Hanging onto Job Identity

By Dave Smith | The Ultimate Retirement Coach

One Idea For executives, career and identity are often inseparable. Years—sometimes decades—of leading organizations, building teams, driving results, and holding prestigious titles create a powerful narrative: this is who I am. The corner office, the influence, the decision-making authority—it’s all tightly woven into your self-image. Result, you continue hanging onto job identity.

But here’s the hidden challenge: stepping away from the role can feel like erasing part of your identity. Prestige, purpose, and structure don’t just disappear at retirement—they shift. And if you’re not ready for that shift, continuing to work can become a form of self-preservation, not fulfillment.

Retirement, then, becomes less about finances and more about confronting a question most executives aren’t trained to ask: Who am I without the job?

One Question If your name were removed from your org chart today, what part of you would remain proud, purposeful, and fully alive?

One Exercise for the Week Write a “Legacy Statement”—but here’s the twist: it should exclude your job title, company name, or professional achievements. Instead, focus on the qualities and values you’ve embodied in your leadership journey. Were you a mentor? A visionary? A courageous decision-maker? A generous family member? A community force? Let those guideposts shape your future.

Legacy Worksheet

You’ve built a career you’re proud of. Now it’s time to build a life that’s just as meaningful—beyond the boardroom.

Don’t defer your best years simply because stepping away feels uncertain. Lead your life with the same clarity you brought to your career. You’ve earned the freedom—now, design it.

– Dave Smith Leap Retirement Coaching

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