55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal

By: Elizabeth White

Narrated by: Elizabeth White

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

For the millions of people in their 50s and 60s who find themselves out of work, unable to find a job, and financially incapable of retiring, here’s a practical plan for getting past any blame or shame, overcoming denial, and finding a path to a new normal.

Elizabeth White has an impressive resume, which includes advanced degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins and a distinguished employment history. She started a business that failed and then tried to reenter the work force in her mid-50s, only to learn that there is little demand for workers her age, even with her outstanding resume. Her retirement savings account was largely depleted by her business. For a while, Elizabeth lived in denial but then had to begin to adjust to her new reality, shedding the gym membership, getting a roommate, forgoing restaurant meals, and so on. She soon learned she wasn’t alone: There are millions of Americans in her predicament and worse, exhausted trying to survive and overcome every day.

In 55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal, Elizabeth invites you to join her in looking beyond your immediate surroundings and circumstances to what is possible in the new normal of financial insecurity. You’re in your 50s and 60s, like Elizabeth, and may have saved nothing or not nearly enough to retire. It’s too late for blame or shame - and it wouldn’t help anyway. What you want to know is what you can do now to have a shot at a decent retirement. Or, as Elizabeth puts it, “small up to create the best possible life on less income.”

Affirming and empowering, this audiobook is a must-have for anyone whose income has suddenly diminished or even disappeared. With more than 100 online resources, it guides you through the emotional aspects of where you’ve landed and offers practical advice and options. If you’re ready to stop beating up on yourself and get serious about feeling good again, this audiobook is for you.

©2016 Elizabeth White (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

A Brilliant & Revealing Must Read for All

While some might dismiss this as a book for the over 55 set only, it is highly recommended that folks of all ages read it. Why? Because we all know family and friends who have struggled to make meaning of their lives after a certain age. If nothing else, we can all be reminded that our drive, will and passion to do meaningful work doesn't wane as we age. Give a chance to those who want to keep working, cherish their wisdom and remember that if you're fortunate, you'd live to an old age with your faculties intact and your passions alive. Thank you Elizabeth for the resources and insights

A must read from quite the intelligent woman

She pulls no punches informative entertaining at times. Makes you think about the realities of what can be. Economic turns and how you can handle them. Excellent read.

The problem no one is talking about

We are so distracted by everything else but this book addresses a problem that will affect us all one way or another! I highly recommend it! And packed with information. I now need to buy the physical book so I have a reference guide.

Excellent book for those in USA

If misery loves company, then this is a great book for its general target audience. It was both comforting and distressing to hear the stories of the people all in the same boat. There is a wealth of resources in this book but, sadly, they are only useful for readers in the US. Still, for those in that blessed country, it deserves 5 stars. For the rest of us, however, it proves to add to our desperation. I think this book should be required reading for parents with teens and the teens themselves so that they can prepare for this period in their lives whilst they can and before they enter their 50s (or even 40s) when things can go life-alteringly wrong.

A light house in a midst of a storm!

Thank you Elizabeth White for pouring your experience, story, energy, and effort into this work. Is a much needed lighthouse, pathway out when one is plunged into the disparity of losing a job and a lifestyle in your 40s, 50s, or 60s,. It helps set context and perspective and let you know that you are not alone. What I love about this book is that it forces you to take a realistic look at where you are and do something about it. It is not pie in the sky. it sometimes punches you in the gut and it’s exactly what is needed to move from a pity party to self efficacy and self advocacyThe solutions approach and all of the resources that are provided are invaluable. I will definitely be getting in contact with this author because there is a part two to this. Again thank you, thank you, thank you!

Practical!

Practical and relatable content.

Well read with excellently measured cadence.

A huge reality check! Encouraging nonetheless.

A great read

I really enjoyed this book. I have been in a career transition for a few years and this book comes at the perfect timing.

Urgent and Relevant

Elizabeth White creates a big tent inviting some of us to come out from under the shame and the hiding and others of us to heed a cautionary tale. I bought and listened to this book after her TED talk resurfaced in my feed after several years. I have since shared both the book and the talk with many others. We're now having deeper, richer, more honest conversations. I feel inspired and excited about thinking outside-the-box in order to co-create the future that I want for my loved ones and myself....and what a self-reimagining story for Elizabeth herself!! Brava!!

An audio book on how to set up groups

I was very disappointed in this book. I thought I was going to get more of her story. I also thought I was going to get ideas. Not just to set up a group

Terrible misleading book

does not help

made me more depressed and provided no help other than a list of websites