How to know when to retire

Summary

Allison, a psychotherapist of color, contemplates retirement but decides to continue her practice after receiving a heartfelt letter from a former client, Jean, which reaffirms her calling to serve her community.

Abstract

Allison, a psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, stumbles upon a letter from Jean, a former client from a nursing home group she led. The letter, sent by Jean's daughter, expresses gratitude for Allison's impact on Jean's life. This discovery occurs at a pivotal moment when Allison is considering retiring from therapy to focus on coaching. Reflecting on the changes in the field, with more therapists of color now available, she feels it might be time to step back. However, Jean's letter prompts Allison to recognize that her work is not just a career but a divine calling that should continue as long as she feels led to serve. Allison decides to maintain a therapy practice while also enjoying her coaching work, understanding that her presence still makes a significant difference in the lives of people like Jean.

Opinions

Allison values the diversity of therapists and acknowledges the growth in the number of therapists of color, which influenced her initial thoughts on retirement.
She believes in the importance of cultural sensitivity and knowledge in therapy, commending both her colleagues of color and Caucasian therapists who are adept at addressing issues affecting people of color.
Allison feels a strong sense of purpose and calling in her work, which is reaffirmed by Jean's letter, emphasizing that her decision to retire should align with divine guidance rather than personal convenience.
The connection with Jean and the impact of their Thursday visits were mutually significant, with Jean's spiritual longing and humor leaving a lasting impression on Allison.
Allison's reflection on her career indicates a balance between fulfilling her passion for therapy and embracing the new opportunities that coaching offers, especially as a Christian coach of color.

How to know when to retire

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I found a crumpled-up note as I moved my file cabinet. I was re-arranging my office and I guess the letter had fallen in between the file cabinets years ago.

I opened it and read the words that were written so long ago.

Dear Friend,

There is a friend of mine helping write these notes. My writing is so bad. I have enjoyed being together on Thursdays with you.

I pray you will be blessed where ever you will go and whatever you do. And pray the Lord will be with you always.

With Love, Jean

The letter was sent to me by her daughter who included her own letter, which was equally touching.

Dear Allison,

My mother Jean would be so pleased to know this has finally gone in the mail today. She wanted to thank you for being you.

Your visits were so meaningful and she loved you.

The timing of finding these notes couldn’t have been better. I was re-arranging my office because I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue my work as a psychotherapist. I had downsized greatly this year following a couple of years that were too busy and hectic. I was contemplating ending my therapy practice and focusing solely on my coaching practice.

My thought was that there are many great therapists of color out there, unlike when I first started over 20 years ago when I was the only one in my community in a 50-mile radius. At that time I felt my presence in this field was needed. I thought how could I not serve my community in this way, the need was great and the providers of color were few.

I am thankful that the field of therapy has changed and I now have many great colleagues of color as well as know great Caucasian therapists who are very sensitive to and knowledgeable about issues that impact people of color. I felt like I had permission to leave the field to them, knowing that the community that I serve will be served well. I was ready to semi-retire and fully commit to my coaching practice. I love the work I do and my clients, however, I am now also enjoying coaching and I feel there is a place for a Christian coach of color.

Following reading this letter I realized that I cannot retire myself. I need to retire when God retires me. I am still choosing to see only a few therapy clients. I am enjoying this slower pace, but I now see that there are more Jeans out there whose lives I may still be able to touch in meaningful ways.

The Thursday visits Jean referenced were when I would visit her nursing home to conduct a group for the residents there. She was a bright light who enjoyed talking to me about her love for God and her desire to see Him soon. She was talkative and filled with humor. A creative soul who would express herself through writing and poetry.

She would jokingly (with a hint of seriousness) end our time together saying she hoped not to see me next week. We understood between us that she was not suicidal, but that for her to be with Jesus was her greatest wish and she was just patiently waiting for him to take her home. She was waiting to be retired by God.

I enjoyed my Thursdays also Jean, I hope you know that you gave me so much, then and now.