Listen "The Invisible Man: What Happens When You Retire at 49 and Lose Your Identity"
Episode Synopsis
Nick Shelton retired from oil and gas at 49 thinking he'd won the race, only to find himself fading into invisibility. Everyone thought he had it made, but inside he felt profoundly alone. "I felt like Marty McFly watching himself disappear from the Polaroid—still alive, but fading away," he shares. Through hitting the wall hard, Nick developed the Reset Button framework to help others navigate the painful transition from achievement-based identity to purpose-driven living. His "be the angel" philosophy transformed emptiness into daily meaning. What happens when you die to your first life and consciously create your second? Nick's journey offers both validation and practical hope.Nick Shelton is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and former petroleum chemist who retired from oil and gas at 49, only to discover that freedom without purpose can feel like a slow collapse. That crisis led him to create The Reset Button, a six-phase reinvention framework for accomplished men navigating retirement and major life transitions. Nick is also author of "An Introvert's Guide to World Domination" and has spoken on stages globally. With candor and practical insight, he helps high achievers reset their lives in ways that feel true, grounded, and alive again.About The Show: The Life in Transition, hosted by Art Blanchford focuses on making the most of the changes we’re given every week. Art has been through hundreds of transitions in his life. Many have been difficult, but all have led to a depth and richness he could never have imagined. On the podcast Art explores how to create more love and joy in life, no matter what transitions we go through. Art is married to his lifelong partner, a proud father of three and a long-time adventurer and global business executive. He is the founder and leader of the Midlife Transition Mastery Community. Learn more about the MLTM Community here: www.lifeintransition.onlineIn This Episode: (00:00) Opening: Why Retire at 49?(11:03) Identity Built on Achievement(16:41) Midlife Transition Mastery Ad(24:51) Be the Angel Philosophy(33:17) The Reset Button Framework(43:27) Creating Your Second Life(50:46) Transition Mastery Coaching Ad(52:03) The Moment Everyone Thinks You Won(59:06) Taking the Smallest Step Forward(01:09:41) Closing and ResourcesLike, subscribe, and send us your comments and feedback.Resources:Website: https://resettheman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasleonshelton/ Email Art BlanchfordLife in Transition WebsiteLife in Transition on IGLife in Transition on FBJoin Our Community: https://www.lifeintransition.online/My new book PURPOSEFUL LIVING is out now. Order it now: https://www.amazon.com/PURPOSEFUL-LIVING-Wisdom-Coming-Complex/dp/1963913922Explore our website https://lifeintransitionpodcast.com/ for more in-depth information and resources, and to download the 8-step guide to mastering mid-life transitions.The views and opinions expressed on the Life In Transition podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity. This podcast is an independent production of Life In Transition Podcast, and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2025.
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.