A disappointment. Let's hope the Second Edition comes soon.
Retired, and still have a job. That sounds like millions of us. And we need all the help we can get.
Reading `Reworking Retirement' was disappointing. I went from chapter to chapter with the hope that the book would improve. Alas, it did not. Here's why:
The book gives a number of examples and success stories. Many examples describe people who retire from well-paying jobs, with pensions and benefits, and a bundle in the bank. They go on to enjoy new and fulfilling activities in their post-work years. Kudos to them. But the book could use more examples of how Joe Sixpack can make it through.
The financial guides are very slim. The book advises that you need to look at your finances, but provides little guidance as to how to get things in order. Two or three hours on the Internet or at the library will provide deeper insight than found here. Mr. Gorman's experience as a Financial Planner was one reason I purchased the book, and the lack of depth in this area was surprising.
Roughly one third of the book is devoted to searching for a job. It's clear that many retirees will continue to work, and the skills discussed are needed in a mature job search. The book would be more beneficial if it provided lists of resources and contact points for the job search. The `Jobs Online' chapter mentions fewer than ten websites. That seems a bit light.
On the plus side, 'Reworking' is nicely written and organized. It's easy to navigate and find topics of interest. It covers a wide array of topics, making it likely that readers will find some helpful tips. And just because you've retired from a job doesn't mean you are up to date on what it takes to find a new one. That's where this book makes its best contribution.
So let's give 'Reworking Retirement' a little time and hope it will fill in the gaps and give greater depth. While we're waiting for the Second Edition, there are good alternatives. Consider Bob Clyatt's `Work Less, Live More, ` or John Wasik's `Retire Early.' They provide deeper financial guidance as well as hints for the retired person with a job.
Practical advice
I found this book very helpful and full of practical advice on how to re-enter the workforce in a different arena. Well-written and insightful.
(2 reviews)
