Pip C
Consultant in Southwestern Ontario, Canada
"Strategic alternatives" is a fancy phrase corp types like to use when their company is in dire straights; looking to divest in one area or another, invest in a new one, looking for an outright buyer or all of the above.
But to go back to its original intent, it simply means re-thinking your whole paradigm and being open to accepting any major change in order to get the best possible outcome.
In my case – over 10 years of success in global services operations of companies, living in a bustling city in an emerging country, 3 kids and a wife, a hyperactive social environment – I was comfortable.
Too comfortable. And it looked like we've reached "peak comfort".
Hence, strategic alternative: Move entire family to another continent, obtain international education, learn new skills, immerse with different cultures, live out new lives.
It's been 5 years now. And counting.