I have been working as a consultant for more than 20 years now, but I have recently made the decision to semi-retire in December 2024. The client-based nature of much of what I do has become a drag in the past couple of years, highlighted by a string of challenging (and unrealistic) client expectations, as well as some health challenges (mechanical not systemic) that have made me less confident in my ability to do some of the more taxing fieldwork, which is often solitary and deep in remote areas. My work moving forward will focus on book projects in my field and not on client work except in very rare instances. I am 57, we are at about 30x, DW (48) wants to keep working FT for another seven years or so, and her job is secure; our med insurance is through her. In short, we do not need my business income. She has made abundantly clear that she also wants me to cut back (I tend to work 60-70 hours per week, seven days a week) by the end of the year, so there is no marital conflict about this decision whatsoever.
Nevertheless, I am struggling with profound feelings of guilt. As dictated by Murphy's Law, I have been utterly swamped by new client inquiries since making this decision--perhaps the strongest run of new business inquiries I have had in my career. I feel as if I my resolve is being "tested." They would be highly remunerative opportunities, but I can already sense feelings of dread over even thinking about taking any of them. I also have been working since I was 11, was expected to pay for rent/food in my parents' home from the time I was a pre-teen, and had a father who worked until age 67 with a three-hour, roundtrip commute, long after he had to financially--although he is no longer with us, anything less than working at max capacity until one can't, in his eyes, would be "loafing." That's the culture I was brought up in.
Can anyone recommend some reading materials that specifically address this topic? I have been hesitant to talk to friends about this for fear of it sounding like an incredibly privileged, first-world whine, and DW is growing weary of having to validate my decision. Thanks in advance!
Nevertheless, I am struggling with profound feelings of guilt. As dictated by Murphy's Law, I have been utterly swamped by new client inquiries since making this decision--perhaps the strongest run of new business inquiries I have had in my career. I feel as if I my resolve is being "tested." They would be highly remunerative opportunities, but I can already sense feelings of dread over even thinking about taking any of them. I also have been working since I was 11, was expected to pay for rent/food in my parents' home from the time I was a pre-teen, and had a father who worked until age 67 with a three-hour, roundtrip commute, long after he had to financially--although he is no longer with us, anything less than working at max capacity until one can't, in his eyes, would be "loafing." That's the culture I was brought up in.
Can anyone recommend some reading materials that specifically address this topic? I have been hesitant to talk to friends about this for fear of it sounding like an incredibly privileged, first-world whine, and DW is growing weary of having to validate my decision. Thanks in advance!
Statistics: Posted by FriedOkra — Fri Sep 06, 2024 11:03 am — Replies 4 — Views 230