Case Study
Unmoored to Reengaged: Charting a New Course: Robert’s Story
You may be looking ahead to your “next chapter” and wondering what it will look like. Will you be bored? Lose your sense of purpose? Struggle to find your footing without your career identity?
Robert asked himself those same questions.
He had spent over 50 years as an aviator, flying everything from helicopters to commercial jets. For the last 7–8 years of his career, he ran a major medical evacuation service. It had been a rewarding and demanding career, but when it ended, so did Robert’s sense of direction.
When we first started working together, Robert was deeply depressed. He had no motivation, no enthusiasm, and very little vision for what his life could look like going forward. Although he was an avid sailor, he hadn’t been out on his boat in nearly a year. He was drifting and living a life that was empty and aimless.
Nudged by his wife, Robert made the choice to do something about it.
He began to work through the emotional process of letting go of what he used to do so he could reconnect with who he actually is. We took a step back to examine his interests, both current and long-dormant, and completed a series of exercises designed to spark curiosity and reawaken a sense of possibility.
That’s when Robert remembered a writing course he had taken years ago and how much he’d enjoyed it. He dug out an old short story, reread it, and felt something stir. He enrolled in a new writing class. Slowly, he began to come back to life.
As Robert progressed in the class, his instructor became intrigued by his background. She thought his story could make a great movie which opened a door to an entirely new path.
Since then, Robert has written two books. He often speaks to groups about exciting experiences, connects with new people, and has become actively involved in his local community. His days are full. His enthusiasm is back. And best of all, he and his wife now go sailing regularly—something that had been missing from their lives for far too long.
Robert is a powerful example of how life after work doesn’t have to mean losing your identity and enthusiasm for living. With a realistic plan and the right support, you can design a future that’s deeply fulfilling and uniquely yours. Like Robert, you can truly flourish.