With longevity increasing and thousands of Baby Boomers turning 65 every
day, the face of retirement is changing. Interviews with executives and
managers conducted by the authors show that very few people now follow
the tradition of ditching the job and embracing a life of leisure in
their midsixties. This article describes the different paths being taken
and offers four principles that will help you navigate your late-career
journey: 1. Prepare to go off-script. Careers end in many ways—often
unpredictably. Most of us will have little control over our exit, so we
must be ready to adapt. 2. Find your metaphor. Do you see retirement as
liberation from the grind, the loss of your professional identity, or a
chance for transformation? The language that resonates most with you can
signal your best way forward. 3. Create a new deal. Many are stepping
back gradually or staying on at their firms with redesigned schedules
and responsibilities or as contractors. Explore the possibilities. 4.
Make a difference. Shelving your expertise at retirement no longer makes
sense. The new model is to apply your talents to improve your community
and the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]