In 2005, at 48, I found myself at a crossroads. My firm, which I had been running for nearly a decade, was thriving. We were profitable and well-organised, a far cry from where we started. Nevertheless, I just couldn’t see myself doing the same thing for another 10-plus years.  I set myself a goal to be out of the business by age 50 – young enough to embark on a new career.

After consulting a career advisor, I was surprised to learn that their assessments and personality tests suggested a pivot into training (would you believe it!).

Inspired by this, I began the process of selling my stake in the business. By my 50th birthday, I had reduced my ownership to 25%, allowing my younger successor the time she needed to acquire the remaining shares.

 Looking back, I’m very happy with the decision to sell down (and then out) of the business.  I also love being a business coach. The one thing that I learnt out of this period of my life, however, was that I assumed that my only pathway to “changing things up” was to fully exit the business. 

It turns out I could have pursued a range of other options that would have resulted in a greater variety in my working life whilst still retaining a significant interest in a growing, profitable business.

In retrospect, what was missing was a sounding board to help me explore these alternatives.  It would have been great if Slipstream had been around in 2006.

NEXT STEPS: HOW SLIPSTREAM CAN HELP

If you are ready to take your business to the next level, book a 15-minute chat or a complimentary 90-minute business review with one of our consultants.