Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement from Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will

by Steve López

"Steve Lopez is insightful, ingenious, and often hilarious as he navigates one of life's biggest questions." -- Michael Connelly, New York Times bestselling author of The Dark Hours.

Four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and longtime Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez explores the meaning of work and how it defines us in this captivating book that combines memoir, investigatory interviews, and practical application.

Grappling with his own decision of whether to retire, Lopez uses his reporter skills not only to look inward but also to interview experts and peers to collect a variety of perspectives as he examines the true nature of a person's time, identity, and ultimate life satisfaction.

In Independence Day, Lopez talks to those who have chosen to extend their working life to its (il)logical extreme -- people like Mel Brooks, still working at 94 -- those who have happily retired and reinvented themselves outside of the constraints of work, and those who would like to retire but can't because of financial constraints. He also turns to professionals on the matter, like two aging scientists, a geriatric specialist, and a psychiatrist, to understand the research-based reasons to retire.

With his trademark poignancy, wisdom, and humor, Lopez establishes a useful polemic for himself and others in planning ahead, as he also evaluates questions of identity, financial limitations, and ultimately what to do with your life when the obituary pages are no longer filled with strangers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Audiobook, Biography, Finance, Biography Memoir

Audio CD

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Steven M. López (born 1953) is an American journalist who has been a columnist for The Los Ángeles Times since 2001. He is the son of Spanish and Italian immigrants.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a gift and not something I would normally read because I’m pretty sure I know when I’d like to retire. But unfortunately, more often than not, you don’t get to choose when you retire. Someone else does.

And I imagine the majority of people who are pushed into retirement and are not fiscally ready are not going to drop $27.99 on Steve Lopez’s diary on his year-long meditation on when he should retire. So the people that are in the target audience already have some level of fiscal comfort. And like a lot of non-fiction, this really could of just been a column and not a 230 page hardback. But I like the person who gave it to me, and it’s only 230 pages, so I’ll read it. And here are my thoughts in diary style, just like the book.

Short chapters, okay so this really is just a collection of columns. Steve’s a real man of the people with all these tennis injuries. No mention of the L.A. club he plays at and how much the fees are there. I wonder if he’ll have to cut back or if the wife would let him. Oh look, the wife doesn’t want him around. Supports my theory that married people CAN live apart. Maybe wait until the daughter heads to some liberal arts college only 1% of the country has heard of before you get that apartment Steve.

My problem with this book is his situation is so unique. He has an incredible job which he enjoys AND it pays well?! If a reader can identify with Steve, then kudos to their success. But I think for most readers, retirement comes as an unplanned meeting with HR. This lucky SOB is 68 SIXTY-EIGHT!!! And they haven’t thrown him out the door. It’s almost like he’s not in America.

Over halfway though and oh my god this book did not need to be written. Enough with your tennis game. Go see a financial consultant you tool. And maybe talk to more people who messed up their retirement. Most people are not like Mel Brooks.

Bottom line this book was unnecessary. If you’re paying for your kid to go to a $70K a year school AND leave her a new car, you’re rich and you can retire whenever you feel like it.

For the rest of us, if you want to know if you should retire, pick up a Susie Orman book to make sure you have the money. If you don’t, keep working. If you do and don’t like your job, retire. If you like your job, don’t. Done.

[JulieK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting - I thought it would be focused on experiences of people who retired and did or didn’t regret it, but it was more a memoir of him ruminating on the topic for a year. There were some worthwhile nuggets but also a lot of off-topic padding about things like prescription drug advertising and his daughter’s college decision process. 2.5 stars

[Todd Berman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve Lopez is a talented writer and the book reads well. However, I was looking for tools to assess retirement options and this read like a memoir about Steve’s personal journey to decision de his next steps around retirement. That just wasn’t what I was looking for.

[Translator Monkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a clever trick, you see: pulling a number of newspaper columns you've written over the past year, mostly human interest stuff, with a common theme - people approaching their fourth quarter, so to speak, and dealing with the decision of whether or not to retire. But when it works, it works, and in this case, Lopez is a strong enough writer to tie things all together, and even throw in the "sub-plot" of his daughter leaving the nest for college to factor into his own decision of whether or not to retire.

I read this at just the right time, because I, too, am on the cusp of calling it quits. Kinda. Lots of insight here to actually solidify the choice I'd already made, and what I'll make of post-retirement life. Stay tuned.

Really nice book.

[Onceinabluemoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 my husband recently retired, very much enjoyed this.

[Jeri Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a metro columnist for a mid-sized daily in North Carolina, I read Steve Lopez all the time. He was the star columnist for the LA Times, and I always looked for how he structured and told a story.

Then, when I heard on "Fresh Air" talk about his new book, "Independence Day," I knew I'd grab it. Steve Lopez is nearly nine years older than I am, and like so many, I knew I'd be edging toward retirement and I saw it more as distant cliff coming ever closer rather than an upcoming adventure to relish. So, I picked it up.

It's a quick read, and quite honestly, it reads like one long column with end-of-chapter cliffhangers and nice turns of phrase between chunks of useful information. He interviews all kinds of folks, both well-known and anonymous, and he gives us readers a clear-eyed portrait of why he chose to go part-time rather than leave the paper altogether at age 68.

But what makes "Independence Day" entertaining is that as he's edging toward the next chapter of his life, his college-bound daughter is racing toward her own. That dichotomy gives his book a nice structure. Lopez turns what could have been a how-to into a story that has a novel-like flow. He also isn't afraid to lean into his vulnerability, his fear, his sadness of seeing his only daughter, his youngest child, move into a college more than 2,000 miles from his home.

Here's an excerpt that caught my attention: "I did not decide, in the end, that I am the work I do –– it's but one part of my identity and nowhere near as important as my role as husband, father, and friend. Nor did I decide that the world meeds me to keep doing what I do. The world will be just fine when I no longer try to make sense of this or that issue in a mere thousand words or less. Empires will rise and fall without me. The newspaper will survive. Other columnists will fill the need for perspective, compassion, and moral outrage."

True. But Lopez is so talented. I hate to see him leave the trenches. Yet, I so understand. Thousands of journalists like me have left the profession they love because of what they can't control –– the loss of advertising, a nation's lack of attention, an archaic business model, corporate owners more interested in profits than public service, and the plethora of outlets that pass off itself as news. Oh yeah, the cries over "fake news" and "enemy of the people" don't help. And really, I wonder if America cares. I left after 30 years of chasing stories. After nearly a half century of chasing stories, Lopez is edging closer and closer to his own exit.

Despite such gloom-and-doom future of print journalism, Lopez delivers a book that's not a downer. It's pretty damn realistic, and it shouldn't disappoint anyone who like me sees retirement as a cliff coming closer with each passing year. Now, Lopez won't help you jump. But he'll give you things to think about before you get anywhere close to the edge.

And that is a big help. Like any good columnist, Lopez makes you think.

[MichLP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each day 10,000 people turn 65 years old in the United States. How do you know when it is time to retire? This book takes you through the author's personal journey and decision process on whether or not he should retire from his job as a journalist. Steve Lopez is 67 years old. He talks with and shares the perspective of retirees, as well as retirement-aged folks who have chosen to continue working. The folks experiencing a happy retirement all have a personal passion, a reason for getting up in the morning. Most are doing things that they didn't have time to do when they were working. Many have transitioned their work experience and expertise into volunteer work. For those older folks not retired, some in their nineties, their passion and happiness is their work. They can't imagine life without work. Several people have continued to work on a part-time basis, capturing the best of both worlds. In the end, this is what Steve Lopez decide to do and his employer is receptive to it. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to my retirement-aged friends.

[Poptartk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a very helpful, very readable book. It's partially a memoir, but it also has some very cogent thoughts about retirement today—options, experiences of others, self-reflection... As someone who finds myself at the same "crossroads" as López (minus the empty nest issues), I found his thoughts and those of the folks he interviewed for the book quite useful for me. I was planning on retiring soon after our mortgage was paid off, which has just happened (sweet relief!), but I'm currently in the midst of a project I really enjoy. AND the reality is now the condo is ours free and clear, there are a lot of issues we've been shining on... bathroom reno, repainting, kitchen fixes... Yeah, now is not the time. BUT I liked his personal solution, and I'm considering it seriously. So thanks, Steve López, for doing the legwork and giving me some good options.

[Heidi Marleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can see my the title what I am contemplating! And about half of the book applied to retirement issues, but the other half was tangencial dealing with kids heading off to college and empty nesting. But I picked up a few nuggets none the less.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author delved down many different roads to retirement and gets several different opinions on the good and bad of retiring. I think the one thing he misses here is separating your love of doing something (writing) vs. going to the office (job). He can write up to the day he dies about whatever interests him, not what he thinks others will read. I think the concern with most people who live everyday in an office is that they need to develop outside hobbies that will spark their creativity when they retire from the job/paycheck. Always keep learning.

