I left a chief HR officer job at 55. Now I work 3 days a week and still get benefits.
After three friends around her age died, Angela Cheng-Cimini reconsidered her demanding career. She now works three days a week at 56.
Angela Cheng-Cimini, a veteran HR professional, transitioned from a full-time chief HR officer role at 55 to a part-time position while maintaining her benefits. The turning point came when she lost friends in her mid-50s to cancer, prompting her to reassess her mortality and work-life balance. Working in HR for over 30 years, Cheng-Cimini realized she was neglecting self-care and compartmentalizing work too heavily.
In December 2024, she resigned and began seeking flexible-schedule opportunities. She found a part-time role as chief HR officer at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, where she works three days a week. Despite working fewer hours, she still enjoys health insurance, a 401(k) contribution, and paid time off. This arrangement allows her to stay active in her profession while benefiting from her extensive experience at a reduced cost for her employer.
Cheng-Cimini uses her extra time to mentor others, particularly young professionals, and contributes to startup organizations in the HR space. She emphasizes the importance of paying it forward, especially as a female Asian leader in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her rewirement has transformed her outlook on life, allowing her to prioritize leisure activities with her retired husband, such as traveling down the Nile aboard a 100-year-old steamship.
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