The hardest part of leaving wasn't the career change—it was the relationships. Each client was more than a portfolio; they were stories, dreams, and trusted confidants. One particular client loved bringing travel books to our meetings. I'd encourage him to explore the world, to worry less about his investments and more about living. After I left, I received the devastating news of his suicide. This loss haunts me, but it also reinforced what I already knew: retirement planning isn't just about money—it's about human connection. When your advisor leaves, it's not just a professional departure; it's a broken link in someone's support system.