Some workers view retirement as a second act for their careers, offering them the chance to pursue a passion. Others plan to work in retirement because they want to earn money, prefer to keep physically and mentally active, or enjoy working and the social connections it offers.

Whatever the reason, midcareer retirement plan participants or those who are five to ten years from retirement may want to start planning for retirement career interests, according to the International Foundation book Ready or Not: Your Retirement Planning Guide. The book provides helpful resources, including the following list of questions for determining what kind of job might be a good fit.

Past Jobs Held

• What did you like and dislike?
• What made you feel rewarded?
• What motivated you?

Skills and Abilities

• What can you do best?
• What talents do you have?
• Where are your skills needed?

Educational Qualifications

• Have you had special instruction?

Physical Limitations

• Does health rule out some jobs?

Interests and Passions

• What did you dream of doing as a child or a young adult?
• What would you do if money was no object?

Goals

• What would be ideal for you?
• What have you always wanted to do?
• What do you enjoy doing?

Answering these questions and many others is an important exercise for employees and plan participants to complete before they embark on the next chapter in their lives.

Now in its 49th edition, Ready or Not is filled with checklists, worksheets and advice from experts and professionals to help plan participants consider the full spectrum of what they need to know for retirement planning.

Visit www.ifebp.org/readyornot for more information, including details about ordering in bulk for your plan members.

*This content originally appeared in the September/October issue of Benefits Magazine.