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Retirement Reinvention: Make Your Next Act Your Best Act
"This book helps you create a plan and pivot toward a fun, meaningful future in retirement"--
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2018
155 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 2, 2022
3.5 stars.
I am retiring in three years and have already started thinking about what life after that might look like. A friend mentioned this book, and a short time later I saw it at the local library, so figured I’d best pick it up.
“Retirement Reinvention” systematically discusses all aspects of retirement, including how to decide where to live; how to maintain/develop a satisfying social life; ideas about activities to begin or continue; thoughts about working part time (or full time).
Although the contents sometimes feel a bit self-evident and/or repetitive, there are many things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own and/or that were great to have reinforced or looked at in a new light. Having everything laid out in such a clear, chatty, and helpful way -- especially the inclusion of many, many anecdotes about people who have already retired -- was very useful and interesting.
Definitely a worthwhile book if retirement is in your foreseeable future and you want to take that big step feeling better prepared for it.
I am retiring in three years and have already started thinking about what life after that might look like. A friend mentioned this book, and a short time later I saw it at the local library, so figured I’d best pick it up.
“Retirement Reinvention” systematically discusses all aspects of retirement, including how to decide where to live; how to maintain/develop a satisfying social life; ideas about activities to begin or continue; thoughts about working part time (or full time).
Although the contents sometimes feel a bit self-evident and/or repetitive, there are many things I wouldn’t have thought of on my own and/or that were great to have reinforced or looked at in a new light. Having everything laid out in such a clear, chatty, and helpful way -- especially the inclusion of many, many anecdotes about people who have already retired -- was very useful and interesting.
Definitely a worthwhile book if retirement is in your foreseeable future and you want to take that big step feeling better prepared for it.
June 29, 2021
I read this book from cover to cover and gained a great deal from it, though it can be read in a number of different ways. Addressed specifically to boomers (obviously, the demographic entering into retirement years and thinking about the issues raised by it), this book is almost encyclopedic in its array of different possible ways to address questions of money, travel, occupation, and meaningful lifestyle choices. One could read it cover-to-cover as I did, or follow chapter titles and subheadings to find what is of most interest. The book excels in supporting the one theme--"successful retirement" means staying meaningfully engaged with others and with jobs and activities that feed you. She is also very clear about unsuccessful retirements, which seem to be avoided by actively making informed choices. The book includes worksheets and can be read through slowly and thoughtfully. The main impression I have from it is to think about retirement not as a kind of waterfall experience, one where I retire and go over the cliff and drop for hundreds of feet into who knows what, but instead as moving from a main river off into a different stream, one that allows me to make more choices that are good for me as I move away from working life to a life of engagement. Most books on retirement these days offer that picture. This one certainly gives many options to choose from to make retirement meaningful.
May 2, 2019
4.5 stars
Confession: I retired last year at 57 so I read all the retirement advice books just this year due to all the time I now have on my hands. Fortunately, financially and mentally, I've always been a planner so my sudden retirement has not thrown my life off tangent too much. Out of all the retirement books I've read recently, this one stands out due to the entertaining stories of real life retirees and sufficient coverage in all areas one needed to consider before making the decision to retire. Most boomers mistakenly perceive retirement as a permanent vacation, which is the worst mindset to have for the most productive time in one's life. Due to the much longer life expectancy, a person at his 50 to 70's is at his happiest, yet still alert enough to solve complex problems in his field since he is now more experienced, more patient, yet calmer and faster.
If I get a dollar for every person that told me he'll retire somewhere with beach or golf access or both, I'd have enough money to fund any elaborate retirement lifestyle I want.
This book called out the misconception and laid out a plan to avoid disappointments down the road.
This book is also the only book I've read that mentioned the less known fact that most retirees "splurge" the first few years in their retirement on things like a new house, home remodeling, travel, or, worst of all, reimburshing their children's lifestyle, the many reasons why people failed retirement way before they are half way down the road.
In addition to financial advice, this book also put enough focus on preparing mentally to achieve a smooth transition from "the center of attention"to "out of the loop," which can be quite difficult, especially for men.
I just found out that the author is a famous career / job search advisor. Retirement is, in a way, our last job, so why shouldn't we devote the same scrutiny and effort to its research and achievement ? This book has everything you need to plan for a successful one.
