I’ve been writing about the topic of phased retirement for more than three years now.

During that time, I’ve explored the practical side of retirement planning, the emotional side of stepping away from a career, and the reality that retirement doesn’t have to be an on/off switch. It can be gradual. Intentional. Personal. It can come in many flavors.

Last year, I took my own step by taking a hiatus from full-time work.

It was exactly what I needed and it taught me something I didn’t expect.

I realized that while I was enjoying my free time, I didn’t feel like I was “in the game.”

That’s not a criticism of retirement, nor is it a statement that everyone needs to work forever. It was simply my experience. As the world continue to move at full speed, I felt like I was watching from the sidelines.

Artificial intelligence was reshaping industries seemingly overnight. New technologies were emerging. Business models were changing. Entire conversations were taking place without me. And for the first time in decades, I wasn’t learning at the pace I had become accustomed to as an IT executive.

I missed that.

So, after years of leading technology organizations, I accepted a role with a consulting firm. It was a significant professional shift, and while I was embracing my new role, I took a 90-day hiatus from writing. I was busy ramping up in my new role, and frankly, I wasn’t sure what I had to say about it yet.

Sometimes the most honest thing a writer can do is remain quiet long enough to figure out what they actually think.

So I did.

Now, a few months later, I feel ready to write again. More importantly, I feel like I’m back in the game.

Career-wise, I’ve found a new chapter that challenges me, teaches me, and allows me to continue growing. Writing-wise, I’ve rediscovered the desire to share what I’m learning and observing.

But I’m approaching both differently than before. At this stage, I’ve become less interested in trying to sound like what I think people expect and more interested in being honest about what I actually believe. I’m working hard to be truer to myself—in my work, in my writing, and in the choices I make about how I spend my time.

One unexpected lesson from this period came from the people who reached out while I was away.

Several people told me about how my writing had been helpful and how it had shaped their thinking. A few said they needed me to use my talents and experience and get back in the work game.

Whether they were completely serious or simply being kind didn’t really matter. What mattered was the feeling behind it. The conversations were different than typical ‘business networking’ discussions – they were authentic and personal.

To know that something I shared with them made a difference – well, we all need that from time to time.

It’s easy to underestimate the impact we can have on the people around us. Sometimes a simple note, a call, a comment, or a word of encouragement reminds someone that they still matter.

Tell others that you appreciate them AND then tell them how helpful your mutual friends have been. A friend calls this, “Good gossip.”

You never know who might need to hear that it’s time for them to get back in the game.