68 of 69 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dreams come easy. -- but can you follow through?, August 7, 2005
This review is from: Don't Retire, REWIRE! (Paperback)
One of my career change clients recommended this book. She had a lot of ideas but no idea where to start moving. And now I can see why!
This book offers lots of ways to figure out what you want in an ideal world. The authors have come up with some novel approaches to self-discovery, such as identifying your drivers.
But implementing dreams is a whole other kettle of fish! The authors ignore the realities of job hunting after 50. The section on age barriers takes about 1 page (p 230) at the very end of the book. Whether you're working for a company or on your own, stereotypes and age barriers exist and they're not always easy to overcome.
The authors' "real people" are comfortably situated, when in fact many retirees face financial constraints. Many of my clients have been laid off in their 50's. Some have invaded their retirement accounts (before they called me) just to survive.
Even if you have money, you need to be realistic. Volunteer work takes a different kind of energy than working for salary or fees. Some people thrive on volunteerism; others go nuts. Living in a small town with many retirees, I've met many who left the workforce too soon. They're bored -- and often are taking medication for depression.
On page 181 the authors describe "real person" Jane, who wants to be a mediator. Mediation, say the authors, is "portable and flexible." They may be right -- but we need more information. Mediators often need to market themselves by networking with lawyers. New mediators find they're up against recovering lawyers seeking new careers as mediators -- who are much better connected than they are. Of course, some people find lucrative careers as mediators -- but my advice to Jane would be, "Find out if there's a market before paying for training!"
Another "real person" retired to write a novel - and got published! A very inspiring story -- but I've worked with clients who lacked the skill to write at the professional level. Others lack the discipline to keep going.
In my experience (as well as research), career change means testing, trying, and being open to possibilities -- not creating a long "possibility list" at the beginning. Dreaming is fun but ultimately doesn't get you very far.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
53 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, Some Hands-On Advice for ex-CEO's, September 24, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Don't Retire, REWIRE! (Paperback)
I'm 48 and a former CEO of a large real estate information company based in New Jersey. Last year I voluntarily gave up my CEO title -- and all of its day-to-day responsibilities -- and assumed the role of Chairman. I did NOT realize what a huge role difference this would be and the impact it would have on me. Stripped of a large part of my "power base" I felt cut adrift, unfocused, at times even desperate.
Don't Retire, REWIRE has been a beacon of light for me, providing a clear framework for mapping out the second half of my life. This is material that I've been searching a long time for, a book that helped shift my thinking from income statements and balance sheets to life's core benchmarks -- those soulful areas such as following my passions, developing my skills, and pursuing my dreams.
The most valuable part of the book for me lay in the case studies of how real people faced the challenge of life's transitions. It sparked dozens of ideas which I narrowed down to one very fulfilling direction that I'm exploring now.
Read REWIRE -- but then USE it and FOLLOW it. It could be life-changing for you, too.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Specific Insight, September 16, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: Don't Retire, REWIRE! (Paperback)
Found REWIRE to be very helpful in a very specific circumstance. Experienced executives or other professionals should not be confused with those individuals who are just looking for "greener pastures".With a myriad of other self-help books about changing jobs and careers REWIRE specifically addresses those at a later stage of their career. It was nice to not be lumped with a bunch of dissatified thirty-somethings!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
