I couldn’t agree more.

In 2000, I started a consulting firm called Advisory Link (AL), while I continued to spend about 20% of my time on Career Dimensions (CD), my career and life planning business founded in 1979. When Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue struck, I had to re-evaluate my situation. The stress and constant travel required for Advisory Link were more than I could handle. My husband’s health problems also played a major role in my decision. After six years, I walked away from a business that had just won three major awards.

Leaving my partner and good friend at AL was tough. The task of rebuilding my career planning business was daunting. I would occasionally have Pity Parties for myself. “I can’t believe I’m having to do this all over again. At my age, I should be sitting back and watching the clients pour in.” I

Of course, after six years with AL, few people knew I was still doing career planning. I had to revive my reputation and update my products and website. It was almost like starting a third business.

Out of all of this turmoil, came clarity. When Advisory LInk began, I had to pare down Career Dimensions to just a few activities. I kept the ones I liked and jettisoned the others. If it weren’t for starting a second business, I would still be stuck in a number of roles that pleased others, but not myself. While CD is tiny compared to what it used to be, its new beginning is pure and represents my true mission. I’m focusing on my legacy now and have renewed enthusiasm for a life-planning process that never got the attention it deserved. The stress is much lower and the travel almost nonexistent.

I’m no longer a gold or platinum flyer. I may never be in Group One boarding the plane again. My 28 upgrades are no good to me now. But that’s OK. I’m happy. I love my work. And, I’m feeling a lot better.

Taunee Besson