Let’s get one thing straight: making money doesn’t always mean you should keep going.
Many business owners we speak to at Retire Today are still profitable, on paper, things look fine. But under the surface, they’re tired, frustrated, or simply done. And that’s okay.
Whether you’re coasting or clinging on, here are five real signs it might be time to step away, even if the accounts say otherwise.
1. You’ve Lost the Fire
You used to be the engine, now you’re barely coasting on fumes. What once excited you now feels like a slog. You find yourself avoiding the office, dreading Mondays, or secretly hoping for a reason to shut the doors.
Money coming in isn’t the same as energy going out.
If your heart’s no longer in it, the business will suffer eventually. Better to exit while things are stable than wait until burnout drags it down.
2. The Business Still Relies on You for Everything
You can’t take a proper holiday. Sales stall when you step back. Clients still want you, not your team.
That level of dependency isn’t just draining, it’s dangerous. It limits growth, creates risk, and makes selling harder. But it doesn’t mean a sale is off the table.
At Retire Today, we specialise in taking over owner-dependent businesses. So if you’re the bottleneck, we’ll help you uncork it, not judge it.
3. You’re Sitting on Untapped Potential — But Don’t Want to Unlock It
You see opportunities everywhere: new service lines, untapped markets, tech that could streamline everything. But you don’t have the energy (or appetite) to pursue them.
That’s not failure — it’s clarity.
If the next chapter requires a different kind of effort, and you’re not up for it, it may be time to hand over the keys to someone who is.
4. You’re Avoiding the Big Conversations
You’ve ignored succession planning. You haven’t looked at your financials properly in months. You tell friends “it’s fine” while quietly worrying what happens if you get sick, lose your manager, or a key client leaves.
If you’re sweeping things under the rug, your subconscious is already checking out.
Exiting doesn’t mean giving up. It means acknowledging reality before it forces your hand.
5. You’re Ready for What’s Next — Even If You Don’t Know What It Is
Sometimes, it’s not about fatigue or fear. You just know you’re ready for a different chapter. Maybe you want to spend more time with family, explore something new, or just not be responsible for everything.
You don’t need a disaster to justify your exit.
You just need the right option — one that doesn’t involve brokers, years on the market, or sacrificing everything you built.
Final Thought
You don’t need to wait until you’re underwater to sell. If any of these signs hit home, it’s not a warning, it’s a signal.
At Retire Today, we help business owners step away with dignity, speed, and clarity, whether your business is thriving, stagnating, or struggling to sell.
No middlemen. No upfront fees. Just a clean break when you’re ready.