Ma. Gowan, A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING APPRAISAL OF THE DECISION TO TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT, Journal of employment counseling, 35(3), 1998, pp. 124-140
This study examines why individuals elect to take the early retirement
package offered by their employer, as well as factors affecting their
appraisal of that decision. Content analysis, t tests, and regression
analysis were used to examine the data. Results suggest that all earl
y retirement decisions are not voluntary. Individuals who did not desi
re to retire and who had lower self-esteem, fewer financial resources,
and plans to continue working were more likely to appraise the early
retirement as harmful. Employment counselors can assist individuals wi
th preparing for early retirement by providing resources such as finan
cial counseling and outplacement services Just as they do for individu
als who involuntarily lose their jobs.