You’ve spent years — maybe decades — building your business.

You’ve worn every hat, solved every problem, signed every paycheck.

You’ve sacrificed weekends, sleep, vacations… all for the company you created.

And then one day, you sell it.

Congratulations, right?

But here’s the part no one tells you:

When the deal closes… who are you?

Selling Isn’t Just a Financial Transaction — It’s a Personal One

Letting go of your business isn’t just about money. It’s about identity.

For many founders, the business isn’t what they do — it’s who they are.

You’re not just the owner. You’re:

• The person clients call when things go wrong.
• The leader your team counts on.
• The “entrepreneur” at every dinner party.

When that’s gone, the silence can be deafening.

The Emotional Crash After the Exit

Even with a huge payday, many sellers report:

• Feeling lost or aimless
• Struggling to fill their time with meaning
• Regret over how the transition happened
• Anxiety about what comes next

Why? Because no one prepared them for the emotional whiplash of no longer being “the owner.”

They prepared the deal — but not themselves.

The Real Question: What’s Next For You?

To exit well, you have to answer a deeper question:

“Who am I without the business?”

Start here:

• What parts of your work bring you energy (not just income)?
• What problems do you want to solve next — even if no one’s paying you?
• What impact do you want to have post-exit — on your industry, your family, or yourself?

This isn’t just fluff. The clearer your vision, the smoother your transition.

One Small Prep Step

Create a “Post-Exit Identity Map.”

In a blank doc, list:

1. The roles you’ve played in your business (CEO, mentor, builder, creative)
2. The skills or traits you’ve developed (vision, grit, leadership, persuasion)
3. One or two areas you’ve always wanted to explore — but never had time

Then brainstorm how those things could shape your next chapter.

Exit isn’t the end. It’s the reset.

Want support and tools for every part of your exit – including the emotional side?

Join the Exit Ready Circle – our private group of owners who are building their next chapter with purpose and clarity.