You’ve been a CFO for a long time. What’s next?

As a CFO with many years of experience, you certainly have seen a lot in your career. If you are a CFO and have been working for over 30 years, the thought of ‘What’s next’ certainly enters into your thoughts, not to mention the thoughts of your family members. You’ve worked hard all your life and would like to slow down the pace a notch, but you don’t want to give up the challenges you need to feel the personal satisfaction that has driven you throughout your career.

Here are some options to consider:

Taking a CEO position: I can hear you say ‘I thought you said this would help me slow down the pace a notch? Becoming CEO would be more stressful, not less.’ What I am advocating for is for you to consider only those roles where being CEO would call on your talents and abilities, but have you manage a team of people to get the details done – your role would be the Quarterback. Think about it – Have you ever thought that the CEO you worked for had a less stressful job than you? Of course you have. Now it’s your turn. (Read from CFOZone: Prepping to become CEO: How CFOs can become CEO)

Become a Board Member: There is a high demand for people with your talent on Boards of Directors. According to Deloitte’s Corporate Governance Webcast: CFOs on Boards, a CFO can expect to spend 250 hours a year in time commitment to a Board of Directors. While this Webcast was more for a currently employed CFO sitting on the Board of Directors of another company, a lot of the advice still applies in this situation. Experienced CFOs with a few Board positions have the flexibility they want with the challenges they need, and the compensation is good too.

Those that can, work. Those that can’t, Consult? If you are getting ready to slow down a bit, it might be a good time to hang up a shingle and call yourself a Consultant. The word Consultant has been used by many professionals in between jobs as a euphemism for their lack of employment. But this does not have to be the case. We have seen (and helped) many Senior Finance Executives in between opportunities find contractual roles that allow them to keep busy, earn good pay, and have a level of flexibility they have never had. Making a career move to Consulting has been a good move for many experienced CFOs.

Help build a Start up: With all the experience you have, wouldn’t it be great to be involved with creating a real business out of an idea? There are many entrepreneurs, young and not so young, that have a great idea, are fabulous at the technical, the marketing, or both, but have little understanding as to what the mechanics of finance and administration are. They need help with financing the company, managing cash flow and all the other good things necessary to make a great idea or great product into a great company. Combining your strengths with amazing ideas and talent could be the best thing that ever happened to you in your career. Isn’t it time to have some fun?

While you may like these ideas as options, your next Question is: “So how do I find these opportunities?” The same way you find other opportunities – network and build your personal brand while adding value to those around you. Consider which option would suit you best and let people know what you are looking for.