Too young to retire, too old to hire – the crisis engulfing the over-55s
I’m delighted to have a new Big Read published in the i Paper: Too young to retire, too old to hire. I write regularly for the i, but this one feels particularly important to me. It grew from something I’ve been seeing, and becoming increasingly concerned about, through my work and my writing about longer […]
Featured in The Washington Post
A few weeks ago, I spoke to a journalist from The Washington Post about retirement and relationships. What followed was a conversation that became much more personal than I expected. The article explores one of the questions that sits at the heart of so much of my work: What happens when two people arrive at […]
What Marks the End?
Last summer, I stepped away from career coaching. At least, that’s what I told people. I stopped taking on new clients. I closed down parts of my website. I began talking less about career development and more about ageing, meaning and later life. On paper, it looked as though the transition had already happened. But […]
When Is the Right Time to Retire?
For a long time, the answer to this question seemed straightforward. You worked until a certain age, reached your pension, and then stepped into retirement. It was a clear transition, both socially and psychologically. One phase ended, another began. That clarity has largely gone. Longer lives, more varied financial situations, and changing attitudes to work […]
Glowing Older Podcast
Episode 24:6 Dr Denise Taylor Dr. Denise Taylor on Embracing Aging with Purpose, Nature, and Reflection. Discover how Dr. Denise combines her background in psychology, deep connection with nature, and innovative research to redefine aging well. This inspiring conversation explores meaning, community, and slowing down to truly live later life. Key Takeaways: When psychologists talk […]
Working Longer: Choice, Need, and the Reality Behind the Headlines
This morning I was on BBC Bristol talking about the plan to raise the state pension age to 67 and the push to keep more people in work beyond 55 and 65. The official argument is familiar: longer working lives will boost the economy and help individuals build bigger pension pots. The Institute for Fiscal […]
How People Step Into Later Life
People step into later life in different ways When paid work ends or loosens its grip, something opens up. Not always freedom. Sometimes uncertainty. Sometimes relief. Sometimes boredom. We often talk about “retirement” as if it’s one experience, but in reality people step into later life in very different ways. Not better or worse, just […]
The Harsh Reality of Ageing in Construction Work
This week I came across an article urging the construction industry to retain older workers as the solution to labour shortages. On the surface it sounded sensible, but it made me stop in my tracks. From years of research and conversations with people in later life, I know the reality is far tougher. Here’s my […]
Beyond ‘Semi-Retired’: What Do We Call Later Life?
There comes a point where we want to pause or to take a step back. No longer a ‘full on’ career focus, but definitely not checking out. So, what are we? Semi-retired? But that sounds a bit dull. It sounds like we’ve downshifted into a holding pattern. Neither working nor fully retired, just hovering somewhere […]
Today, retirement is about identity, purpose, and possibilities, not just age
When it comes to retirement, the old rules don’t always apply. Today, I’m exploring why a more flexible, personal approach can help us navigate this important life transition with greater purpose and clarity. Rethinking the Traditional Retirement Timeline Retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about hitting 66 or 67 and stepping away from work […]