Happy Tuesday {{ First Name | my friend }},

It’s 5:33 a.m., and I’m pacing my apartment like a sprinter who’s heard the starting gun—but there’s no race, no finish line, and no track in sight. For years, the rhythm of deadlines and meetings had kept me focused and driven. Now, with that structure gone, I was standing at the edge of something vast and undefined—a career transition—equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

Navigating a career change isn’t just about finding the next role—it’s about rediscovering who you are when the title, routines, and expectations are stripped away. It’s a time of turmoil and reinvention, of confronting the uncomfortable truths and finding clarity in the chaos.

Here’s a reflection on the four phases I experienced in my most recent career transition, deciding to leave Big Three consulting (for the second time) to chart an entirely new path. It is wild to me that even when you know something is what you want, that doesn’t necessarily make it easy. Change is hard.

The first days felt chaotic. My carefully structured routines unraveled instantly. I’d wake up at 5:30 a.m., full of energy but unsure where to direct it—like a runner at the starting line of a race that didn’t exist. The hours stretched endlessly, and decision fatigue quickly set in. Each choice—whether to work on my resume, go to the gym, make lunch, or start something new—felt like it required more effort than it needed to. By the end of the day, I was both exhausted and frustrated, with little sense of accomplishment.

The absence of structure forced me to confront how much of my identity had been defined by my job. But it went deeper than that—the lack of a title revealed just how much my sense of self-worth was tied to my work. Social settings became unsettling; I no longer had a clear answer to the question, “What do you do?” Work friendships faded, and I felt lonelier than I had expected. It was profoundly uncomfortable to realize how much of my self-esteem had been rooted in external achievements and my job.

The fear of uncertainty was constant, and the temptation to accept a job just to regain stability was strong. But deep down, I knew this was a chance to reflect on what I truly wanted, rather than rushing back to the familiar.

Eventually, I realized I needed to channel my energy into something productive. To regain a sense of control, I threw myself into decluttering—physically and mentally.

I donated old suits I’d worn to countless meetings pre-pandemic, shedding not just fabric but a former version of myself. I purged the bins in storage that held memories I no longer wanted to keep. I reconciled years of financial complexities, tackled projects I’d been putting off, and even sold unused items online. Turning clutter into cash and goodwill donations felt surprisingly liberating.

Clearing out the clutter wasn’t just about creating physical space—it helped me create mental and emotional space for something new. Each small step brought clarity, laying the groundwork for the momentum that would follow.

As the fear subsided, I began to see the possibilities ahead. A mentor’s simple question reframed everything: “What will you create next?”

That question shifted my perspective. I stopped seeing the blank canvas as intimidating and began to see it as thrilling. It wasn’t about rebuilding my past; it was about reimagining my future.

I reconnected with my network, rediscovered my voice through conversations and writing, and started experimenting with new projects. Taking risks—without the fear of a bad review—helped me uncover what truly excited me. I also signed up for new challenges and adventures that I had never had time for before. Slowly, the open space in front of me stopped feeling daunting and began to feel like an opportunity to build something meaningful.

Once I found a direction opportunity that aligned with my new heading, I committed fully. This phase was about trusting the work I’d done to get here, even though fear and uncertainty hadn’t completely disappeared. I reminded myself that failure wasn’t a setback—it was part of the process.

Pursuing opportunities with authenticity and enthusiasm opened unexpected doors. Each step built momentum, confidence, and new connections that propelled me forward.

Currently, I am focused on leveraging my C-level start-up and advisory experience to have a positive impact on society at the highest level, with a particular focus on health, wellness, and sustainability. This is manifesting in four areas:

This phase has been about taking bold steps toward these goals while embracing the learning process. I’ve learned that taking action—no matter how imperfect—leads to clarity and growth. I’m still working on it. We all are.

Reflecting on this journey, I think back to that morning at 5:33 a.m., pacing my apartment, consumed by fear. Today, I wake up with the same energy—but now, it’s fueled by purpose.

If you’re in the midst of your own career transition, ask yourself: Who do you want to become? This is your chance to create something extraordinary—not just a new role, but a new version of yourself. What’s your first bold move?

To your health and happiness,
Eric

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