World Famous Comics: Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life
Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life
By: Marc Freedman Publisher: PublicAffairs Average Rating: Binding: Hardcover Label: PublicAffairs Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 272 Publication Date: June 11, 2007
The movement of millions of sixty-somethings into a new phase in their working lives constitutes one of the most significant social trends in this country in nearly half a century. Encore describes the competing visions for work that are already lining up to capture the hearts and minds, and the time, of waves of baby boomers who are not content, or affluent enough, to spend their next twenty or thirty years on the golf course. Baby boomers are searching for a calling in the second half of life; they are moving beyond midlife yet refusing to phase out or fade away.
If the old dream of the Golden Years was the Freedom from Work, the dream of this new wave is the Freedom to Work—in new ways, on new terms, to new ends. As their numbers begin to swell, these individuals hold the potential not only to transform work in America, but to create a society that balances the joys and responsibilities of contribution across the generations—in other words, one that works better for everyone.
An encore performance for us all Tabloid-style headlines have infected even mainstream magazines and newspapers in recent years. Articles about the coming "Social Security Disaster" vie for attention next to those on industry's inability to overcome the "Loss Of Baby Boomer Talent" or even fears that "Baby Boomers Will Retire Into Poverty." And these are not all the ravings of radio talk show hosts trying to build audience share. Experts like the Federal Reserve's Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan have aired similar views on occasion.
Now comes author and social entrepreneur Marc Freedman to suggest that such doom and gloom are not necessary. In his new book Encore, Freedman insists that demography is not destiny. Sub-titled Finding Work That Matters In The Second Half Of Life, this excellent volume describes a number of alternative futures that could benefit us all. Freedman argues that actions we take today could simultaneously improve the national economy, strengthen our society, and improve the lot of aging Boomers throughout the land: . For the sake of the economy, he asks that Boomers choose to - and be allowed to - remain productive; . For the sake of society in general, he encourages Boomers to continue sharing their talents and experience; and . For the sake of individual Boomers, he recommends changes that will allow them to remain gainfully employed, self-sustaining, and engaged in meaningful roles.
Today individual choices are often limited either to: a) 30 years of mind-numbing TV, golf and shuffleboard in the "Golden Years;" or b) greeting bargain-seekers as glorified doormen in the "Wal-Mart Years." While such retail sector bridge jobs might provide needed sustenance, they do little to maintain self-esteem or to benefit society in general. Freedman shows many ways in which tomorrow could be better than today, through a series of individual portraits of new American pioneers. As he describes them, "Instead of the freedom from work, they are searching for the freedom to work; instead of saving for a 'secure retirement,' they are underwriting an encore career."
So what could Boomers do in Freedman's bold new world? As he shows in his examples, they could: . Stay on in their current roles instead of retiring, perhaps with more varied schedules or lesser work demands; . Turn to helping professions such as teaching or nursing, which desperately need staff in many parts of the country; . Learn and grow into entirely new careers, either in new interest areas or simply in response to changes in the economy; or . Take on social entrepreneuring activities, much as Freedman has himself, in order to improve the world around us.
He also suggests ways in which today's rules about retirement could be modified, in order to help everyone involved. For example, retirees may now earn additional Social Security benefits by working from age 65 to age 68, but gain nothing more by continuing past that point. Further, they are discouraged from doing so by being forced to pay into Social Security even when they could be receiving payments from it. Similarly, employers are forced to provide equal benefits for all, even if some could be covered by Medicare. Changes to each of these policies, among others, could encourage both employers and employees to rethink today's typical forced-retirement scenarios.
Those facing medical or other issues should certainly be protected by the same options and benefits available today. Others, however, might value the opportunity to continue as productive citizens. Many, in fact, will have no choice but what Freedman calls "the practical necessity of extending working lives" - there's certainly more than a few grains of truth in all of those stories about Boomers not being financially ready to retire. Even those who do have adequate funds might not want to be set out to pasture, however. Leading-edge Boomers today, as a group, are healthier than any such age cohort which has come before them. They are likely to remain physically and mentally able to be productive for ten, twenty or even more years into the future.
Marc Freedman, by the way, does put his own energy where his mouth is. As founder and CEO of San Francisco's Civic Ventures, he has helped establish new activities including the Experience Corps, the Next Chapter, the Lead With Experience Campaign, and the Purpose Prize. You can learn more about these and other new ideas at his website, www.civicventures.org.
His book is a clearly-written and exciting vision of an alternative future that we can begin building today. Buy it now and start own encore career!
Best book since Good to Great This is an amazing book with anecdootes and resources for anyone looking for an encore to their life's adventure. I recommend this to everyone and appreciatethe focus and passion. It is a perfect complimant for Three Cups of Tea!!!
A discussion, with case histories, of how to begin a new service career in your 60s Society may never see another demographic group like the baby boom generation - people born between 1946 and 1964. During the 1950s, their great numbers dramatically changed everything, from manufacturing and construction to education and health care. The boomers' idealism and social activism branded the 1960s and 1970s. In subsequent decades, baby boomers changed the workplace and all other areas of life. Now, as this generation enters its retirement years, it is shaking things up again. Unlike previous seniors, boomers are not content to trudge quietly off the stage. Instead, many are choosing second careers in public service. In the process, boomers are redefining not only retirement but also work. Marc Freedman discusses this phenomenon and what it means for society by presenting profiles of baby boomers who took up second, service-oriented careers when they reached retirement age. Their stories are inspiring. getAbstract recommends this book to professionals in their late 50s and beyond who want to put their hard-won expertise to work on behalf of others.
Compelling Issues and Provocative Solutions As a career counselor for individuals in the second half of life, I found Encore to be an excellent resource for seekers as well as those of us guiding the next generation of "non-retirees". Freedman aptly describes the frustrations that this pioneering group faces as they attempt to identify their next endeavor and find or create an appropriate match in the marketplace. I hope that Freeman's comprehensive work is recognized by policy-makers, funders and employers who will support the evolution of encore careers and the generation of individuals who will serve in them.
Refreshing With people living longer and having the opportunity to remain in the workforce longer, this is a book that needed to be written. Americans have more options than ever upon reaching retirement age. We can continue to work, we can retire, we can travel, etc. The author, Freedman, spells out in delicious detail those choices, and the result of whatever one we choose.
The book makes a point that others have made, but perhaps spells it out more directly. That point being that you may live longer, and be healthier, than your grandparents, and even your parents. Thus you had best be prepared, financially, mentally and emotionally.
I found the book to be a rather fast read and always interesting. I'd go so far as to say it's the best book about the second half of life I've read. The FUNNIEST book on the subject is Martha Bolton's "Race You To The Fountain of Youth." Hysterical. Race You to the Fountain of Youth: I'm Not Dead Yet (But parts of me are going fast)
I think Freedman's book about the second half of life is worth reading for anyone approaching retirement age. You have important decisions to make. Make then wisely or possibly pay for them later.
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