Case Study — Suzanne
Suzanne’s Story
Suzanne, 69, was a federal judge for over 25 years. While her financial resources allowed her the freedom to retire a decade ago, she enjoyed her work and felt proud to be a judge.
The pace and intensity of her job was taking a toll: “At this stage of my life, the work load is too much for me, but I can’t seem to let myself move on.”
Suzanne sensed that her attachment to her identity as a “Judge” was getting in the way of her moving on. She had thought long and hard about retirement, but couldn’t move forward..
Every time she brought up retirement, her children said, “not this again!”
She told us “I don’t understand why, but I can’t press the resignation button.”
So, we suggested Suzanne make use of the 10x10.
She was naturally a bit skeptical, but figured she’d give it a try. Suzanne read through her life stage charts, and chose 3 competencies, and created action plans.
Suzanne’s Action Plan
She felt read to write a resignation plan in the next 30 days, to be submitted no later than the following 3 months.
She set a date to meet with her superior to submit her resignation, with the goal of helping the Department with a smooth transition.
The Benefits for Suzanne
Suzanne said, “doing the 10 x 10 was immensely helpful.”. Reading all of the activities of her life stage really helped her get clear on both her short and long term goals.
I realized how important retirement is to me now, and that it wasn’t in my best interest to procrastinate!
Suzanne said that The 10x10 helped give her “The push she needed”. She said, “I now feel less self doubt, and feel confident about this next stage of my life”.
So, she wrote her resignation and set up a meeting with her superior to discuss how to ensure a successful transition for the office.
“I now feel so relieved, and fully onboard”