The Challenge
Redefining Next Chapter: A Client’s Journey Through Transition” is a powerful example of how coaching can support when navigating life’s major shifts; whether that’s a career change, pending redundancy, or approaching retirement.
Career transitions can feel exciting yet spark feelings of fear, uncertainty, and questions about identity.
As founder of Mastering Awareness, I coach clients and hold workshops on navigating these complex moments of change. Recently, I supported a client, let’s call her Liz (not her real name) who came to us feeling anxious about retirement. Here’s how we partnered with her to create clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
A Client’s Journey Through Life and Career Transitions
Liz, in her mid 50’s, had always looked forward to retiring early. Yet as her planned retirement approached, instead of feeling relieved, she felt lost.
She said: “Everyone expects me to be excited but I’m terrified of losing myself.”
She’s not alone. Many professionals, especially those who care deeply about their work, experience retirement as a threat to identity.
Liz came to coaching for reassurance but what she truly needed was space to redefine her future on her own terms.
How Coaching Helps in Navigating Career Transition
Rather than diving into plans and goals, our first step was to slow down. We created a safe space for Liz to:
- Express her fears honestly
- Separate external expectations from her own desires
- Reconnect with strengths she’d forgotten she had
- Imagine the next chapter without pressure or judgement
A breakthrough moment came when Liz smiled and said after challenging her perspective:
“Maybe this isn’t retirement. Maybe it’s just… the new me.”
That shift changed everything.
She moved from fear to possibility; and from ending to transition.
Redefining the Next Chapter
By the end of our work together, Liz had:
- A confident and grounded sense of identity
- A clear understanding of what she does and does not want
- Inspiration for writing and mentoring — passions she’d buried
- Much less anxiety about stepping into a new season
- A personal roadmap that felt exciting, not overwhelming
She didn’t need more productivity.
She needed permission to design a future that honoured her values.
Building Clarity, Confidence and Purpose
Whether you’re stepping into retirement, considering a new role, or reimagining your career entirely, transitions bring up:
- Uncertainty
- Fear of judgement
- Loss of confidence
- Questions about identity and purpose
Coaching provides a safe, structured space to explore these honestly and to rebuild clarity from the inside out.
If Liz’s story resonates with you or someone you support, you are not alone.
This is exactly why I do this work.
Ready to Explore Your Next Chapter?
If you’re navigating a career change, retirement, or a moment where life feels “in-between”, request our career reflective worksheet and start regaining clarity for your next steps.
