I was speaking with someone who retired from a high-powered job, and he seems to have crafted a whole new life for himself outside of work. When I asked for the secret to his contentment, he replied: “From the very beginning, I was thinking about the end. I did not want to get caught up in the trappings and the limelight.”
He was determined not to let his identity be inextricably tied to his profession, and, as a result, he has a thriving life in retirement with various circles of friends and multiple interests.
Whether you are nearing that phase of life or just starting your career, it’s good advice to follow. Don’t let the job consume either your time or your sense of self. Someday, that piece will conclude, and you want to be happy with what remains.
