I deviate from the 4D’s used by the industry so we aren’t always dwelling on horrible consequences. Another post discusses the positive reasons you might decide to step away from the business, even though they can arise unexpectedly: true retirement, pursuing another opportunity, or unexpected purchase offer.

Even though those are positive events, the truth is that they won’t work out well, or may not even happen at all, if your business is not prepared and you are not prepared. But at least you have some choices.

Then there are the 4 D’s. When they show up, you don’t get to choose. You just have to deal with them.

For many advisors, these are Death, Disease, Disillusionment, and Divorce. Some take it to a fine art, adding sub-species of these creatures. And there are other considerations, such as a Downturn in the market. I am sure if you dwell on it a while, you’ll come up with half a dozen other scenarios that could force you to step back from the business for a few weeks if not indefinitely. And the big question is, will be business still be there when you get back?