Career transitions are rarely neat. They're messy, they're scary, and they often come with a hefty dose of uncertainty. But, as Angela Cheng-Cimini reminded us in this week’s episode of Redefining Work, they’re also essential if we want to grow, rediscover purpose, and live a life of intention.
Angela, a soon-to-be former CHRO at Harvard Business Review, joined me for a candid conversation about transitions—not just in work, but in life.
She shared her journey of stepping away from a high-profile role to prioritize what really matters. Along the way, we dove into burnout, the importance of self-disruption, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply pause.
You can also listen to this episode on any of these channels: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music
The Wake-Up Call: A 30th Anniversary in Italy
Angela’s decision to leave her role didn’t happen overnight. It began with a milestone—her 30th wedding anniversary. After celebrating with a two-week trip to Italy, Angela found herself struggling with re-entry.
"Two weeks in, and I still wasn’t getting back to myself," she said. "My energy was flagging, and I realized I had been on autopilot for 18 months."
That realization hit harder when she reflected on her personal circle: three friends were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the past six months. “You don’t have time to get to your bucket list,” Angela shared. “It made me question: Is this how I want to spend 50 or 60 hours a week for the rest of my life?”
This wasn’t just about leaving a job; it was about taking control of her life.
Disrupting Yourself: The Hard Choice That Changes Everything
Angela’s story aligns with something I’ve often thought about but rarely hear discussed—disrupting ourselves. We spend so much time focusing on the disruption happening to us—pandemics, layoffs, industry shifts—but what about the disruption we choose?
As Angela put it:
"We stagnate and settle for less than we deserve. I hope this conversation gives people a fresh perspective on the agency we have to disrupt ourselves in all the right ways."
It’s a powerful message, especially for anyone feeling stuck. Change doesn’t wait for the “right time.” You have to make the leap.
Burnout’s Silent Grip
Angela’s burnout wasn’t loud or dramatic—it crept in slowly. “Sunday would come, and I’d already be thinking about Monday,” she said. “Then Friday hits, and you’re too exhausted to enjoy it. Saturday is for catching up on everything you missed, and by Sunday, the cycle starts again.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A Gallup study found that 76% of employees experience burnout at least sometimes, with 28% reporting frequent burnout.
The key takeaway? Burnout doesn’t always look like breaking down. Often, it looks like monotony, exhaustion, and losing the spark that once drove you.
Paddleboarding and Perspective
For Angela, reclaiming that spark means trying new things—like paddleboarding. It also means giving herself the gift of time, something so many of us overlook in the rush of daily life.
"I don’t have a calendar to reference. I’m going on vacation for Christmas and not bringing a laptop," she said. “The options are endless.”
It’s a reminder that stepping away isn’t about quitting—it’s about realigning. Angela isn’t leaving HR entirely; she’s staying connected in a way that feels intentional and energizing.
Lessons on Letting Go
Angela’s journey resonates with me deeply as I navigate my own career transition. Like her, I’ve spent years building something meaningful, only to realize I’m ready for the next chapter.
An important part of our conversation was Angela’s acknowledgment of privilege. She knows not everyone can walk away from a paycheck. But she also offered advice for anyone craving more meaning in their work:
"If you need to work for practical reasons, there are paths to find a better place—whether it’s more meaning, less stress, or more impact. Just don’t settle."
Key Takeaways
Self-disruption is necessary: Don’t wait for external forces to push you into change. Take the leap when you know something isn’t right.
Burnout isn’t always dramatic: If life feels like a never-ending cycle, it’s time to reevaluate.
Life is short—live with intention: Angela’s story is a powerful reminder to reclaim your time and energy before it’s too late.
Seek joy, not just stability: Whether it’s paddleboarding or simply unplugging for a while, find what recharges you.
Final Thoughts
Angela’s courage to embrace the unknown is a blueprint for all of us navigating transitions. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to have everything figured out to take the next step.
As Angela said, “There’s so much freedom in not being overly programmed and overly committed.”
So, here’s my question for you: What’s one thing you’d change today if you weren’t afraid of failing?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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