In what is being called the Great Recession, the contract between individuals and organizations no longer exists, and loyalty from both sides has disappeared. People are losing their jobs, questioning their work-life choices and redefining their identities. Organizations are laying off employees, asking fewer workers to do more and relying on more part-time or temporary help who receive no benefits.

This is the time for all of us to adopt a “self-employed” attitude in order to take control of our future and the quality of our life.

Baby Boomers are exiting the workplace either voluntarily or because they’re being encouraged to “retire” early through financial incentives. But my experience in coaching is that once they retire, most people do not know what to do. If they had a plan, they would feel more comfortable leaving and taking their time, talent and energy with them. Successful career transitioning is not just about having money or being smart. It takes intentional planning based on making conscious decisions.

Cliff Hakim, author of “We Are All Self-Employed: How to Take Control of Your Career,” maintains that it is empowering to shift from an “employed” attitude to a “self-employed” view based on self-leadership – even when one is employed. When we believe that we are the “boss” of our work-life, then we are not as dependent on an organization, and we can make decisions that best integrate other parts of our life such as relationships, children, parents, community, and health and well-being.

When I coach people about what to do beyond retirement, their biggest fear is usually losing their title or platform. It helps to find a new identity, and that takes a plan. It also helps to feel as if you have some control over your destiny. Figuring out what is in your control and taking steps in that direction can help in the transition. The driving question becomes: What is your purpose for getting up in the morning?

I often use the metaphor that if we were in a jungle swinging on vines, it is easier to let go of one vine when we can see another vine in sight. The same thing can be true with careers. What I have realized from my own transition is that it is worth the time invested to develop a life map to guide one’s way.

Planning for an “encore career” or the third chapter of life is just as important as planning for these other phases. Because we are living longer, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals and communities to learn how to navigate and operate.

Now is the time to redirect, reshape, rediscover, redefine, reframe, rethink, redevelop, reconstruct, refresh, renew, re-career. Baby Boomers are not going to retire as we have come to know it, but we will be moving on.

So what do you want to move on to now that you have a self-employed attitude? You can decide if you are the boss.

Jann Freed is a leadership author, trainer and coach.