A major study about retirement called the Retirement Transitions Study reveals that many retirees face a psychological battle for self-discovery. Harvard Business School professor Teresa Amabile, who conducted the research along with colleagues from other institutions, says that retirees are typically "searching for something to replace [their] work identity." Amabile's team cut a broad swath with their research, interviewing 120 professionals at three different companies located in separate geographic areas of the United States. They talked to Millennials, workers approaching retirement, late-career professionals entering retirement, and those who had already retired, all at the same companies.

Amabile saw a distinct pattern emerge from the research: Those who had retired seemed to be quite happy about it initially, but then, after several weeks or months, the novelty wore off. According to Amabile, “You go from [work] to having to be an architect of a new life structure and, often, a new identity, where you need to build a new life and explore new activities, relationships, and ways of thinking about yourself.”

One of the intriguing qualities uncovered in the research is something called building "identity bridges," which retirees use as a strategy for preserving continuity between their pre-and post-retirement selves. Some of these identity bridges include "activating a latent identity" (rediscovering a passion that could not be pursued due to the rigors of work), "maintaining a life philosophy" that helps an individual remain positive despite the challenges of retirement, and "finding a new source for valued affirmation" (establishing relationships that provide the positive feedback that work used to offer).

This is important research that may very well validate what you feel if you are thinking about retirement or have already retired. Read more about it here: https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/welcome-to-retirement-who-am-i-now

Have you heard about the new book, Boomer Brands?

Generally I stay away from any kind of open endorsement in writing my blog posts, but I feel compelled to tell you about an organization called "Respectful Exits." Led by Paul Rupert, an expert in flexible scheduling and staffing, this nonprofit has initiated a national campaign with local affiliates. Their goal is to get employer practices "to catch up with the new longevity." The Respectful Exits "Longevity Agenda" has the following objectives:

• End the 65 “sell-by” date as a mandatory or informal “retirement age”

• Practice career-long development and training of all staff

• Encourage robust flexible scheduling for employees of all ages

• Provide ongoing, on-demand financial wellness counseling

I am excited to announce the publication of my new book, written especially for Boomers!

Boomer Brands: Iconic Brands that Shaped Our Childhood is a unique book that celebrates the brands of the 50s and 60s. The book covers cereal, soft drink, snack food, fast food, toy, car, beauty brands and more, as well as rock ‘n’ roll, protest and environmental brands. I share “Boomer Brand Cameos” of over fifty of the brands Boomers grew up with: Disney, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Good Humor, Howard Johnson, Hush Puppies, MAD, Ovaltine, Twinkies, and WIFFLE Ball, to name a few. Plus, Boomers will gain rare insight into how these iconic brands shaped their childhood and have a lasting impact on their life.

Publishers Weekly says Boomer Brands is “a delightful journey through a time that saw the birth of the modern brand,” while Midwest Book Review calls it “a unique, entertaining, nostalgic, and impressively informative read from first page to last.”

 Boomers are already buzzing about Boomer Brands:

When was the last time you had your memory tickled over a long-forgotten but prized product that shaped your childhood? You’ll find a lot of those “Oh, yeah, I remember” moments in Barry Silverstein’s wonderful wander down Memory Lane. “Try it, you’ll like it.”
- Ron Schon, Retired Advertising Agency Executive and OLLI Instructor,
“The History of Advertising”

Boomer Brands is a delightful book filled with fun facts about our favorite childhood brands and memories. If you're over 50, you're sure to enjoy this nostalgic, entertaining and informative stroll down Memory Lane. 
- Nancy Collamer, Career/Retirement Coach and Author, Second-Act Careers

If you remember watching Saturday morning TV while slurping down a bowl of Frosted Flakes, or perhaps begged your parents to visit Disneyland after watching Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night, you’ll want to read Boomer Brands. This enjoyable, easy read is chock full of fun facts about what made the brands we grew up with iconic.
- Anne Holmes, “Boomer in Chief,” National Association of Baby Boomer Women

Barry Silverstein offers a fun walk down Memory Lane for boomers, describing what made some of their favorite childhood brands so treasured then and now.
- Richard Eisenberg, Managing Editor, Nextavenue.org

Boomer Brands is meant to be read by Boomers, shared with Boomers, and savored for the memories! It is available from all major booksellers in print and eBook editions. Find out more about it, download a free chapter, or purchase a copy here:

http://www.boomerbrandsbook.com