A fifty-four year old professional called us to discuss how she might best transition into retirement.  She loved the company she worked for, but several personal issues were helping her decide to focus on other things in her life.

Before contacting us, she and her family had gone through the unpleasant experience of losing a loved one.  Her sister had died unexpectedly.  Then, 4 months later, her mother died. 

She loved her job, but she felt torn between continuing to lead a hectic life distracted from her family or focusing on something that could be less stressful and allow her more time with those people she loved.  Her children were getting married and she wanted to be there to enjoy their weddings and, perhaps, grandchildren.

During our coaching session, we focused on listening.  We listened to those things she said were important to her.  Personal things.  We asked questions that made her think things through.  Did she have the financial resources to consider a "slow down" or retirement?  Was her family supportive of this?  Did she have any hobbies or outside interests that would fill her day?

By the end of the coaching period, she had worked out a financial plan that allowed her flexibility and security.  She was very comfortable that her new career would be less stressful and she and her husband felt she was ready for retirement. 

Finally, the big day came when she was going to tell her boss that she was going to retire.  We coached her on what to expect.  What to offer.  We suggested that she tell her boss that she wanted to make the transition as smooth and transparent as possible.  She even offered to remain on as a consultant until her boss felt that her replacement was up to speed. 

The meeting went well.  She retired from the company 30 days later.  She did, however, remain on as a consultant for about 6 weeks, working a couple of days per week.  Today she even gets an occasional call for help.