How to find purpose beyond your business or career

On a recent trip to the Gold Coast, I booked an Uber from the airport to Surfers Paradise. The Uber driver had been a successful businessman who had recently retired from all aspects of operating his businesses. After a few months, his wife told him to get out of the house and find something to do. He was bored. She was still working as a financial advisor and found it irritating to have him around the house. So, he was driving an Uber. He enjoyed meeting people every day and having something to do. He didn’t need the money. What he lacked was a sense of purpose.

The importance and limitations of meaningful work 

Many high achievers love their work. That work can be a business they own or a career about which they are passionate. Their work role provides them a strong sense of purpose. So much so, that they become invested in their work more than anything else in their lives. Work dominates everything.

Their work not only provides a sense of purpose but becomes a huge part of their identity. So much so, that the thought of retiring from their work role can be a scary thought. What would I do? Or, even deeper, who would I be, without my work role?

Do I live to work? Or work to live?

Typically, such a person does not have many interests outside of their work. Their passion is their work. They may have family or friends but these people in their life know they come second to work. They don’t have hobbies or much interest in sports. They may go to the gym because they have learned that keeping fit helps them work better. It also helps reduce stress.

As they age, life beyond work is rarely discussed or even thought about.

I have interviewed CEOs of large enterprises in their 50s who did not have a clear pathway to life beyond their current busy role. They were hoping it would all come together at the right time.

We need a wider sense of purpose as we age

In April 2025, Warren Buffett finally retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at 94 years old. And apparently, he still goes into the office every day. His work has kept him focused and motivated. He loves what he does. Whereas if he retired at 65, he might be dead by now.

There is some evidence to suggest that retirement without a sense of purpose is dangerous. Without a reason to get up every morning, men especially, can begin a decline in health and energy. This is more about purpose than having a paid job.

In our new longer lives, most people are going to live to their mid-80s, probably longer. If they retire at 65 or even 67, there are 20 to 30 years, almost one third of their life. While some have health issues, a majority have energy and lots of life left to live.

A transition to retirement. 

The danger for the person who finds their identity and purpose in their work, is that they do not have other things in their world. ‘Retirement’ looks like a huge step into nothingness. If work has been the dominant part of your life for 40 plus years, it is a huge change to stop working completely on a set date.

The whole idea of retirement is changing. Most people have multi-stage careers. They have several roles across their working life. The idea of stopping work to do something undefined is not appealing. For many people, it is possible to make a transition to consulting or to part-time roles where experience is required. The purpose and structure a work role provides is valuable well into our 70’s and even 80’s, if we can contribute. This benefits companies that need some experienced people around to support their team as they grow. It also benefits these older high achievers. Moving out of senior leadership roles allows time to seek out and engage with activities and relationships that provide purpose other than work.

My story

Personally, the idea of not working at all not does not sit well with me. I turn 70 in July. Somehow that number keeps increasing. I feel like I’m about 40. I love being able to contribute to my clients and help grow their businesses. The idea of not contributing to others does not sit with me. I love what I do helping release the potential in a person, a business and a team.

But I do not live to work. I work so I can enjoy my life. There are many activities and relationships outside of work that provide me with a sense of purpose. My wife and I enjoy our garden, walking our dog, planning holidays, eating out, and many other pursuits. I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. My wider family are wonderful people to spend time with. I play golf regularly with friends. I have my church involvement. I enjoy writing and reading. Life is rich and fulfilling in many directions. It has taken many years to build this life, and the rewards are great.

Your transition to a life bigger than just working.

I have assisted several business owners to create a plan for how they will exit their busy work life and move into a purpose filled life bigger than just working. The time to start thinking about this is not when it is forced upon you. To do it well, it is a 3-to-5-year process.

If you would like to have a conversation about how you might navigate your journey, please reach out to me. Book a time for a conversation here. Or respond to this newsletter by return email.

John Drury Business Mentor – mentoring to develop the leader within you, and to raise up and empower the leaders around you. If you are interested in learning to become a better leader within your business, please reach out for a free conversation (Book here).

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Here are a few of my favourites to help you integrate your work into all other parts of your life.

• Doing what really matters is the key to living a life without regret
• Finishing Well …. Have you thought about what that means for you?
• How to finish life well – 10 essential things to help you make sure you do