RETIRING

Creating a Life That Works for You

Are you nearing retirement, supporting a loved one through it, or leading an organization with retiring employees? Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You provides the insight and guidance needed to make this life transition fulfilling and rewarding. Based on a decade of research, this book goes beyond the conventional financial advice to illuminate the psychological, social, and life-restructuring challenges of retiring.

book cover for Retiring: creating a life that works for you
Marcy Crary, Teresa Amabile, Lotte Bailyn, Kathy Kram, Tim Hall

A Collaboration for the Ages

We are all retired professors – from four different universities – though we were at very different points along the retirement journey during this collaboration. One of us retired twenty years ago, three retired within the past ten years, and one retired just as this book was being published. We call ourselves the “decade babies” – born in the “aughts” of 1930, 1940 and 1950.

“Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You is a revelation — the most insightful book about American retirement I’ve ever encountered. Its masterful blend of rigorous science and deeply human stories will help anyone navigate their journey into life’s next chapter.”

DANIEL H. PINK, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret; Drive; and When

“Retiring raises many questions, and this book is filled with answers. Based on extensive research, a team of experts has produced an informative, comprehensive look at how to leave work without losing your sense of place and purpose.”

ADAM GRANT, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

“This book is a must-read for anyone exploring this next phase of life. Rigorous research, based in people’s stories, articulates the rich texture this time of life holds: retirement as a journey of exploration, learning, and remembering oneself.”

ILENE C. WASSERMAN, Ph.D, President, ICW Consulting Group; Senior Leadership Fellow/Lead Executive Coach, McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School #4

“This gang of world-class academics has produced perhaps the most helpful guide I have ever read. I was dazzled by the depth of their original research and their insights about challenges that people wrestle with before and during retirement, as well as capabilities that help people navigate the journey.”

ROBERT I. SUTTON, Stanford Professor (emeritus) and New York Times bestselling author of eight books including The No Asshole Rule and (with Huggy Rao) The Friction Project.

“Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You is a revelation — the most insightful book about American retirement I’ve ever encountered. Its masterful blend of rigorous science and deeply human stories will help anyone navigate their journey into life’s next chapter.”

DANIEL H. PINK, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret; Drive; and When

“Retiring raises many questions, and this book is filled with answers. Based on extensive research, a team of experts has produced an informative, comprehensive look at how to leave work without losing your sense of place and purpose.”

ADAM GRANT, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Potential and Think Again, and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

“This book is a must-read for anyone exploring this next phase of life. Rigorous research, based in people’s stories, articulates the rich texture this time of life holds: retirement as a journey of exploration, learning, and remembering oneself.”

ILENE C. WASSERMAN, Ph.D, President, ICW Consulting Group; Senior Leadership Fellow/Lead Executive Coach, McNulty Leadership Program at the Wharton School #4

“This gang of world-class academics has produced perhaps the most helpful guide I have ever read. I was dazzled by the depth of their original research and their insights about challenges that people wrestle with before and during retirement, as well as capabilities that help people navigate the journey.”

ROBERT I. SUTTON, Stanford Professor (emeritus) and New York Times bestselling author of eight books including The No Asshole Rule and (with Huggy Rao) The Friction Project.

What is the first word that pops into your head when you hear the word “retirement?”