More people are moving beyond the traditional “all or nothing” choice about whether or not to work when they experience a major work+life transition as a result of the economic crisis. Out of necessity, more retirees are “working” in retirement; more mothers are seeking alternatives to opting out; and eldercare providers are trying creative ways to work and share care responsibilities.
As I discuss in my book, seeing all of the possibilities that exist between the two extremes of “all work” and “no work” is not easy because it’s not how we typically respond to work+life challenges. When I give speeches, I ask the audience, “You’re having a bad day trying to manage work and your personal life, what’s your first thought?” Everyone laughs, because they all have the same first thought, “I’m out of here!” All or nothing. You can’t see the work+life fit possibilities if your default response is, “I’m out.” But the economic reality is making it increasingly difficult to stop working even for a short period of time. As a result, more flexible and creative ways to retire, be a mother or father and care for an adult relative while working are emerging.
Here are some of examples of how the economy is driving people to rethink the “all or nothing” mindset: (Click here for more)