[Signora · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an LA Times subscriber, I have read Steve Lopez' column for years. In this memoir he shares his process for deciding if he should retire. Delightful and relatable!

[Christi Hanks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would have made a good column but as a book it seemed repetitive. Didn't finish.

[Adair Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and refreshing look at the uneasy world of retirement and ultimately overall life satisfaction. Witty perspectives from a wide variety of people and Steve’s own experiences meld together for an excellent read.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being at the age where one traditionally thinks about retiring, this book was right up my alley. Since writing this book, Steve Lopez, a columnist for the LA Times, my local newspaper, has announced he is going to be exclusively covering issues related to aging and older citizens. He conducted many interviews for this book, with various folks - most of whom seemed in the "Some Who Never Will" camp - were interesting and enlightening. I was pleasantly surprised when he mentioned a mutual acquaintance, a woman who was my friend's grandmother, and who lived to a lively and interesting old age.
I did think that there would be more information on people who were happily living the retired life, but there really wasn't too much of that. One happy retired couple was also wealthy enough to own a boat that they could take sailing for months at a time. I already know that's not what my retirement will look like - unless my sister wins the lottery (she plays, I don't, but she promises to share).
The takeaway from this book - at least what I took away from it - came down to: keep working, especially if you enjoy (or at least don't hate) what you do and are not independently wealthy. It's a strange coincidence perhaps but in the last week I've also read about three different articles on the internet that are basically saying the same thing. Stay in the game as long as you can, stockpile more money, and don't apply for Social Security until you turn 70.

[Eve Castle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up the audiobook after hearing Steve Lopez on NPR talking about this book. I’m nearing retirement and was seeking something besides information on being financially ready. I was hoping for insights on how to deal with the change emotionally. It was great to listen to Steve describe his approach. As a journalist he did what he does best - interviewed people, retirees specifically.

The book felt like an autobiography full of vignettes about preparing to be an empty nester, contemplating what to do in retirement with more time on your hands, losing your identity, reminiscing about travels and parents, etc. Lots of interviews/talks with a wonderful assortment of others.

Steve is a true journalist and, retired or not, will always be a journalist no matter what his age or circumstances. The kind of journalist who sees a story in almost every engagement with another human being. Wow. I was jealous of his zeal and ability.

What did I get out of this for myself? Perhaps accepting it’s ok if you keep working —especially if you love what you do. Most importantly, if you don’t love what you do, it’s very possible something you love could blossom in retirement. That’s what I’m aiming for. Thanks for the ride Steve!

[Don Parriott · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was speaking with a friend about what sort of “encore career” I might pursue when I finally retire from my job. He suggested this book and I had hopes of some good advice. Unfortunately I was disappointed. This book was more of a memoir of the author’s career than a guide to retirement. He interviewed many people, but it’s clear to me he had (maybe subconsciously) decided he wanted to keep working with reduced hours and so he focused on interviewing people who did just that. Those who he did interview who went other directions also ended up with problems like large medical bills they could t pay.
Overall I think this author allowed his subconscious to push this book in a certain direction.
I also had trouble with all the others left-leaning, California politics that laced the narrative.
I am sorry but I do not recommend this book.

[Sue Ronnenkamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

At age 65 I’m curious about how people look at and think about retirement today - especially as we are changing the way we age and live later life. This was a great choice for continuing my research and growing my understanding. Lopez is a gifted writer and made this journey with him a delight - along with deepening my view of this complicated topic and life change. There is clearly no one right decision for all, but key is considering it an important change and one not to be rushed into lightly.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like repurposed columns with not a lot of particular insight.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Less about what he learned than the constant harping on whether or not HE should retire. Incredibly self absorbed. And if I had to hear one more thing about his daughters college search and her aspiring tennis career (eye roll). Ugh! Waste of time

[Michael Whitlatch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thought this would be perfect for my current stage in life. It was written for 3rd graders. Extremely disappointed. Granted I did the audiobook, only my second audiobook, and they should have hired someone else. For such a respected journalist it was a juvenile writing.

[Feng Ouyang · Rating 3 out of 5]

LA Times columnist and four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Steve Lopez explores the quandary of retirement in his book *Independence Day*. As a journalist, Lopez approached this personal crossroads by interviewing a diverse group of retirement-age individuals and documenting their stories. While the book is generally inspiring and thought-provoking, it offers limited practical guidance for those making the pivotal “R” decision.

