I am going to tee this Weekly Whiteboard up with one of my all-time favorite quotes: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” I mean… wow. That is so big and something every human being (and maybe even a few dogs) should keep in mind!
Beyond becoming in a general sense, I would submit that there is something exciting about who we are now as defined through our own personal vocations. And, regardless of what that vocation is sometimes the most noble action we can take is just showing up. Whether it’s literally punching a clock, taking a Zoom call, or launching your own venture, the act of working—of contributing, creating, collaborating—is deeply human. It gives us rhythm, purpose, and, if we’re lucky, a sense of joy. But what happens when the rhythm changes? When you start wondering if the thing you’ve been doing for 10, 20, even 30 years is no longer what you should be doing? What if the job you once dreamed of starts to feel like a pair of shoes that doesn’t quite fit anymore? Well, in my view, here’s the good news: we can always repair those shoes or even decide on new ones. More than that—making a change or accepting the challenge might be one of the best things that ever happens to you.
(Author’s note – I love what I do and have no plans to change my vocation… uh, unless the Tar Heels recruit me to coach the basketball team. But, until that time – East Franklin Capital it is!)
Change Isn’t the Enemy—Stagnation Is
In nature, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s vital. Trees shed their leaves not because they’re tired of being leafy, but because growth demands it. Snakes shed their skin because they’ve literally outgrown it. Even lobsters have to break out of their shells to keep growing—and it’s not a painless process. The point is, we’re wired for reinvention. Staying in one place forever—mentally, professionally, emotionally—might seem safe, but in the long run, it can be the riskiest move of all.
There is a great quote that goes something like: Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you.
This does not mean staying with a single calling for decades is a mistake – far from it. My point is that even if you love what you do you still need to be willing to pivot, push yourself and be aware of changing environment and personal change. Embrace change whether that change looks substantial or tiny. Small changes (even changes that are almost imperceptible) can have enormous impact. In fact, I keep multiple copies of the book Atomic Habits by James Clear in my office to give to anyone looking for a path to make a change!
The Second (or Third) Act
There’s an odd cultural myth that career changes are for the young. But some of the most powerful reinventions happen later in life—when your sense of self is more grounded, your instincts sharper, your “give-a-damn” meter a little more efficient. Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first “Little House” book at 65. Colonel Sanders didn’t franchise KFC until he was in his 60s (which might explain why the man had no time to perfect his cole slaw… just sayin’). And Tiger didn’t win his first major until he was 21! Okay, that last one may be a miss – but you get the point. Switching careers—or even just jobs—doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re still curious, still growing, still listening to your inner compass. That’s not quitting. That’s re-setting. That’s courage.
To that end, we encourage all clients to look at their financial goals and personal goals as being connected. And, while we (East Franklin Capital) are primarily focused on financial and investment goals and objectives, we understand the importance of personal goal-setting. Several clients have made “late” career shifts or stepped into a “second act” to their personal benefit and the benefit to those around them.
See Work as a Garden
Too often we view careers like ladders: once you start the climb you have to go all the way to the end. But a better metaphor might be a garden. Sometimes we plant seeds that bloom beautifully; other times, we realize we’ve got more shade than sunlight and need to start over somewhere else. That’s not lost effort—it’s wisdom. And yes, some weeds might grow along the way (a.k.a. challenging bosses or co-workers, botched interviews, or realizing too late that job you thought you were starting is very different than the job you are in). But every season teaches something. Every “failure” leaves compost for the next thing to grow. Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” But more than love, what he was really pointing to is commitment—showing up, doing the hard parts, and striving for excellence even when it’s not glamorous. And note that Jobs did not say “do what you love”, rather “love what you do”. In my view, that is a significant distinction with important consequences. You don’t have to be in love with your work. But you do need to care about doing it well. Mastery itself can be a form of meaning.
The Joy of Becoming
At East Franklin Capital, we work with people at all stages of life and career—some sprinting, some strolling, many standing at crossroads. And we’ve seen again and again: there’s no “wrong” time to pivot, evolve, or stretch toward something new. What matters is not when you change—it’s that you listen when the call comes.
While some of you see us only as investment managers, many of you see us as a trusted advisor. We’re here to walk alongside you through those changes. Our role isn’t just to talk about investments or numbers—it’s to listen, to support, and to help guide decisions that align with who you are and who you’re becoming. Whether you’re navigating retirement, returning to work, starting something new, or simply reevaluating what matters most, we’re here as a steady, thoughtful partner.
As Lao Tzu once said, “At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” Our job is to help clear the path so you can follow that wisdom—confidently, and with purpose. Because the work of becoming never really ends. And with the right support, it can be the most rewarding journey of all.