Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast

457: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World with Bruce Feiler

Sep 16, 2024

In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Bruce Feiler delves into his new book, sharing insights on finding meaningful work post-career. He introduces the concept of 'workquakes' and highlights the rise in suicide rates among retirees. Bruce emphasizes conducting a 'meaning audit' to discover what truly fulfills you. Drawing on personal stories, he contrasts generational perspectives on work and discusses the need for authentic narratives in navigating life transitions. With practical advice, he inspires listeners to redefine success and pursue passion-driven careers.

53:23

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Episode guests

Bruce Feiler

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Quick takeaways

Navigating the tension between societal expectations and personal desires is essential for articulating a more authentic life narrative.

Understanding the concept of 'work quakes' helps individuals adapt to significant life transitions in their professional stories.

Conducting a 'meaning audit' allows individuals to reflect deeply on their motivations and redefine their work identities for fulfillment.

Deep dives

Struggle Between Should and Want

Many individuals face an internal conflict between the story they think they should tell and the story they genuinely want to narrate. This struggle often stems from societal conditioning that emphasizes obligations and expectations over personal desires. Emphasizing a shift from the 'should train' to the 'want train', the discussion highlights the difficulty of recognizing one's true calling. By addressing this challenge, individuals can begin to articulate the stories they truly wish to share, ultimately leading to greater authenticity in their lives.

Evolving Fatherhood: Redefining Identity in the Modern Workplace

02:09

Exploring the Multifaceted Nature of Modern Work

02:17

Understanding the Impact of Retirement on Mental Health and Suicide Rates

02:22

Intro

3min

Navigating Work Narratives

7min

Understanding the Impact of Retirement on Mental Health and Suicide Rates

2min

Rethinking Work in a Modern Context

21min

Lessons from Grandfathers: Work and Life Balance

8min

Redefining Identity in Retirement

9min

Pursuing Meaningful Work and Financial Planning

3min

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Bruce Feiler back to the podcast. Bruce has written seven New York Times bestsellers, given three TED Talks viewed more than 4 million times and teaches the TED course How to Master Life's Transitions, and has been a longtime columnist for the New York Times.

While our previous conversation was all about navigating transition, this episode focuses on Bruce's new book, The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World. In the book, Bruce shares a toolkit with 21 questions to find work that you love.

In our conversation, we explore the different aspects of work that make it more meaningful, what a "workquake" is and why the average American has at least 20 of them in their lifetime. We'll also walk you through the process of conducting a “meaning audit” to live the life you want–not the one you think you should.

GET A FREE ACCESS TO BRUCE’S BOOK: THE SEARCH: FINDING MEANINGFUL WORK IN A POST-CAREER WORLD

Here's all you have to do...

Step 1.) Subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review over on iTunes.
Step 2.) Text the word BOOK to 888-599-4491 and we’ll make sure you get signed up for free. It’s that simple!

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

What Bruce learned from the time he spent working with his grandfather, and how that experience shaped the rest of his life.
Why we’re seeing suicide rates skyrocket for retirees and pre-retirees.
What “post-career” really means–and how Bruce’s interviews with over 500 everyday Americans helped him develop a better understanding of life’s transitions.
The common traits of people that love what they do.
Why work doesn’t need to be miserable, despite what history and narratives have told us
How to find balance and fulfillment at any age by writing your own work story.

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Show Notes: RetireWithPurpose.com/457

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📧 WEEKEND READING FOR RETIREES: Receive CFP® insight on 4 hand-picked financial articles delivered straight to your Inbox each Friday: https://bit.ly/3OEdGgu

📅 SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW: Book a 15-minute call with Howard Bailey Financial to see how the topics discussed here apply to your individual situation: https://bit.ly/3z5mXIw

ABOUT HOWARD BAILEY FINANCIAL: Our mission is to help others gain clarity in purpose and elevate meaning in their lives through personal and practical financial strategies. Our Retire With Purpose™ Framework starts with establishing your unique financial philosophy — the true meaning and purpose for your money in retirement. Through continued education, one-on-one meetings, and a comprehensive team planning approach, we have helped retirees across the country secure their financial futures. And while we can't work with everyone, our goal is to provide value to everyone we meet. Our team of advisors and support specialists strive to deliver the very best experience in pre-retirement and retirement planning. Learn more about our process here: https://howardbailey.com/our-process

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