Redirecting.work
Martha Bird
Navigating the Pivot to a Meaningful Retirement
Martha is someone I wish I’d met earlier in my career, to bathe in her wisdom and to listen to her insistence on maintaining your sense of self worth.
In our interview, I again encountered evidence that the role of senior corporate researchers is going away, something I find terribly short-sighted.
I love that she’s been a farmer and today is doing “greens work” on the set of the Diplomat!
Martha has always had what she describes as a “meandering life.” From farmer to PhD to a leadership role in digital tech, her path has been far from linear. Now, in her late fifties, she’s in a state of “piloting retirement,” or what she calls “wintering”—a period of lying fallow while quietly networking and figuring out her next steps.

Her most recent pivot, although she’s had many, was prompted by a moment of realization. After taking leadership as far as it could go, she was offered a generous severance package. “It was a relief,” she says, adding that she felt a great privilege in being able to step back. For Martha, this moment also aligned with her sense of self-worth. “I must be valued,” she emphasizes, believing in the power of working within organizations that support positive change.
The Need for Change
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Martha’s decision to step away wasn’t just about the severance—it was also driven by a recognition that her time in her current role had run its course. Referencing the work of 7th generation farmer Suzanne Land, she explains that like plants, humans will thrive even after facing challenges. But when it’s time for change, it’s essential to recognize it. “I add value by virtue of who I am,” she says, underscoring the importance of manifesting self-worth in making career pivots.
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Interestingly, she notes that ethnographers and anthropologists she’s in touch with are being let go—there is less tolerance for the slow, methodical research they perform. This has added to her sense that the corporate world is shifting in ways that don’t align with her values.
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Finding New Direction
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At this stage in her life, Martha isn’t rushing to define her new direction. Instead, she’s focusing on her personal evolution. “I’m not asking for anything—just to talk to generous human beings,” she says. For her, learning is central to whatever comes next, and any new direction must involve continued personal and intellectual growth.
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While she doesn’t have a fixed plan, Martha’s spousal support and ethical guide provide her with a foundation. “My partner says, ‘you are magic,’” she shares with a smile, and that kind of encouragement fuels her optimism. Her sense of self, built over years of experience, remains unshaken even when disappointment strikes. “I have a foundation of pride,” she says, adding that setbacks, while inevitable, impact her less now that she’s older.
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Martha’s Advice on Pivoting
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Martha offers thoughtful advice for others considering a major life pivot, possibly towards retirement:
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1. Surround Yourself with Support: Having people who believe in you is essential. “Surround yourself with people who support you,” she advises. Her partner’s affirmation and her own sense of self-worth have helped her navigate uncertainty.
2. Don’t Let Setbacks Define You: Martha acknowledges that setbacks will come, but they should not make you feel like a failure. “Don’t get emotional and think ‘I’m a loser,’” she warns.
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3. Maintain a Youthful Spirit: She encourages others not to let themselves feel old, even as they age. “Be a Gen Z in spirit,” she advises, and avoid isolating yourself.
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4. Stay Healthy: Martha’s routine includes staying fit, eating well, and getting enough sleep. She believes these habits are essential for maintaining both physical and mental vitality.
5. Embrace Learning: For Martha, a pivot must involve learning. It’s what keeps her energized and open to new possibilities.
Martha is still evolving, and while her next chapter may not be fully written, she’s embracing the journey with curiosity and self-assurance. Her story is a reminder that life’s pivots are not just about finding a new career—they’re about staying connected to your purpose and maintaining a sense of self-worth along the way.