Thirty years ago, I had an epiphany. I was progressing in a corporate career but going against myself and paying the growing price. My body stopped me and forced a month-long rest plus a stretch of soul-searching, during which I found my way and then set out to live it.
Since then, helping others do the same has been my expertise. Leaving corporate life is no small step. It may be a matter of mental health, overall wellbeing, circumstantial change, retrenchment, early retirement, the close of a career, or the pursuit of a dream, but it’s always huge and often hard.
The company defines you, giving you your identity, income, inclusion and direction, albeit with heavy chains attached. Leaving that world means finding yourself afresh, probably more profoundly than ever. It’s not only a matter of survival, though that can be the biggest fear and primary pressure. It’s a case of reinvention, sometimes total, inevitably gradual and usually elemental, for which we are seldom prepared.
Social and commercial conditioning have always been about conforming, and finding deeper direction is about recovering, discovering and creating. It’s a seismic shift and a rebirth precipitated by a death. The old you has to go, along with the support structure, automatic community and pay package, and the new you can feel like an amoeba in an uncaring, if not hostile, world changing too fast.
As powerful as vulnerability can be, it usually feels the opposite, and people around you might not understand. Precious support helps, but you need transformation into true empowerment and holistic wealth. I call it being yourself for a living. If it is a planned move, you might have structures in place and a vision to guide you, but if it is unexpected, you could be in serious crisis.
Companies that bring this on through restructuring or crisis of their own best invest in a wise and caring exit for those they let go. Transformation is progressive when you embrace it, while respectful goodwill is the base of sustainable corporate branding. Make it wholesome for everyone and turn your compliance checklist green.
The steps are straightforward.
First, come to terms with present reality and assess the energy and resources at your disposal. Come to grips with your present and use it to mobilise yourself. This might mean dealing with shock, denial, anger and terror at first, and then moving into motivation, if not outright excitement. Emotions are energy and the present is your power.
When you align the fulfilment of your potential with meeting what the planet needs, soulful inspiration kicks in and you literally leap up to make it happen. This is when you have struck gold after a lifetime of being told to sit down and fit in
Second, work out where you want to go and design your ideal life based on happiness and fulfilling work. While you are at it, revisit your dreams and think big, and leave room for the ultimate to arise. If you stay small you are likely to limit your options and restrict your spirit, which may be hopping with your newfound freedom. Apply your saleable skills, certainly, but open your heart and mind and trust your truth.
Look inwards at who you are, what you are good at, and what you enjoy. Know thyself and consciously construct your brand out of it. Ask others what they get from you and would miss were you gone, and make that part of your service.
Look outwards at where the world is heading and what it needs. Brainstorm trends and gaps in the market and come up with your vision for humanity. This is your life and you are the boss.
When you align the fulfilment of your potential with meeting what the planet needs, soulful inspiration kicks in and you literally leap up to make it happen. This is when you have struck gold after a lifetime of being told to sit down and fit in. It’s your time to stand out in your individual way, with your singular style.
It’s an awakening to a new level of meaning, growth and satisfaction that probably involves a cluster of three of four main interests and activities that fit together into your fulfilling life. Some parts might pay the bills while others stimulate you creatively as you manage the dynamic balance in your living brand. It’s also the most wholesome departing gift a company can give that mitigates management’s considerable risk.
• Wheeler helps companies launch leavers into being themselves for a living
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