| As a Baby Boomer, are you in agreement with the | | | | I still have not met my husband for lunch in the middle |
| results of an American Association of Retired | | | | of the week, cleaned out my drawers, put photos in |
| Persons' position paper - that the definition of work in | | | | albums, exercised regularly, mastered the computer or |
| retirement will be uniquely yours? Fully 80% of those | | | | the game of bridge, read enough books, or browsed |
| who responded to the survey expect to continue | | | | the many corners of the city that I promised myself I |
| some type of work after they reach retirement age. | | | | would. |
| Many women don't have control over the decision | | | | So, where am I now? I'm still very much in the process |
| regarding changes in their work situation. They may be | | | | of learning what retirement means to me." |
| faced, unexpectedly, with the loss of a job or a | | | | Whether you're beginning to play with the idea of |
| business. Or, out of financial necessity, they have no | | | | retirement or the gold watch presentation is just |
| choice but to continue supporting themselves and their | | | | around the corner, here are some tips for you: |
| families. In addition, the aftermath of 9/11 and the | | | | 1. Approach this stage of life with humor. Maxine's |
| economic downturn drove women into the workforce | | | | rhetorical questions are examples of how not to take |
| who otherwise would have reduced their workload or | | | | yourself too seriously. This is a major life change and |
| retired completely. | | | | yet a positive attitude will enhance your transition and |
| The recent New Face of Work Survey, conducted by | | | | the experiences that follow. |
| the Princeton Survey Research Associates | | | | 2. Be aware of your motivation. Being able to reflect |
| International, found that the majority of their | | | | and evaluate are valuable skills. Hone them, and |
| interviewees had an interest in post retirement careers | | | | discover what is driving you and what you want at this |
| that help others. Over 70% of the women in their 50's | | | | point in your life. Do you want to focus on volunteering, |
| agreed that "It is very important that a job in retirement | | | | working in a different way, taking better care of your |
| gives a sense of purpose," and allows them to stay | | | | body, or spending more time with family and friends? |
| involved with other people. The shift to a "working | | | | Make choices for reasons that are right for you. |
| retirement" is definitely a baby boomer phenomenon. | | | | 3. Much ado about all or nothing. Perhaps leaving your |
| Maxine, a school social worker, gradually realized that | | | | job, at this time, is not feasible for emotional or financial |
| she had many options and the luxury of deciding how | | | | reasons. Look for ways to satisfy some of your |
| she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Two of her | | | | unmet needs while still working. This is also good |
| daughters were having babies at opposite ends of the | | | | preparation for when that change does occur. |
| continent. She wanted to be able to spend time with | | | | 4. Go with the flow. Recognize and accept that any |
| them after the births and to be with the grandchildren | | | | transition involves a process of change. Follow your |
| as they grew. Her third daughter also lived away and | | | | dream yet don't automatically say no to anything. Be |
| was embarking on a new career. All in all she intended | | | | willing to open your heart and explore all possibilities. |
| to be more mobile and accessible to her family. | | | | 5. Make a list but don't check it twice. We all have a |
| "After quitting my job of 30 years, I was often asked | | | | myriad of wishes that have not come true because |
| how I was enjoying my retirement. My reply was | | | | life sometimes has a way of intervening. Be patient |
| always: Are they talking to me, what's retirement? | | | | with yourself and the situation if you have to change |
| Here's the reality. I spend a lot of time in airports. I stay | | | | course. At this stage of life, anything can happen. |
| in my pajamas until after 10:00 a.m. on many weekday | | | | Now is a chance like never before. And balance can |
| mornings. I've become more actively involved in both | | | | be the key to unlocking the "good life." How would you |
| urban renewal and heritage aspects of my city. I sit on | | | | create your own sense of equilibrium? Think about |
| a hospital board and am learning more about the | | | | being involved in community service and pleasuring |
| healthcare system. I have become involved again in | | | | yourself. Plan to have a purpose and to have fun. Find |
| local politics and helped an old friend get elected. I've | | | | ways to be productive and playful. Enjoy the magic of |
| been to lunch with friends four times and knitted 1 1/2 | | | | the seesaw. |
| baby sweaters. | | | | |