I still sometime consultant for a book people seeking careers in mid-life. This book seems to be the same after midlife, which characterizes as "young old" Mary Pipher on preparations for the year.
As I have mentioned, in reviewing other books, I often think that it is impossible to write a really helpful book to this phase of life, because a it easy not much choice for everyone and (b) it is such a wide range of people, Health levels, skills, skills, background and much more. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot treated (b) by focusing on small slices of the population: educated, healthy people without financial worry. Within this group, she finds common patterns: a longing for something that always, a resistance to change are named can not (possibly because successful people tend to resist change a cherished identity) and finally one from previous learning, classroom experience differs.
It's insights like this that give me to the book of a 4-star rating, rather than 3 star. I agree with critics who complained about the length of interviews, details of themes of life and narrow the topic area. I also agree that not so many original ideas to present the book and frameworks as readers could expect from extensive research. But as a former academic I think me, it is appropriate, work with a small sample, as long as you it clearly in advance, preferably in the book title. It is explicitly ask value "If money would choose no object, how people enter their sixties and seventies?" At the same time, these people from many consequences of aging are isolated.
I liked the author also review how the concept of ageing and retirement have changed. I would like to find more information you see. When I lived in New Mexico I met people, who lived in those "55 and to" communities, including a woman, took care of aging parents. When her mother died, she was in her early fifties: too young, according to the community. I met people who asked me why I wanted to live with my old comrades, an idea that makes me feel suffocated. It is good to have the historical perspective.
The best part of the book was the author interview with economist Matthew Gladstone. Gladstone's point of view makes sense, perhaps, because I have a b school background and enjoyed my courses economy. Gladstone suggests that while we continue work, the law of the diminishing income. If I have understood him correctly, I think he could beat that a successful lawyer could receive enormous pleasure from their win first case, then their second... but at some point be less happy. It's like eating a meal, if you're hungry; Satisfied the food so much enjoy not start of feeling.
I think, we could further expand economic thought. If you have reached a certain age, you can invest certainly, whatever time, energy and money you need to learn something new or start a new company. But your ROI - return on investment - are limited. You could write, novel and perhaps you will even sell, but you have time to go and write a series that you would bring the real rewards that come after a long career to authors.
I agree not that reading the book as an academic article or a dissertation, he had seen too many examples of the real thing. In fact, I think the book would be stronger if the author had introduced too many examples of framework more sociological concepts. For example, more right brained, artistic or intellectual focus made the respondents transitions from high level professional or organizational settings. I know many people who never want to stop working. Volunteer work and art are never enough for them (and I feel so). The notes of the author feels that an interviewed, Pamela, frustrated, because there are structural and institutional borders, their contribution. Someone more than 50 will continue to earn money much larger challenges is as yet.
Finally I was jealous of those who found their new artistic professions. I wish that I had thought to singing lessons, but suspect that I will still advise you tap along to the songs rather than to try to sing. In the last ten years, I have taken pottery classes in two different States. Every time I had less talent than anyone else in the class. It has been fun, but, and I only resumed. This time I decided to take me. I have even less talent than anyone else and I deltoid also sore in my left arm. Still, I response to the experience of respondents, Josh, with piano learning: trying on a higher mental rewards goal leads
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