Ep. 17 After the Dream Job Ends: Susan Metcalf on Creating a Purpose‑Filled Life Beyond Work
In this episode, I sit down with Susan Metcalf to explore what happens when the CEO role of your dreams comes to an end, and there’s no tidy roadmap for what comes next. In the aftermath of COVID, Susan faced a difficult but necessary transition, stepping away without another role lined up and no clear sense of who she would be without the inbox, the calendar and the title.
Susan shares how the demands of leading through COVID left her “well beyond burnout” and ultimately led her to leave corporate life, reframing the experience as an opportunity to escape its constraints.
From there, she reflects on the intentional choices that helped her create a purpose-filled portfolio of art, sailing, community, friendship and family. She also speaks about discovering new qualities within herself, softness, patience, and the courage to truly centre her own needs and values.
Also covered
What it felt like to lead a women‑focused organisation through COVID and end up “well beyond burnout”
The messy middle after stepping away: rest, recovery and resisting the pull of another big job,
Reframing “on sabbatical” as “escaping the constraints of corporate life” and why that language shift mattered,
Returning to long‑deferred passions, saying yes to new adventures, and the steadying power of awe and wonder,
Bringing corporate skills into community and creative projects, and what it means in midlife to finally be centering her own needs and values in how she lives and works.
Guest: Susan Metcalf
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A message from Sue:
I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us
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