Called for Life: Finding Meaning in Retirement

by Paul C. Clayton

Called for Life reflects on our calling to serve God and neighbor in the context of retirement. People facing retirement ask a variety of questions, each framed by a different perspective. "Will I ever be interested in retiring?" some baby boomers ask. "Who am I now?" newly retired clergy ask. "What, if anything, is God calling me to do and be after retirement?" all inquire. This book is built on the assumption that most people don't want to spend the last third of their lives doing nothing. What they want is a life that is worth living, an occupation that will help others, and a retirement in which they can continue to exercise their calling. Clayton uses examples from his own experience and from others, laity and clergy, to explore retirement and the three components of our our identity, our gifts, and our occupation. He also examines the role of community in our calling and retirement, the challenges of the transition into retirement, options for meaningful activity, the importance of identifying our purpose, doing and being in retirement, and the final call to death. Readers will be encouraged to see retirement as an opportunity to do what they have always wanted to do and to become the kind of person they have wanted to be.

126 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

General discussion about vocation and service in retirement. The short stories of four different persons and their varied careers were the most interesting to me. One take-away statistic to counter the negative effects of complete retirement: Just 100 hours per year of work is all that is required [pg. 61]. (reference to Ann Tergesen, "Live Long and Prosper. Seriously," "Business Week" student ed. [June 27, 2006], 84.) Paycheck not necessary; volunteerism counts. So a minimum of two hours a week of meaning-making, not difficult.

[Royce Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though more heavily weighted on those retiring from ministry, Clayton also uses the journeys of others from a variety of vocations. Great read for someone getting ready to retire, in the transition to retirement, or someone who has failed at retirement. He gives a good look at both being and doing.