YFP 394: Crafting a Rich Life in Retirement: Insights from David Zgarrick, PhD

Feb 6, 2025

David Zgarrick, PhD, a Professor Emeritus from Northeastern University, discusses his unique take on retirement, calling it the 'preferment phase.' He emphasizes balancing leisure and community connections while maintaining financial health through early planning. Zgarrick shares his journey of transitioning from academia, the importance of engaging in meaningful activities, and strategies for navigating retirement decisions, particularly for couples. He highlights that retirement is not just about finances but also about personal fulfillment and nurturing relationships.

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INSIGHT

Definition of Preferment Phase

The "preferment" phase means choosing to do what you truly prefer and value rather than fully retiring.
It involves stepping away from demanding roles yet staying engaged in fulfilling activities on your own terms.

ANECDOTE

Mornings in Preferment Phase

Mornings in preferment are slow, enjoyable, and self-oriented with puzzles, coffee, and exercise.
This new routine contrasts with hectic workday mornings and emphasizes self-care and flexibility.

INSIGHT

Impact of Early Financial Planning

Early financial planning provides options and peace of mind that money will last through retirement.
Maintaining financial management skills and engagement is essential even after retiring.

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Tim Ulbrich, YFP Co-Founder welcomes back David Zgarrick, PhD to share his journey into "preferment," balancing retirement, financial planning, and staying engaged through teaching and consulting.

Summary

In this episode, Tim Ulbrich, YFP Co-Founder, welcomes back David Zgarrick, PhD, as he shares his journey into what he calls the "preferment phase" of life. Dr. Zgarrick opens up about his transition from academia to retirement, the joy of new routines, and the power of early financial planning. He highlights the importance of staying engaged—through consulting, teaching, and meaningful activities—while keeping financial health in check.

About Today's Guest

David P. Zgarrick, PhD, is Professor Emeritus in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Northeastern University. Prior to his retirement in 2022, his positions included Associate Dean of Faculty at Northeastern’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Acting Dean of the Northeastern’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chair of the Northeastern’s Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences; John R. Ellis Distinguished Chair of Pharmacy Practice at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; and Vice-chair of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy.

He is a licensed pharmacist, receiving a BS in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a MS and PhD in Pharmaceutical Administration from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Zgarrick remains engaged in the profession of pharmacy, consulting with universities and teaching pharmacy practice management and entrepreneurship in the health sciences. His scholarly interests include pharmacy workforce research, pharmacy management and operations, pharmacy education, and development of post-graduate programs.

He has published over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts and abstracts, was co-editor of the textbook Pharmacy Management: Essentials for All Practice Settings, and authored the book Getting Started as a Pharmacy Faculty Member. He was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pharmacy Teaching, Executive Associate Editor of Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, and is an editorial board member of Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.

Dr. Zgarrick is active in many professional organizations, including the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). He served on AACP Board of Directors for twelve years in three different roles, including as Treasurer from 2016-22. Dr. Zgarrick also served on the Board of Visitors for the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, the Board of Grants for the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education, and is a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association.

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