Ep 6. Melissa Braden: Redining Life After A Big Career
In this bonus episode, Melissa Braden shares what it was really like to walk away from a big public service career after twenty‑five years in senior roles. In her mid‑50s, she accepted an early retirement package and stepped into the unknown. Eighteen months on, she talks about the wobbles, the wins and the identity shift that followed – and how, beyond all of that, she has created more choice, deeper community and plenty of “me‑me time” in this new chapter.
In this episode, we also discuss:
The moment Melissa realised her job satisfaction had dropped to “15%” and what she did next.
How long notice periods and others’ reactions shaped her experience of leaving.
Why the word retirement never quite fit, and how she reframed this life stage on her own terms.
Practical ways Melissa prepared – financially, emotionally and socially – before stepping away.
Learning to slow down, embrace “me‑me time” and find new community beyond the workplace.
Melissa Braden
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