Since hobbies and recreational activities don't generate the intellectual satisfaction and adrenaline flow of a successful and challenging career, principals need to develop new midlife careers to replace some of the emotional supports that slip away after retirement. This article offers helpful advice on avoiding retirement pitfalls and pursuing…

Principals who have few outside interests or who fail to plan for extended leisure time are at a loss following retirement. An effective retirement plan should identify ways to replace goals met by work, list steps to reach these goals, develop a reasonable timetable, list possible obstacles, and include alternative strategies. (MLH)

Principals need to be alert to the needs of older teachers. They should offer support, preretirement education programs, or time off for teacher reflection and self-renewal. This alleviates preretirement worries, improving the transition period from work to retirement. (MD)