Blood, Sweat, Tears, and Fears: This Business is My Life and I’m Worried About Life After I Sell It
The prospect of selling a business can be more than a little scary for business owners. This blog post walks through a few ideas for a post-exit plan that will help you plan for your future.
If you are like the majority of business owners, you are likely dealing with a mixed bag of emotions as it comes time to execute your retirement plan. You have spent decades building your business and securing your finances, a staff has relied on your leadership to steer the ship, and your identity has been defined for years by your role as a business owner. Running your company has required a robust financial, physical, mental, and emotional investment. It is natural to feel uneasy about handing over the keys to your kingdom and to experience doubts when nearing the finish line. Although it is scary, the transition into the world of retirement can be full of wonderful moments.
You likely spent a lot of energy planning your financial goals for this new stage of your life. You need to do the same for your social and emotional life after retirement. An organized, diversified plan that focuses on health and happiness can help ease some worries and ensure you spend your upcoming days doing all of the things you dreamed of doing once you finally retire.
Up and At ‘Em. Surely, it will be tempting to hit the snooze button on those first few mornings without an alarm or early morning meeting. But, establishing a routine that starts with waking up early will boost your energy and make the transition feel a bit more like the routine you’re used to. Then you’re up and can tackle whatever you want to do!
Get Moving. Whether you’re an avid golfer or enjoy visiting the local YMCA, it is important to stay active. Create space in your day to focus on movement. Now that you have the time, you can join that tennis class or pickleball league you never had time for when your day was packed full.
The World is Your Oyster. Do you remember dreaming of paradise vacations early in your career? Saving up PTO hours for trips in hopes to unwind? What seemed like a dream then can be your reality now. Whether it’s camping for a long weekend in the mountains, relaxing for a couple of weeks with snowbirds on warm beaches, or spending a month abroad soaking in the Amalfi Coast, traveling can reignite creativity and allow you to explore new cultures and experiences.
Make Life Grand. There is no truer cliché than “time flies,” and that is especially true when watching your grandchildren grow. Sometimes it seems like you blinked and they’re a foot taller. Kids’ schedules are packed with sports, school extracurriculars, and hobbies that you now have the time to attend. Whether you want to help coach your grandson’s t-ball team or just take a simple walk with your granddaughter, making time for grandkids will create some amazing memories for both you and them.
Do Well by Doing Good. There are a number of ways that volunteering can benefit you, including staying connected, meeting new friends, and boosting self-worth. Align your community engagement activities with interests or causes that you’re passionate about to ensure that you get the most out of helping others. Volunteering doesn’t have to mimic work, either. You can donate to causes, create a foundation, or become an advocate for your cause.
Planning your days around what fills your heart and soul should ease the worries of wondering what’s next. Now that the business transactions are done, you can focus on your health and happiness in a way that time did not allow during your working years. Retirement is not the end of the road, but the beginning of your open path!
Related News
Learn why Letters of Intent (LOIs) are a critical step in the transaction process and how to navigate risks associated with LOI promiscuity for better outcomes.
Learn how to prepare your manufacturing business for sale by improving transferability and creating lasting value.
Thinking of selling your manufacturing business? Discover strategies to attract the right buyer and ensure a successful transition.
Find out why choosing a business broker over a realtor is key to a successful and seamless business sale.
Discover how Sunbelt guided PDQ Doors through a seamless ownership transition to the next generation.
Learn the ten essential steps to make your business market-ready and attract the right buyer.
Discover how to plan for life after selling your business and embrace new opportunities.
Discover how to protect your hard-earned profits and reduce tax burdens before selling your business.
Explore how your leadership team impacts the success of your business sale and steps to strengthen their roles.
Learn which trusted advisors you need on your team to ensure a smooth and successful business sale.
Selling your business? Learn why professional expertise is key to maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transition.
Discover how to overcome the four biggest fears business owners have about selling their business.
Discover how to reduce taxes and maximize profits when selling your business with expert tips.
Choosing the right business broker is critical—learn how to evaluate your options and involve trusted advisors.
Begin your business exit plan with a comprehensive valuation to maximize value and prepare for a smooth sale.
Plan your business exit to maximize value and ensure a smooth transition. Learn the keys to “finishing big.”
Selling your business is a big decision. Learn how to balance timing, emotions, and market conditions.
Discover how to get your business “Buyer Ready” with tips for seamless ownership transitions and value growth.
A well-prepared exit plan begins with understanding your business’s value. Learn the steps to sell on your terms.
Find out what to look for in a business broker and how to make informed decisions about your business’s future.
Celebrate the transition of Dayton Xenia Auto and Riverside Auto to Renascent Salvage Holdings, setting a foundation for growth.
Discover how working with a Sunbelt Business Broker saves you time and maximizes your business's value during the selling process.
Sunbelt of Miami Valley successfully sold the Pump-It Up franchise in West Chester, OH, and launched a new division focused on franchise sales. Learn how their expertise is driving business success in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky.
Thinking about selling your business? Learn why the current market conditions, with high buyer demand and limited supply, make now the perfect time to sell—especially for businesses with strong recent performance.
Think it’s not the right time to sell your business? Think again! In this post, we challenge the myths that it's a buyer's market and that financing isn't available. Discover why healthy, profitable businesses are in high demand and how funding options make now an excellent time to sell. Learn more and take the first step toward your business’s future.
Hobart Cabinet Co., a century-old family-owned business in Troy, has been sold and relocated to Kentucky after facing financial challenges. Discover how the brand is being preserved under new ownership.
Kate Vriner joined Sunbelt in 2016 and was named the President of Sunbelt Business Advisors of Southwest Ohio in 2024, where she is a pivotal leader. With expertise in manufacturing, transportation, logistics, IT, distribution, and commercial services, Kate is deeply committed to advocating for business owners and matching them with the ideal buyers for their businesses. Her credentials as a certified business intermediary and certified exit planning advisor underscore her dedication and proficiency in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kate is a passionate advocate for youth sports. In 2021, she founded Everybody Plays Ohio, a nonprofit organization focused on removing financial barriers to sports participation for children.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys time with her husband Mike, their daughters Rita and Evelyn, and their family dog Belle. Whether she’s cheering at her kids’ sporting events, exploring new travel destinations, diving into a good book, or staying active, Kate embodies a well-rounded and dynamic lifestyle.