your professional expertise
While many retirees from professional services might understandably be inclined to take up board positions or consultancy roles that use their career skills, there can also be immense value in volunteering in capacities that don’t rely on your professional expertise.
This could involve community service, environmental work, or mentoring in non-professional capacities. Experiences like these can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that is distinct from your career identity and help you discover new aspects of yourself.
3. Develop a philosophy or practice around simplicity
High-achieving professionals often live complex lives with multiple responsibilities and extremely high expectations. Counterintuitively, developing a philosophy or practice around simplicity and minimalism can be enlightening.
This might involve decluttering your living space, simplifying your calendar and daily routines, or practicing mindfulness and meditation. The shift towards simplicity can offer mental clarity, reduce stress, and help in finding joy and meaning in the smaller, often overlooked aspects of life.
Each of these ideas is about stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring aspects of life that are not directly tied to your professional identity. I’d love to hear your thoughts – what else can help in the lead up to a major life change?
Until next week,
Take care of yourself and others,
Madeleine
PS If you’d like to work with me as you build your plan towards and beyond retirement, let me know and please share with anyone you think may benefit.
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