In Control at 50+

Navigate the post-pandemic workplace and take an active role in shaping your career and financial future

Anyone who began working 20 or 30 years ago has witnessed astonishing changes in the workplace during their career. When the global pandemic hit, older workers fortunate enough to retain their jobs once again had to navigate enormous upheaval, virtually overnight. Working from home, often in isolation, over-fifties found themselves facing daunting technological and social challenges.

If this scenario is all too familiar, In Control at 50+ shows how to make the new normal work for you. Kerry Hannon, a workplace futurist and renowned expert on business, careers, and personal finance, combines all her insights and skills to help you actively shape your work future into what you want it to be.

Hannon illustrates how COVID-19 changed the nature of work, provides a compellingly optimistic vision of the future, and highlights opportunities and specific action steps for achieving success, including how to:

•Develop a positive mindset about your career and financial future
•Create a powerful résumé and a great online presence
•Master the virtual interview process
•Strategically manage remote work to benefit your career
•Make a successful career transition to something more exciting and rewarding

In Control at 50+ also provides winning advice specifically tailored for women, many of whose careers were uniquely affected by COVID-19.

A clear roadmap for navigating the employment market and transitioning into retirement in today’s environment, this comprehensive guide walks you through the process beginning to end. Along the way, Hannon reminds you of your value as an experienced worker and shows how you can live with purpose and joy.

Editorial Reviews

Michelle Singletary

“The Covid-19 pandemic changed the workplace dynamic for millions of workers, most especially for older employees. As she always has, Kerry Hannon looked at the landscape and delivered a book that addresses the issues facing older workers and how they can navigate new and old norms. She tackles ageism and The Great Resignation movement. Hannon’s writing is straightforward, passionate, and compassionate. If you’re striving to create your best work-life, Kerry provides the guidance you need to get what you want.”

—Michelle Singletary, nationally syndicated personal finance columnist at The Washington Post and author of The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom

Paul Irving

“The Covid-19 pandemic changed the workplace dynamic for millions of workers, most especially for older employees. As she “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a wake-up call. If we didn’t already know about essential workers, remote work, and a burgeoning gig and entrepreneurial economy, we certainly do now. All of us, particularly those who are older, need to understand more about how and where we fit in this emerging world of work. Fortunately, we have the perspective, knowledge, and steady hand of Kerry Hannon to guide us. Hannon’s In Control at 50+ offers positive but clear-eyed advice for everyone navigating their future. It’s the right read and the right time.”

—Paul Irving, Senior Fellow at Milken Institute and former Chairman of Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging

Dorie Clark

“”If you’re eager to thrive in the changing workplace, In Control at 50+ is a must-read. Workplace futurist Kerry Hannon provides a blueprint for setting audacious goals, shaping and growing your network, and getting the job you desire—now and in the future.”

—Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and Executive Education faculty at Duke University Fuqua School of Business ed personal finance columnist at The Washington Post and author of The 21 Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom

Cindy Hounsell

“Kerry Hannon’s In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work is an essential guide with grounded details for landing a job or making a life transition. Hannon offers new models and resources with a step-by-step plan for tackling the complexities of the post-pandemic work-life. Takeaways are based on a commonsense strategy to reinvent the average person’s own experience and help them achieve success. This book has everything you would want.”

—Cindy Hounsell, President of Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)

Chip Conley

“Kerry Hannon steers you through the rapidly changing world of work, whether you’re launching a business, making a career transition, or seeking a new job. Not only does she lead you forward on a new path with moxie and confidence, she also stresses that lifelong education is the magic ingredient that will enhance your career, build resilience, and allow you to be open to discover joy and meaning in what you do and the lives you touch.”

—Chip Conley, New York Times bestselling author and Founder of The Modern Elder Academyncial Peace and Freedom

Ramona Schindelheim

“No one explains the challenges facing midcareer workers better than Kerry Hannon. Her new book is an insightful look at how the Covid-19 pandemic has shaped today’s job market for older workers and provides a road map to opportunities to ensure that they are not left behind as we move forward. This book is a must-read for all interested in creating an inclusive labor market that doesn’t ignore the needs and wants of a vital and vibrant segment of that market—the older worker.”

—Ramona Schindelheim, Editor in Chief at WorkingNation

Richard Eisenberg

“This is the book to read for anyone over 50, or nearing that age, who plans to work full-time or part-time. With timely advice from Hannon and a bevy of sharp experts, there’s loads of practical information on finding jobs, making yourself more employable, and finding fulfillment. Worth every penny.”

—Richard Eisenberg, former Managing Editor of Next Avenue and Executive Editor of Money magazine to Financial Peace and Freedom

Mona Mourshed

“Midcareer workers are under-tapped talent. They often face age bias when looking for employment, particularly when they are seeking to switch careers. At a time in which many industries are experiencing labor shortages, and people are living and working longer, an intergenerational workforce is more important than ever. Kerry Hannon offers valuable insights for job seekers age 50+ to navigate the labor market landscape.”

—Mona Mourshed, founding CEO of Generation

Bradley Schurman

“Kerry Hannon’s prescient understanding of the labor market allows her to deliver a pragmatic, yet positive, assessment for older workers. She offers actionable steps that all individuals can take today to build relevancy and respect in the Super Age workforce.”

—Bradley Schurman, demographic futurist and author of The Super Age

Ashton Applewhite

“Many aspects of aging aren’t under our control, but one very important aspect is: our attitude. How do we handle our inner ageist, who whispers, “Am I too old to learn new skills?” “Do I have the energy?” “Will someone want to hire me?” In her expert and engaging guide to succeeding in the twenty-first-century workplace, Kerry Hannon explains how to arrive at “no,” “yes,” and “yes!” “

—Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism

Sanyin Siang

“In Control at 50+ is the IT guide for those who seek to demystify the daunting changes of age and see past to new opportunity. Empathetically written and intellectually challenging, this book empowers readers seeking to reimagine themselves and the path they see ahead for the better.”

—Sanyin Siang, professor at Duke University, CEO coach, and author of The Launch Book

Neil Dsouza

“As the world’s population is aging faster than ever before, Kerry’s book brings together deep research and insights on how the future of work is not only changing for those 50+ but can be advantageous in an economy that values knowledge and remote work.”

—Neil Dsouza, Chief Executive and Co-founder of GetSetUp

About the Author

Kerry Hannon is a workplace futurist and leading strategist who has spent more than three decades covering all aspects of career management, business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and retirement as a columnist, editor, and writer. She is a senior columnist and on-air expert at Yahoo Finance. her work has appeared in the nation’s leading media companies, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Money, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, and BusinessWeek. She is a former columnist for MarketWatch and a former personal finance columnist to the PBS website NextAvenue.org, Her advice as a Work and Jobs Expert has been a regular feature in AARP publications. A sought-after keynote speaker, Hannon has appeared on The Dr. Phil Show, ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC Nightly News, NPR, and PBS. Kerry is the bestselling and award-winning author of 14 books.