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In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly welcomes back John Paguaga for a candid conversation about recognizing when it’s time to step away from a decades-long career and navigating the uncertainty of what comes next. After more than 40 years in the workforce, John shares the moment he realized “the rat race needed one less rat,” reflecting on the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from physical fatigue but from years of responsibility, pressure, and constant motion. Together, Karen and John explore the power of self-awareness, understanding your core values, and identifying your true strengths as the foundation for reinventing yourself, whether that means evolving within your current role or stepping into an entirely new chapter.
John opens up about the difficult but necessary process of acknowledging when something no longer feels aligned, and the courage it takes to admit that change may be the right path forward. The conversation dives into what it really means to feel “on fire” in your work, why authentic recognition matters, and how many professionals quietly wrestle with the tension between obligation and fulfillment.
He also shares the unexpected turns of his post-retirement journey, from searching online for “fun things to do for early retirees” to becoming a New York City tour guide, eventually leading 250 tours for more than 2,500 visitors. Yet even in that new chapter, John describes the moment he recognized the spark had faded again, reminding listeners that reinvention isn’t a one-time decision but an ongoing process of listening to yourself and adapting.
This episode is a must-listen for professionals approaching retirement, contemplating a career transition, or simply wondering if there’s more to life than the daily grind. Be sure to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about purpose, reinvention, and making every minute count.
Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9
This book is for leaders who:
- ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In.
- ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters.
- ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention.
If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader
This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/_) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and edited by Anthony Parisi.
CHAPTERS
- 00:00 Rat Race Reflection
- 00:28 Welcome Back John
- 00:55 Knowing When Its Time
- 04:01 Reinvent Where You Are
- 04:53 Self Awareness Basics
- 07:10 Man In The Mirror
- 09:21 Mentors On Bookshelves
- 09:53 Catch The Fire Moments
- 14:14 Recognition Fuels Fire
- 15:39 Second Act After Retirement
- 18:09 Googling A New Purpose
- 21:06 Tour Guide On Fire
- 23:21 Part Two Teaser
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