The central theme of *Independence Day* is that life’s ambitions shouldn’t cease at a certain age. Lopez’s interviewees illustrate this point vividly. Many chose to continue working, shift to new careers, or pursue ambitious personal goals well into their later years. The stories are undeniably uplifting, featuring individuals who are exceptionally healthy—some over 100 years old and still active in their pursuits. However, this focus introduces a potential selection bias: the successes highlighted in the book often stem from the individuals' robust health, rather than serving as universally replicable models. Readers grappling with health challenges may find it difficult to relate to or draw actionable insights from these accounts.

The book also touches on another important perspective: the unpredictability of life. Lopez reminds readers that some people pass away earlier than expected, underscoring the importance of not deferring joy. However, this point is less emphasized compared to the overarching message of continued productivity, leaving the book somewhat unbalanced in its exploration of retirement philosophy.

Stylistically, *Independence Day* combines journalistic reportage with personal reflections. Lopez weaves in his own experiences, including his musings on retirement, his career as a journalist, and his emotional adjustment to his youngest child leaving for college. While these anecdotes add a human touch, they may feel more resonant to those familiar with Lopez’s life or writing than to the broader readership.

Despite its uplifting tone, the book’s scope is limited. It glosses over key dimensions of retirement, such as financial planning, community engagement, and the practicalities of transitioning into a second career. As a result, *Independence Day* feels more like a casual read rather than a comprehensive guide for those seriously considering retirement. For readers seeking actionable advice and deeper insights, *From Strength to Strength* by Arthur Brooks might prove more helpful.

In summary, *Independence Day* offers an inspiring narrative about redefining purpose and ambition later in life. However, its selective focus on highly successful and healthy individuals, along with its limited exploration of practical retirement considerations, may leave readers looking for more concrete guidance. It’s a worthwhile read for its uplifting stories, but not a definitive resource for navigating life’s next chapter.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steve Lopez, a four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, tackles the complex and often daunting topic of retirement. Lopez interweaves his own reflections on the prospect of retirement with interviews from a diverse range of individuals, from those who have happily retired and reinvented themselves to those who continue to work well into their golden years. He also delves into the research on aging and retirement, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the physical, psychological, and financial considerations involved. One of the strengths of "Independence Day" is the sheer variety of perspectives Lopez presents. We hear from people who love their work and find it a source of meaning and purpose, even in retirement. We also hear from those who have struggled with job loss or dissatisfaction and are eager to leave the workforce behind. This range of voices ensures that there is something in the book for everyone, regardless of their own feelings about retirement. Lopez does not shy away from the financial realities of retirement. He discusses the importance of planning and saving, as well as the challenges faced by those who are not able to retire comfortably. However, he also emphasizes that retirement is not just about money. It is about finding meaning and purpose in the next chapter of life. Lastly, this is a thoughtful and engaging exploration of retirement. It is a book that will resonate with anyone who is approaching this major life transition, as well as with those who are simply curious about what the future holds.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steve Lopez is sitting in his back yard watching the Pacific Ocean wondering whether to retire. He decides to give it a year and approach it like a story. Find the experts, learn what they know, write the story. He interviews some very interesting people: Greg Boyle, S.J. (founder of Homeboy Industry, Mel Brooks, and Norman Lear.
He's at his best capturing how laser thin the decision can be. He likes his job, he's good at it, and he's proud of what he does. It's a big part of his identity. Who'd leave that behind. On the other hand journalism has changed dramatically (for the worse), the LA commute is brutal, he's already died once (complication of knee surgery), and his employer is willing to pay him a bunch of money to go away. He'd be nuts not to retire. He's very good at capturing how the decision vacillates: good interview (don't retire), like to learn another language (retire), ...
Lopez recognizes that finances are a key part of a successful retirement, but doesn't go into detail.
In short Lopez's advice is to keep busy and engaged. You'll feel relevant. That's the key to a successful retirment.

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a memoir than a book of practical advice. In a nutshell:
• Everybody's different.
• If you decide to retire, make a plan for your retirement.
• Understand that no matter how carefully you plan, circumstances will change and your wants and needs may change too.

I liked the idea that if you're able to find a job that you enjoy and that you're good at, work can be a form of continuing education.

