This past month my husband Dan and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary with two blissful weeks in the Greek Islands. While he’s been retired for five years, I had the rare luxury of stepping away from work entirely for our vacation. The Greek Islands are a place where time seems to slow down, and each day begins with the promise of a leisurely coffee, a sunlit stroll, or a quiet moment by the sea.
With e-mails silenced and deadlines far away, I felt truly present. This pause was refreshing and reminded me of something I encourage my clients to do: consider what life beyond work can hold.
As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, I spend my weeks working with business owners as they build value in their businesses to provide them with options for exit at some point in the future. However, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is witnessing the peace of mind that comes when business owners realize they have options for a future that fulfills them both personally and professionally. So, what does that mean?
Don't Wait...Find Purpose Beyond Your Business Today
I often meet business owners who want to escape burnout, stress, or a life event that has shifted their perspective. The challenge, though, is finding purpose outside of business, a reason to get up each morning. Without a clear path forward, they risk feeling untethered in a way that no amount of success can fill.
I’ve seen clients who have, after years of all-consuming dedication, found themselves feeling disconnected when it was finally time to step away. For them, work had been their world, and the absence of it left a void. The sense of loss often results from years of putting off life’s simple joys for “someday.”
Just in the last month, I have had a high school classmate lose her husband to a sudden heart attack at the young age of 62. A parent of a close friend of our son also passed away from a heart attack shortly after retiring in August. This story is all too common.
What we talk about “enjoying your business while you’re in it,” it’s all about finding a balance: enjoying life, having a purpose, and being able to be in your business without having to be consumed by it. Many business owners’ lives are deeply intertwined with their businesses, and the idea of stepping away is intimidating for many reasons:
What will I do with my days? After coming to work every day for 30+ years, many don’t have enough hobbies to fill each day.
Do I have enough money? The thought of spending hard-earned money - knowing it won’t be replenished as it was during working years - can be daunting.
Purpose beyond work can take many forms from exploring passions, like learning to play an instrument or volunteering, to building a more robust connection with family. Hobbies, travel and even mentorship can bring meaning and joy to the post-business chapter.
Practice Your "Next Chapter" Before You Exit
Who says you have to wait until you exit your business to begin enjoying the fruits of your labor? Being able to leave your business for an extended period isn’t just a dream - it’s a reality if certain elements are in place.
Can your business run smoothly for two weeks without you? This is the first step in ensuring continuity and peace of mind.
Is there a strong management team in place to keep things moving forward? A skilled team can keep everything on track, even when you’re away.
Are systems and processes documented to ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency?
Does the culture support delegation, development, and team growth? A healthy, empowered culture means everyone is ready to step up when needed.
Create a Business Exit Strategy That Fits Your Lifestyle
There’s no one size fits all recipe for exiting your business. Some business owners are content to walk away because they’ve taken time to establish their “next chapter.” Others prefer to stay involved but without the risks of ownership. And some want to keep ownership while relying on a team to run the business, allowing them freedom while still having a sense of purpose.
In the end, exit planning isn’t about following someone else’s script; it’s about crafting your own path that respects your passions, lifestyle, and goals for the future. The best exit strategy is one that feels right for you.
So, take a moment to reflect on your life and business. What small steps could you take today to enjoy your business while you’re still in it, or to prepare for the next chapter? The answer to that question could be the start of a fulfilling transition.
Don’t wait until someday - start building the life you want today!
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Jayne McQuillan, CPA, MBA, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is the owner of Journey Consulting, LLC and author of The Value Journey: How to Drive Profits, Build Wealth, and Exit Your Business on Your Own Terms.
Our firm is focused on providing business owners and their businesses with strategic planning, exit planning, financial expertise, and organizational improvement. We use a holistic approach within all of our services by aligning leadership with business strategy and outcomes.
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