Chapter 3: Designing a Career That Means More
When my mother turned 62, she made a bold move. After 40 years running a small business, she stepped away and ran for public office. She won—twice. And those years? They were the most fulfilling of her entire career.
That decision stayed with me.
This year, I left Best Egg after 10 transformative years. We built something meaningful, grew from startup to scale, and made a real difference in the lives of millions. But even as I celebrated all we’d accomplished, I felt a deeper question start to surface:
What do I want my Chapter 3 to look like?
The 3 Chapters of a Career
I've come to believe that every career unfolds in three broad chapters:
Chapter 1: The Learning Years.
You’re building your skillset, testing what fits, and discovering where you can thrive. It’s a season of exploration—sometimes exhilarating, sometimes exhausting—but it’s how you find your footing.
Chapter 2: The Earning Years.
You’ve narrowed in on what you do best and where you drive value. You take on more responsibility, make more money, and climb whatever ladder you’ve chosen. For many, this chapter spans decades.
Chapter 3: The Returning Years.
You’ve accumulated experience, credibility, and a measure of financial freedom. But now, the question isn’t “What’s next on the ladder?” It’s: What matters most?
This is when you start to return—return to passions, purpose, or the impact you’ve always wanted to make but never had the space to pursue.
Preparing for What’s Next
Too often, people stumble into Chapter 3 without a plan. They’ve spent so long performing at a high level that when it’s time to pivot, they feel stuck or unsure where to go next.
But here’s the truth:
You can prepare for Chapter 3 during Chapter 2.
That’s exactly what I did. When I realized I had stopped learning and wasn’t feeling the same level of impact, I hit pause. I worked with a career coach. I reflected on what energized me most and what I wanted my days to look like. I clarified what success means to me now—not what it meant five years ago.
I realized I want to spend this next chapter doing work that’s deeply aligned with my values. Work that leverages what I’ve learned, but stretches me in new ways. Work that supports and inspires others navigating their own transitions.
Why This Matters Now
The pandemic, AI, burnout, economic shifts—they’ve all accelerated change. More professionals than ever are asking: Is this it? Is this really what I want?
But the people I meet who are most fulfilled didn’t wait until the end of their career to reinvent themselves. They started asking better questions while they were still in motion. They prepared. They experimented. They got clear before they got stuck.
If You’re in Chapter 2...Start thinking about Chapter 3 now.
What would you do if you weren’t chasing the next title or paycheck?
What problems do you feel called to solve?
What gives you energy—even when it’s hard?
And most importantly: What are you waiting for?
Final Thought
My mother’s leap into politics wasn’t just a second act—it was the truest expression of who she always was: a leader, a fighter, a voice for others. Watching her take that risk gave me the courage to do the same.
So if you’re standing at the edge of a transition—whether it’s visible or just beginning to stir—know this:
Your Chapter 3 can be your most meaningful chapter yet. But only if you write it with intention.
If this resonated and you’re navigating your own transition, let’s connect. I’m passionate about helping others build their bold next chapter.