Issue 25(1)

Rewired, Rehired, or Retired? A Global Guide for the Experienced Worker. (2002). Robert K. Critchley. Pfeiffer. 202 pp., $17.95 (paperback). ISBN 0-7879-6219-8.

Reviewed by: Betty Ritter

Formerly the Coordinator of Academic Advising

College of Business Administration

Valparaiso University

The perennial question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" has been phrased many different ways as it applies to those at different life stages. As an advisor, you my have asked students, "What do you want to do with your life?" or even "What job do you plan to get with that major?"

Those 50 and older may wonder what direction their careers, futures, and lives should go as they near retirement. Robert Critchley asks them, "Will you be Rewired, Rehired, or Retired? " In his book, he addresses the concerns of the mature worker and offers help in examining the alternatives.

Over the past 30 years, early retirement (at age 55) has gained popularity in the United States . Restructuring, mergers, downsizing, and acquisitions have made retirement offerings a viable way to thin the ranks of many corporations. At the same time, improved health and longer life spans have made it possible for people to work more years before retiring. This dichotomy has created more retirement options than ever before. Should you work or not work? If you work, should you work a lot or a little? Should you work at the same job or a different one? If you are not working (i.e., already retired), should you return to work? What will you do if you do not work?

Presenting these quandaries, Critchley encourages readers to examine their lives and careers and assess their needs and interests. He stresses the importance of accepting change and adapting to it. He discusses myths about the mature worker and how these myths can be converted into strengths and positive attributes. Ultimately, the work-life balance achieved (working a lot, a little, or not at all) should include meaningful and purposeful activities that provide happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction, and as Critchley says, allows one to "lead your life, not follow it" (p. xvii).

Other topics addressed in this book are communication, job searches, interview techniques, and networking. With his intended audience in mind, Critchley addresses these familiar topics from the point of view of the mature worker who may have lost a job, is changing jobs, or is reentering the workforce after retiring. Throughout the book, he emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life, career, and retirement. He also challenges the mature worker to consider this time in life as an opportunity to recharge, regroup, and reinvent.

Even though this book is geared to workers in business and industry, anyone 50 or older can find guidance, reassurance, and inspiration in its suggestions and guidelines. Academic advisors-like everyone else-will eventually come to the point where retirement (in some form) is an option, and decisions about life direction must be made and then reevaluated over time. "Whether you choose to continue full- or part-time work or an active retirement, be sure you are going to enjoy your life" (p. 202).