Confession: I retired last year at 57 so I read all the retirement advice books just this year due to all the time I now have on my hands. Fortunately, financially and mentally, I've always been a planner so my sudden retirement has not thrown my life off tangent too much. Out of all the retirement books I've read recently, this one stands out due to the entertaining stories of real life retirees and sufficient coverage in all areas one needed to consider before making the decision to retire. Most boomers mistakenly perceive retirement as a permanent vacation, which is the worst mindset to have for the most productive time in one's life. Due to the much longer life expectancy, a person at his 50 to 70's is at his happiest, yet still alert enough to solve complex problems in his field since he is now more experienced, more patient, yet calmer and faster.
If I get a dollar for every person that told me he'll retire somewhere with beach or golf access or both, I'd have enough money to fund any elaborate retirement lifestyle I want.
This book called out the misconception and laid out a plan to avoid disappointments down the road.
This book is also the only book I've read that mentioned the less known fact that most retirees "splurge" the first few years in their retirement on things like a new house, home remodeling, travel, or, worst of all, reimburshing their children's lifestyle, the many reasons why people failed retirement way before they are half way down the road.
In addition to financial advice, this book also put enough focus on preparing mentally to achieve a smooth transition from "the center of attention"to "out of the loop," which can be quite difficult, especially for men.
I just found out that the author is a famous career / job search advisor. Retirement is, in a way, our last job, so why shouldn't we devote the same scrutiny and effort to its research and achievement ? This book has everything you need to plan for a successful one.
January 2, 2022
Who will I be after I retire? What will I do?
Now is the time to think about all the things you have always wanted to do in your life.
Only those people who are truly engaged in their post retirement activities reap the psychological benefits. That's why people need to invest as much, if not more, time in their psychological planning before retirement, to figure out what makes them happy.
This is the prime time of your life, because it's the time you are alive right now, with so much ahead of you yet to be done. The life ahead is unwritten. You, and you alone, create it.
Now is the time to think about all the things you have always wanted to do in your life.
Only those people who are truly engaged in their post retirement activities reap the psychological benefits. That's why people need to invest as much, if not more, time in their psychological planning before retirement, to figure out what makes them happy.
This is the prime time of your life, because it's the time you are alive right now, with so much ahead of you yet to be done. The life ahead is unwritten. You, and you alone, create it.
September 21, 2020
An excellent guide to help you think of all aspects of retirement with a focus on how to reinvent your life. It was just what I needed to read as I am getting out of the full time work force.
I particularly liked that Robin Ryan offers advice (« Don’t go back to your old job, do something new. ») and cautions against mistakes (« Don’t sell everything and move away before you have become familiar with your new environment first. »)
A must read reference book for those planning their retirement or retirees who want to get the most out of life.
I particularly liked that Robin Ryan offers advice (« Don’t go back to your old job, do something new. ») and cautions against mistakes (« Don’t sell everything and move away before you have become familiar with your new environment first. »)
A must read reference book for those planning their retirement or retirees who want to get the most out of life.
May 17, 2022
Excellent starting place for close to retirement. Examines the pitfalls and failed retirement strategies and gives great tools for preparing to make the life change.
March 18, 2018
Officially, I retired from a thirty year high school teaching career in 2008. The day after, I applied for adjunct work and ended up taking two positions teaching English courses for a community college and a four year liberal arts school.
I continue to work because I enjoy it, find meaning and purpose in teaching and supporting persons striving to achieve dreams, desire to keep learning and growing myself, and need the opportunity for social interaction. However, when I am honest, I also continue to work because I fear having too much unstructured free time; I am afraid I would spend my time feeling inconsequential and irrelevant while watching television and napping. I’m afraid I would not know what to do with all that time. Robin Ryan’s book, therefore, was a good reading choice.
Robin Ryan has worked as a career counselor for over twenty years. She has appeared on numerous talk shows and has written several bestselling books about finding meaningful careers. This edition of Retirement Reinvention is her latest book and the first after she went through major life-changing treatment for cancer. This book reflects her growing awareness of mortality and the need to make retirement years happy ones.
Retirement Reinvention is a quick-to-read book that focuses more on how to spend your time in retirement than on finances, health matters and other concerns common to those who retire from their job in their 50s or 60s. Some topics include: making a retirement plan; choosing where to live (interestingly, the author stresses that moving to a new location and starting over may be more stressful and lonely than we might think); building social connections; making a difference; turning hobbies into something more; traveling; learning, and more.
While there may not be much that is new in her book, the many anecdotes she shares do provide inspiration whether the reader is contemplating retirement or is already in this phase of life.
