5 Subtle Signs It Might Be Time to Pass the Torch
Retirement isn't always a date on the calendar; often, it's a feeling that sneaks up on you. As business owners, we are conditioned to push through challenges, which can make it difficult to distinguish between a temporary burnout and a genuine readiness for the next chapter.
In my conversations with founders, I’ve noticed it’s rarely the financial "number" that drives the final decision. Instead, it’s usually one of these five subtle shifts:
You’re Maintaining, Not Building: You find yourself protecting what you have rather than aggressively pursuing new growth opportunities. You see the potential for expansion, but the thought of the energy required to execute it feels exhausting rather than exciting.
The "Small Stuff" Irritates You: Problems you used to solve before your morning coffee—staff scheduling, supplier hiccups, software updates—now feel like heavy burdens that ruin your day.
You’re Missing the Moments: You physically attend family dinners or grandchildren’s games, but mentally, you’re still at the office worrying about a client issue.
You Worry About Your Team’s Future: You realize that for your key employees to continue growing, the business needs to grow—and you aren't sure you want to lead that next charge.
You Catch Yourself Dreaming: You spend more time thinking about hobbies, travel, or volunteer work than you do about your next quarterly strategy.
If you recognize these signs, it doesn't mean you have to leave tomorrow. But it might mean it's time to start a conversation about what a responsible, legacy-preserving transition could look like.
