Men Still at Work

In this follow-up to her Women Still at Work (2012), Fideler seeks to understand why many professional men age 60 or older choose to continue working at a time in life when many others have retired, and to describe their experiences as they navigate work life in an increasingly challenging economy. Drawing upon findings from the latest research on men, work, and aging, the results of her own survey, and candid profiles from in-depth interviews she conducted with such men, Fideler provides a glimpse into the complex inner world of this fast-growing segment of the US workforce. Older men's desire to find meaning in their work–and make a difference in others' lives via their work–is an oft-mentioned motive. The author also found that many of these men enjoyed a rich workplace social life through their relationships with colleagues and clientele alike. Surprisingly, more utilitarian and baser motives, such as the need for pay and benefits, or the allure of wielding power and authority, were not nearly as important to these men as one might think. Overall, an engaging, accessible overview of what the future holds for many younger men who will undoubtedly work into their 60s ... and beyond. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE *
It’s refreshing that Fideler bases her findings on actual research. Profiles of 60-somethings still on the job are both inspiring and informative. * Flagstaff Business News *
Elizabeth Fideler has taken on a fascinating and increasingly pertinent subject and through her skillful profiles of men at work in a great variety of fields, the result is a highly engaging book of considerable insight and merit.  Bravo, Ms. Fideler! -- David McCullough, historian and author of John Adams
Should you work beyond “normal” retirement age? Men Still at Work answers important questions and offers encouragement for people who want to remain in the workforce for years. . . or decades. -- Douglas Goldstein, Profile Investment Services, Ltd
Elizabeth Fideler has written a fascinating book on the experiences of older working men in today's rapidly changing economy. A follow-up to her study of older working women, Fideler once again demonstrates the value of compiling the personal stories of older Americans who remain on the job well-past traditional retirement age. Her insights will prove valuable, not only to policy makers and human resource managers, but also to older workers thinking about what to do in the next stage of their careers. -- Carl E. Van Horn, director of Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Rutgers University
Dr. Fideler’s powerful profiles of men who have remained hard at work provide us with more than stories. The descriptions of these men’s lives underscore the need for our society to get ready for 'what is coming next' as increasing numbers of baby boomers follow the lead of the men introduced to us in Men Still at Work. -- Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes, Boston College; director, Sloan Center on Aging & Work; co-director, Center for Social Innovation
I, like many elders I know, am still working because I love what I do and I feel I have knowledge and experience to offer anyone interested. It's a beautiful thing to be a musician still able to perform, compose, and educate at the age of 87. This is a must-read for someone looking for a road map. -- Jimmy Heath, Professor Emeritus, Queens College; Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Arranger
We will need to know more about the labor force involvement of Americans over age 65– because this segment of the population will continue to grow, because this stage will represent a greater portion of our lives, and because this group will increasingly impact our economy and culture. Elizabeth Fideler offers us engaging and highly readable stories of men who continue to work while the majority of their cohort has retired, which complements her earlier study of working women in this age group. These accounts remind us of the importance of meaning and engagement at work, and not just for the elderly. -- Jerry A. Jacobs, University of Pennsylvania