A 1981 study was conducted to explore and modify both sentiment concerning retirement and its effects on career plans. The study's three principal components were a questionnaire mailed to a sample of 1002 University of Washington nonacademic staff members aged 36 through 55, a "mid-career planning" workshop for 75 questionnaire respondents, and a telephone interview to assess effects of the questionnaire and workshop. The hypothesis tested was that prolonged work participation can be encouraged by promoting early attention to later-year needs and by reducing job demands through part-time work and reduced workloads. The general age vicinity of 48 to 50 years was identified as the threshold of intense interest in planning for the future and retirement. Those respondents interested in part-time arrangements tended to plan significantly earlier retirements. They were in disproportionate numbers when over 50 years old, female, secondary income contributors, and relatively well-educated. Participants felt the workshop's focus on career planning using a long-range perspective was correct. The best features of the three workshops held were combined into a single recommended format. (The final section of the report analyzes the evaluation of the effectiveness of the questionnaire and workshop. Questionnaires, workshop materials, and some data are appended.) (YLB)