For Jed Harvey, it started a new chapter instead.
For many couples, retirement signals a slower pace of life - more time for hobbies, travel, and perhaps the occasional round of golf.
But for Sally Harvey, Healthcare Practice Partner with WPA Healthcare Practice Plc, retirement for her husband Jed has turned into something quite different: the beginning of a new professional chapter together.
What started as an unexpected shift has become a positive evolution for the business and for their partnership.
“When my husband retired, I assumed he’d finally slow down,” Sally laughs.
“Golf, long lunches, maybe a few home projects. Instead, he started working alongside me, and it’s been one of the most surprising professional experiences of my life.”
Working with your spouse might not be unusual in business, but working with a retired spouse stepping into a new role brings its own dynamic.
And according to Sally, it’s one that works because of - not despite - their differences.
Sally describes the two of them as complete opposites when it comes to working style.
Jed thrives on structure, systems and process, while Sally naturally operates with momentum, ideas and vision.
“On paper it probably shouldn’t work,” she admits.
“But in reality, it creates balance.”
When Sally is ready to move quickly on a new idea, Jed brings the calm voice asking the practical questions. When analysis goes too far, Sally provides the push to move forward.
The result is a partnership where both perspectives strengthen decision making.
Working together has also reinforced some valuable lessons about collaboration - lessons that apply far beyond family businesses.
Sally reflects that the key is not always agreement, but respect for what each person contributes.
“Jed brings decades of wisdom, perspective and experience,” she explains.
“I bring the momentum, energy and vision for where the business can go next.”
Together, those complementary strengths are helping shape the next phase of the business.
Another important factor has been keeping boundaries clear.
“At work we’re partners. At home we’re spouses. Keeping those roles separate really matters.”
For Jed, retirement hasn’t meant slowing down - it has simply meant redirecting his energy into something new.
And for Sally, the experience has been both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
“There’s something uniquely special about building something with someone who already knows your strengths, your blind spots, and even your coffee order,” she says.
Working with your spouse may not be for everyone.
Working with your retired spouse is even less common.
But sometimes the most successful partnerships aren’t built on similarity - they’re built on complementary strengths.
And for Sally and Jed, retirement has simply opened the door to a new way of working together.
If you would like to chat with Sally about health insurance, contact her here
