The Grief No One Talks About: Michael Kay on Life After Career Success

Ever wonder why some people fall into depression after achieving their retirement goals? Michael Kay reveals the unexpected grief that comes with closing a meaningful chapter.What happens when a financial planner who spent years preparing others for retirement faces his own post-career transition? In this vulnerable conversation, Michael Kay reveals the unexpected depression that hit months after leaving his successful business. "I tanked. I felt sad, despondent," he admits. Why? He hadn't properly grieved the loss of his creation.Through writing, sharing with family, and "bleeding on the page" to his community, Michael found healing. Could your next life transition benefit from similar honesty? What might be possible if men rejected the "marble man" myth and embraced emotional authenticity? As Michael asks, "Who am I when I'm no longer my job?" His journey offers powerful insights for anyone navigating the complex territory between what was and what's next.Michael Kay helps individuals approaching retirement navigate the emotional and psychological shifts that come with this transition. As a keynote speaker and coach, he empowers audiences to find new purpose and meaning beyond their careers. Michael offers practical tools focused on well-being, health, lifelong learning, and personal fulfillment, helping people build enriching and rewarding lives in retirement. Having worked with over 4,000 clients worldwide, he provides valuable insights and guidance for this exciting new chapter.About The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we’re given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.online.In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction to Michael Kay and Chapter X(00:54) The Most Meaningful Life Transition(02:31) Who Am I When I'm No Longer My Job?(05:16) Unexpected Depression and Grieving a Business(07:54) The Process of Acknowledging Loss(11:16) Permission to Grieve and Let Go(16:41) MidLife Transition Mastery Ad(18:48) Opening Up to Family About Vulnerability(25:49) Learning to Trust Your Inner Voice(37:09) Supporting Others Through Chapter XLike, subscribe, and send us your comments and feedback.Resources:Michael Kay's WebsiteChapter X PodcastHow We Feel App: A helpful tool for emotional check-insEmail Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: https://www.lifeintransition.online/My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://www.amazon.com/PURPOSEFUL-LIVING-Wisdom-Coming-Complex/dp/1963913922Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.