I continue to work because I enjoy it, find meaning and purpose in teaching and supporting persons striving to achieve dreams, desire to keep learning and growing myself, and need the opportunity for social interaction. However, when I am honest, I also continue to work because I fear having too much unstructured free time; I am afraid I would spend my time feeling inconsequential and irrelevant while watching television and napping. I’m afraid I would not know what to do with all that time. Robin Ryan’s book, therefore, was a good reading choice.
Robin Ryan has worked as a career counselor for over twenty years. She has appeared on numerous talk shows and has written several bestselling books about finding meaningful careers. This edition of Retirement Reinvention is her latest book and the first after she went through major life-changing treatment for cancer. This book reflects her growing awareness of mortality and the need to make retirement years happy ones.
Baby boomers are pioneering a more engaged and active retirement…Instead of easing into a “leisure only” stage, I’m recommending you move to a new “fun job and leisure” stage…with the opportunity to find work—paid or unpaid, full- or part-time—and to create meaning and enjoyment after your traditional career has ended.
Retirement Reinvention is a quick-to-read book that focuses more on how to spend your time in retirement than on finances, health matters and other concerns common to those who retire from their job in their 50s or 60s. Some topics include: making a retirement plan; choosing where to live (interestingly, the author stresses that moving to a new location and starting over may be more stressful and lonely than we might think); building social connections; making a difference; turning hobbies into something more; traveling; learning, and more.
While there may not be much that is new in her book, the many anecdotes she shares do provide inspiration whether the reader is contemplating retirement or is already in this phase of life.
March 20, 2024
This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to do more with their golden years than sit around watching telly. It is packed with suggestions for how to find the activities that will give you purpose in retirement and make these years fulfilling and enjoyable. All of this is to be commended, and will be a great place to start for those who want something more but don't know where to start.
On the downside, the book is very US-centric, aimed predominantly at retiring "professionals" and full of lists, lists and more lists. While helpful, these didn't work that well in the audio version (though the text version probably flowed better).
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book as part of one's retirement preparation.
On the downside, the book is very US-centric, aimed predominantly at retiring "professionals" and full of lists, lists and more lists. While helpful, these didn't work that well in the audio version (though the text version probably flowed better).
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book as part of one's retirement preparation.
June 11, 2021
I just read this book cover to cover but a suggested alternative is to dip into material here and there. One issue is that there is a lot of material not applicable to everyone - pet care, for instance, if you have no interest in animals.
This was a confirmation of my approach to retirement - living a full and active life pursing interests, volunteering and exercising. Other alternatives are related to part-time business ideas.
I have a couple of other retirement books to read that will be a good comparison: Purposeful Retirement by Hyrum W. Smith and With Purpose by Ken Dychtwald, PhD.
This was a confirmation of my approach to retirement - living a full and active life pursing interests, volunteering and exercising. Other alternatives are related to part-time business ideas.
I have a couple of other retirement books to read that will be a good comparison: Purposeful Retirement by Hyrum W. Smith and With Purpose by Ken Dychtwald, PhD.
February 12, 2024
I have read many "retirement" books and this is one of the best so far. This is not a finance book, you'll need to read a lot of those too, but this one will help you be happy and not fail at being a retiree. In retirement, you not only need a budget for your money, you need a plan for your time. There are many examples and at times maybe too many, but they are written well and are educational.
Where to live? Whatever you do, think about it. Don't leave your job, sell your house and move across the country.
Do you have a social life outside of work? How do you create one?
Do you have hobbies? Do you want to work part time, and if so, can you make money from your hobby?
Loads of interesting questions, ideas and possible problems to read about and ponder.
Where to live? Whatever you do, think about it. Don't leave your job, sell your house and move across the country.
Do you have a social life outside of work? How do you create one?
Do you have hobbies? Do you want to work part time, and if so, can you make money from your hobby?
Loads of interesting questions, ideas and possible problems to read about and ponder.
September 29, 2019
Makes it easy to plan for tomorrow
I was excited to learn Robin Ryan was writing a book on retirement because I could expect she would apply the same practical approach to career planning. This book is for anyone thinking about retirement— even years from that date. The book guides you on decisions you can make about what you want to do after retirement. I felt increasingly confident that I can make that next move!
I was excited to learn Robin Ryan was writing a book on retirement because I could expect she would apply the same practical approach to career planning. This book is for anyone thinking about retirement— even years from that date. The book guides you on decisions you can make about what you want to do after retirement. I felt increasingly confident that I can make that next move!
August 18, 2020
Never too early to try and grasp what’s ahead I guess. Loads of idea and resources for all those lucky enough to live that long. Also don’t have to wait for retirement to start living, could start living right now and show our children how they can do the same making life meaningful and pourposeful.
