Near the end of the movie, Shawshank Redemption, "Red" Redding the narrator (Morgan Freeman) has been paroled and is bagging groceries at a store. In one scene, he asks permission to go to the bathroom. The manager takes him aside and explains that he doesn't need to ask, he can just go if he needs to. "Red" reflects that after years of asking to go to the bathroom that he can't squeeze a drop without permission.
I think of that scene as I am contemplating retirement because I am only now seeing the type of deep-seated conditioning I have absorbed from 30+ years of work. Every profession has those cultural rules. Maybe it's how to dress; what your office or work space should and should not look like. If you are an attorney wanting to make partner, how many billable hours should you log? Can you skip the CEO's annual fund-raiser because it 's desperately boring? In every retiree lies the equivalent of "Red" and his need to ask permission to pee, even when it's no longer required.
Among the thousands of books on financial planning for retirement and now the emerging genre of "third age" and "encore careers," this book is well worth reading--and probably first--if you are anticipating or coping with retirement. As a woman who pioneered into a male-dominated profession decades ago, I could especially relate to many of the anecdotes. There was an extra helping of conditioning that came from making the climb to success with few female mentors and peers. Both femininity and creativity were supressed as a consequence of my profession. This is the first book I've read that openly acknowledges and addresses the transitional needs of women, particularly those pioneers.
Before one can plan her next stage of life, she must fully explore who she is and what part her ending career plays in that composition. If I had made retirement choices based on who I thought I was just a few years ago, I doubt that I would have been happy. I have to face that some of who I am is not really my choice, not my true values. It is the conditioning of decades of work that I accepted as a norm. Am I going to feel guilty if I am not at my desk by 8am productively cranking out work? How much of the structure to which I'm attached is other people's rules and expectations? This book explores the needs that work filled.
In the movie, Brooks was another paroled prisoner. But after a lifetime in prison, he couldn't adapt to freedom and hung himself. There are those retirees that can't cope with what looks like empty days stretching to the grave. This books looks at a variety of options of transitioning to retirement and preparing mentally and emotionally. Maybe we might feel like jumping on a bus to Zihuatanejo. This book looks at how to find the thing or things that will make life meaningful, even if you try many different avenues and find meaning in unexpected ways.
In the history of mankind, our generation is unique and lucky. Many of us will have the health and finances to live 20-30 years however we want. In the movie, "Red" describes the excitement and fear he's feeling as he's riding the bus to a new life. Doing what you want and not what society or other people's expectations dictate. Doesn't that feel wicked? But exciting. Some of us escape prison with a well orchestrated plan. Some of us just jump parole. But no doubt about it, we have to break free of whatever incarceration we were experiencing.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more
Frequently bought together
$27.00
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 21
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2012
