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Market Watch , 1/16/08

Abstract:

Baby boomers will be in a unique position in the years ahead, says Tamara Erickson, an expert on the workforce and organizational behavior, and the author of the soon-to-be published "Retire Retirement: Career Strategies for the Boomer Generation."

Boomers will live two, perhaps three decades beyond the traditional retirement age of 65, much longer than generations past. They will be able to find work more easily during the so-called third phase of their lives as there will be more jobs than workers.

They will likely be able to negotiate the terms of their employment, with flexibility and customization the order of the day. And if all that isn't enough, they — long past their child-rearing years — will enjoy their relationships with their adult children in ways not yet imagined.

To be sure, boomers' outlook will vary depending on their income level and their health status. Some may be forced to work less-than-ideal jobs simply to support themselves, while others may be forced out of work by unexpected health problems.

For the lucky ones who have some choice about what they do next, successfully navigating this next phase of their lives will require some work.

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