Exit With Impact
What if your last months before retirement could be the ones you’re most proud of?
Too often, we hear about or observe that pre-retirees start counting down and checking out, but there’s another approach we can take before this milestone. We can “pass the torch” in a way that can powerfully set the stage for a meaningful future while leaving a lasting impact.
I think of some of the significant transitions in my life, and one thing has always rung true for me: I wanted to leave each role or situation as my best self. Whether it was a career change, a volunteer position, or even selling my home, I valued making that last feeling for everyone involved a good one. I wanted to move forward in a way that set all of us up for success. I didn’t have a formula; I didn’t even have a plan. It just felt right, like the right thing to do, and it left a positive mark—not just for them, but for me.
As I work with pre-retirees developing their runway to retirement, this drive to leave well is part of our exploration. Together we consider what “leaving on a high note” could look like and if that is important and aligned with one’s values. Each of us will make the decision that fits us and our circumstances. The key here is giving the concept some thought and some energy. Without this discussion, there’s a missed opportunity—not only for a lasting impact but for the person retiring to feel the benefit of a meaningful exit.
Here’s what an Exit With Impact can create:
A legacy of integrity and respect among colleagues or in the community.
A sense of completion that feeds confidence for the next stage.
Stronger relationships that support a smooth transition, even into retirement.
Clear direction for the team or organization you leave behind, allowing them to thrive.
A personal sense of pride and gratitude, making the next chapter that much richer.
Instead of slipping into short-timer’s syndrome, consider what it means to leave your career with intention. You’re not just ticking down the days—you’re creating momentum. You’re setting up not just a satisfying exit but a strong launch. Rather than mentally checking out, stay engaged with the things that matter most. Is there a project that could benefit from your guidance, a colleague who could use your support or a final contribution that would feel like a true capstone to your career?
Leaving on a high note isn’t about clocking more hours or shouldering extra work. It’s about showing up in a way that gives you a boost into retirement with energy and pride and sets the stage for a meaningful, purposeful next chapter. Retirement isn’t just an ending; it’s a transition. So why not make it one of your best?
Conflux Retirement Coaching is about merging the best of who you are with who you want to be. As you approach retirement, consider the legacy you want to leave and the lasting impact you can still create. Equally vital is how you want to feel as you step away from your career and colleagues so you enter this new chapter with pride and purpose. Often overlooked, these reflections can set the tone for a fulfilling, empowered retirement. I’m here to help you explore this topic and many others—let’s talk!