López interviews celebrities, local heroes, spiritual leaders, friends, acquaintances, and regular people. But I would have appreciated interviews with economists, financial planners, and insurance experts. The author claims he hasn't got much money, but this is really a book for upper-class people with education and training and the chance to choose whether or when they retire.

The author is a little unusual in that he is 67 with an 18-year-old daughter, the result of a second marriage. He writes about her with great affection and admiration. But he barely mentions the two sons from the first marriage. He doesn't even thank them in the acknowledgments! Was the divorce so bad that they've never spoken to him since?

[Toni Schloss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great and truly enjoyable read; Mr. López has a great way with words (as one might expect).

I picked this up as I stumbled more or less into an unexpected retirement of my own, of sorts. I was not (am not!) ready, and I’ve spent the last few weeks floundering around trying to figure out whether I should do this, do this part way, not do this, and how I’m going to be able to afford to survive regardless of which path I take. Steve López’s research actually helped me out a considerable amount here. I’ve not settled on anything final at this point - still weighing my options and abilities (and funds) - but the book gave me a lot to think about, some of which I had not considered before now. And if I’m honest with myself, it has likely set me on a specific direction, or path, that I hadn’t even really considered before reading the book.

All this to say that the book is worth a read if you are getting close to retirement. And that’s whether you think you will, or not, or something else entirely. He’s done a lot of the research for you - so take advantage of it and see where it leads you.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little mixed on this book. Steve Lopez is clearly a talented and engaging writer. And the topic is an interesting one as I’m starting to explore the thought of retirement. 3/4 of the book is spent telling stories about people who love their jobs and keep working far past retirement age. Only 1/4 of the book was spent on stories of people who retired at a normal age or did so because they weren’t fulfilled by their career. Steve is in an enviable position of both loving his career and having the financial means to fully retire or just work part time. It was a bit annoying that most of the stories were ones that supported Steve’s ultimate decision. Do the majority of Americans love their jobs and find fulfillment in them? Maybe I’m just sour grapes because I am not in his camp. I would have liked to have heard more of the other side. But otherwise, it was well written and an easy read.

[Ted Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

My wife and I been fans of Steve Lopez since we used to read his columns in our then hometown newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. We enjoyed his novels as well, so we grabbed this book when we spotted it on the shelf at our local bookstore.

“Independence Day” is not intended to offer advice or guidance for those who are contemplating retirement. Many of the people that Steve writes about have such unique careers (Mel Brooks, Norman Lear, along with other non-celebrities) that you may not find many parallels to your own situation. When most of us reach retirement age we have already become empty nesters. Lopez, on the other hand, is also struggling with the fact that his youngest daughter is headed off to college.

Steve Lopez’ success as a writer lies in his ability to connect with people and to tell their stories. This book continues that tradition.

[Blaine Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book in hardcover, slowly, over 4 weeks. This is really a collection of themed essays around the topic of when to retire. Lopez is a personable writer, and brings both fact and emotion into his stories as he pondered his own retirement from a career at the LA Times.

The book was published in 2022, and includes references to surviving the pandemic and entering into emptynesterhood. I enjoyed the way the author sifted the input given to him by a variety of self-selected advisors, including local seniors, Mel Brooks, Norman Lear, his editor and many others. I won't include the spoiler here - the author announces his choice at the end of the book - but I thought he made a wise decision.

[Jay Nesbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Independence Day" by Steve Lopez is an engaging read by a talented and seasoned writer who shares his personal journey toward retirement. Lopez’s storytelling is compelling and insightful, giving readers a vivid picture of his experiences and reflections.

However, it might not serve as a practical guide for others trying to figure out their own retirement plans. Lopez's circumstances are quite unique compared to most people in the workforce. So, while his narrative is interesting and well-written, it doesn't offer much in the way of universal advice for when or how others should retire. If you're looking for a thought-provoking story rather than a retirement manual, this book is worth your time.

[Dave Heberer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came looking for stories about people who have retired or not and reasons why they have (or not) and whether they regretted these choices (or not). Kind of some data blended with anecdotes to make it memorable and help me with my decisions about retiring (or not).

This is really the story of a about to hit 70s guy who is a reporter so he knows tons of famous and connected people. He'll tell you a little bit about their reaction to his thinking of retiring and why it's not selfish or horrible for boomers to just work high paid gigs until they drop dead. Also, he has a lot to tell you about his daughter who is going to college.

I tapped out after 2/3rds of the book. Maybe a tiger shows up and it gets interesting but I'll never know.