#618
In the past few months, a few of my colleagues—seasoned professionals with 25+ years of experience—have made a surprising decision. They have chosen to hit the pause button on their careers, opting for a break to explore yoga, meditation, marathons, and simply to relax. Interestingly, they are all in their early 50s—an age where they still have a good 10-12 years of corporate life left. They assure me this is only a temporary pause, a chance to reflect, before they decide what’s next.
This trend isn’t limited to my immediate circle. I see more and more professionals, particularly in India, choosing to step back voluntarily, despite having stable jobs and financial security. Some return after a few months, others transition into consulting or entrepreneurship, and a few never go back to structured employment. This shift fascinates me, not just because of the boldness of their decision but because of what it says about the changing corporate world.
Why Are People Stepping Away?
The traditional mindset has always been about maximizing one’s career span—pushing through till retirement, accumulating wealth, and ensuring a stable post-retirement life. However, something has changed in recent years. Why do so many professionals now feel they have had enough of corporate life?
1. The Burnout Factor
Corporate life today is more demanding than ever. Workloads have increased, performance expectations are sky-high, and job security is not what it used to be. Many mid-career professionals feel they are constantly running on a treadmill with little personal satisfaction. The relentless pace has led to mental fatigue and burnout, making them crave a break to rejuvenate.
2. Diminishing Returns from Work
Many professionals in their 50s have already achieved their financial and career goals—owning a house, providing for their children’s education, and building a retirement corpus. The incremental benefits of working another 10 years may not seem significant enough to endure the daily grind. When job satisfaction wanes, the motivation to continue weakens.
3. Corporate Culture Has Changed
There was a time when loyalty and experience were valued. Today, job stability is no longer a given, and professionals often feel like mere cogs in the wheel. With increasing automation, AI-driven decision-making, and cost-cutting measures, the sense of control over one’s career has diminished. The frequent restructuring and layoffs in large organisations have further eroded trust, making people question, Why should I wait for the system to push me out?
4. Health & Well-being Take Priority
Post-pandemic, many professionals have realised that health—both physical and mental—needs to be prioritised. The rise of lifestyle diseases, stress-related ailments, and a growing awareness of the importance of fitness have encouraged many to step back and focus on their well-being before it’s too late.
5. Desire for Meaningful Work
Many professionals in their 50s begin to question the larger purpose of their work. They crave something more fulfilling—mentoring, entrepreneurship, social impact projects, or even personal hobbies. The need to feel intellectually and emotionally engaged becomes stronger than the need for a regular paycheck.
My Perspective: A Continuous Journey, Not a Pause
Yes, I too left corporate life at 49 in 2012. It was a mutual parting—within just four months of joining a new organisation, the divergence in views was so significant that I realised corporate life was no longer for me. That moment marked the start of my consulting journey. Unlike many of my peers who take a break before deciding their next step, my transition was seamless, with no pause in between.
Twelve years down the line, I enjoy what I do so much that it doesn’t even feel like work. I choose my assignments on my terms and limit my professional commitments to about five days a month—not more! As for how long I plan to push forward? Not very long, I guess!
The Risk of Pausing Without a Plan
While I admire their decision, I also wonder: Is it wise to take such a leap without a well-thought-out Plan A or B? A temporary pause is fine, but what next? Not everyone can afford to take a long break without financial or career implications. Some may find it hard to re-enter the workforce, while others may struggle with the loss of structure and purpose that a corporate job provides.
What Can We Learn from This Trend?
For those contemplating a similar break, here are some considerations:
Have a Financial Cushion: Ensure your savings can sustain you for at least a year, considering all liabilities.
Stay Relevant: Keep your professional network active and upgrade your skills, even if you’re on a break.
Explore Alternatives Before Quitting: Instead of an abrupt pause, try flexible work arrangements, consulting, or a side hustle to see if it satisfies your need for change.
Prepare for the Psychological Shift: The sudden lack of a structured routine and professional identity can be unsettling. Have a clear plan for how you will fill your days meaningfully.
Is This the New Normal?
Will more professionals opt for such mid-career pauses? Probably. Corporate careers are no longer lifelong commitments, and the stigma around taking breaks is fading. However, it’s crucial to approach such decisions strategically rather than emotionally.
To my colleagues who have taken the plunge—I wish them well. They have earned the right to take a breather, to rediscover themselves, and to find a new purpose. But for those considering a similar move, I’d advise—take a pause, but don’t press stop without a plan.
Karthik
12th Feb 2025
9am.
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