It’s time to go, but if I’m being honest - I’m scared. Haven’t looked for a new job in a decade+. Have an idea of what I want to do, but it’s different from what I’ve been doing. Not really sure who to talk to about the process either - I’m high enough level where it’s not like I can go to some job board. I’m doing well here but just don’t enjoy the grind anymore. Did others feel this way? How did you work through? Sorry for rambling.

Some structure around thins as I recently left.
Why am I leaving?
1. What elements of this role am I not drawing energy from
2. What elements of this role am I drawing energy from
3. Am I being ruthlessly honest about both of those elements or am I making compromises on both ends

What is the next arch?
1. What functions am I interested in operating in? This could be ops, TO, CMO etc
2. What industries am I interested in against the landscape of these roles, it could also include clients served (useful for next step) or whitespace you haven't explored previously

Actioning
1. Make a matrix of potential companies against these roles
2. Build a contact list based on existing network and or extended network through friends and other partners
3. Start a workback plan from when you want to land in role - this is going to be a 6-12mo process so prepare for this, then start lining up introd
4. Develop your value prop and bounce off trusted colleagues, I did this with a select group of P and SP that knew me and also used it as thinking outside of the role box.
5. Leave agenda if there aren't roles open and talk openly with sr leaders at prospective companies and make an attempt to create the role and Partner with them to shape it
6. Say yes to any call, it's an opportunity to craft and hone talking about yourself and the value you can drive
7. Be methodical about your call cycle, shoot for 3-5, calls or intros a day if possible, treat it like an engagement

Exiting is scary but also significant opportunities even in a struggling economy. Business has to continue even in tough times, seize the opportunity to grow and take a leap of faith. Best in your search.

I feel you. I don’t have a good answer.

I plan on early retirement and then seeing if anything I’m truly interested in/passionate about comes along. I’m in a fortunate enough situation where I have only one kid and live pretty modestly so can afford to do that if nothing does.

Starts building a network with higher end recruiters. I am in a similar boat as you…haven’t started yet

I hear you, partner. I feel the same way, except I don’t have any idea what’s next. And I’m not quite there yet to walk away.

Same boat, top performer for years. The grind is getting harder and the clients tougher. Feels like doing good work isn’t enough. The politics at the firms and clients is wild these days. Feel stuck between selling bad deals or not selling.

This is the most real post I have seen on fishbowl. I am 100% in the same headspace

Adjust your lifestyle to enable a year off, career break. It's been magic for me - a sorely needed recalibration. Life is too short. After a couple of months of complete disconnect start conversations in areas 180 degrees different from where you would previously gone. It's amazing how you can see repositioning of skills and interests when not anchored to the past.

I feel you!