July 7, 2021
Great retirement ideas.
Robin Ryan covers everything from A to Z to make retirement more meaningful and enjoyable. This book contains a wealth of resources to help you make this season of your life the best yet…from off the beaten path travel ideas to volunteer opportunities to starting a second career.
Robin Ryan covers everything from A to Z to make retirement more meaningful and enjoyable. This book contains a wealth of resources to help you make this season of your life the best yet…from off the beaten path travel ideas to volunteer opportunities to starting a second career.
November 29, 2019
An interesting exploration of the different possibilities for life after paid work. I found lots of ideas to think about, and will likely return to this book later in life. It's also useful for thinking about how you want to set up your life PRIOR TO retirement to be able to pursue interests.
October 10, 2020
Finally, a book that isn't all about finance ... this is about being active and pursuing what's meaningful for YOU. If you already know what that is, not much here for you. But if you are struggling with that what, why, and how ... grab it!
November 27, 2019
Points I take away from this book:
Keep an open mind
Retirement is not one long vacation.
Need something meaningful.
Be patient. Try it, or test drive before you dive in too deep.
Keep an open mind
Retirement is not one long vacation.
Need something meaningful.
Be patient. Try it, or test drive before you dive in too deep.
September 19, 2018
Robin Ryan starts out her book by emphasizing the importance of retirement planning. According to Ryan, successful retirements don’t evolve without the execution of a plan. Anecdotal evidence is given in the form of testimonials from clients who’ve sought her help over the years. It’s ironic that people can be successful in their careers but failures in retirement.
One of the biggest mistakes new retirees make is immediately moving to a new destination. Not only is a move like this considered to be one of life major disruptions, but it also means that these retirees leave behind friends, contacts, and a well-known infrastructure. A similar mistake is made when buying an expensive motorhome with the idea of touring the country. Living in Florida, I’ve seen many of these retirement acquisitions in local used RV vehicle lots selling at deep discounts.
Alternatives to these rash decisions include volunteering pursuits or starting a business, both of which should be based on the retiree’s interests. Nearly half of the book is comprised of stories about successful retirees who have done these things. Not all of them did them initially but did so after counseling from Ryan. Their new paths to self-satisfaction resulted in fulfillment and retirement success.
Recently retired, I have read several retirement books and I recommend that others approaching this stage in their life by doing the same. I did move to a new location, but it is one that I had researched prior to retirement. The new location provides me with activities and acquaintances my age that I lacked in my previous community. While my former home served me well while I was working and raising a family, the neighborhood had grown in population density and the traffic in the community had become unbearable. Because of traffic, I found myself not wanting to leave the house. In my case, moving was the best thing. I had planned for it as part of my retirement plan. Making such a plan is what Ryan’s book emphasizes and planning for retirement is something that I readily endorse.
One of the biggest mistakes new retirees make is immediately moving to a new destination. Not only is a move like this considered to be one of life major disruptions, but it also means that these retirees leave behind friends, contacts, and a well-known infrastructure. A similar mistake is made when buying an expensive motorhome with the idea of touring the country. Living in Florida, I’ve seen many of these retirement acquisitions in local used RV vehicle lots selling at deep discounts.
Alternatives to these rash decisions include volunteering pursuits or starting a business, both of which should be based on the retiree’s interests. Nearly half of the book is comprised of stories about successful retirees who have done these things. Not all of them did them initially but did so after counseling from Ryan. Their new paths to self-satisfaction resulted in fulfillment and retirement success.
Recently retired, I have read several retirement books and I recommend that others approaching this stage in their life by doing the same. I did move to a new location, but it is one that I had researched prior to retirement. The new location provides me with activities and acquaintances my age that I lacked in my previous community. While my former home served me well while I was working and raising a family, the neighborhood had grown in population density and the traffic in the community had become unbearable. Because of traffic, I found myself not wanting to leave the house. In my case, moving was the best thing. I had planned for it as part of my retirement plan. Making such a plan is what Ryan’s book emphasizes and planning for retirement is something that I readily endorse.
July 22, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. The book was organized well and had a lot of good information. Not too much new for me, but I've already done a lot of reading on the subject, including a great weekly newsletter from a retirement advisor. So definitely if you are new to researching the subject of retirement check this one out.
December 15, 2018
This book was chosen for the fall 2018 Next Chapter group. I thought it was good, but I didn't read all of it.
December 18, 2018
Full of ideas to consider for phases of retirement. Ryan also offers a website with helpful resources.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews