A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING APPRAISAL OF THE DECISION TO TAKE EARLY RETIREMENT

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.