How to Navigate the Crossroads of Success

Beverly Flaxington is a practice management consultant. She answers questions from advisors facing human resource issues. To submit yours, email us here.

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Dear Bev,

I am at a crossroads. I’m not sure if this is the right forum, but I need some direction. I have built a very successful practice. We have over $2.4 billion in AUM, a team of great people and clients who appreciate what we do and refer us repeatedly. While I still work with some of our larger families, over time I have moved several of my relationships to our next-generation advisors so that they can grow and learn. I drop in on a meeting from time to time. but we’ve successfully trained our clients. They are in good hands and don’t always need to call or hear from me.

The issue is that I don’t know what’s next for me. I run a successful firm, I make a ridiculously good living, I have a great team of people and I am only 52-years old. I’m not ready for retirement – it doesn’t appeal to me. I have three homes and travel among them. During the virtual experience, I learned I can run the firm from anywhere. But we also have a mandated two days in the office to see each other.

I’ve done what many people dream of doing in their lives, but I’m ill at ease. I am recently remarried to a wonderful person, my kids are grown and on their own and I have a wide circle of friends. My life does not lack anything important.

Do you see this in firm owners? Is it a mid-life crisis whereby I am questioning my decisions and need to plow through it to get on the other side? Am I missing something important?

H.J.