What's Next?

The personal finance editor and retirement correspondent for U.S. News & The World Report (she's the brains behind its Second Acts column) takes an in-depth look at 16 career switchers (all Boomers) who've turned their dreams into reality.

It's an engaging and often insightful ride.

Hannon knows about the pitfalls of following your passion and she shares the mistakes (and celebrates the successes) of the 16 Boomers she chronicles for her book. Along the way we're treated to the cop turned Nashville music agent, the Wall Street money man who starts an Italian restaurant, a business executive who becomes an Episcopal priest and many other life changers.      

If there's a single theme, it's that these people are gutsy to a fault. They don't just dangle their digits off the high dive - they take the plunge. And Hannon's not a casual observer -- each story comes with a Looking Back and Tips section that offers been-there-done-that advice for the Boomer contemplating his or her own leap. 

These career changers share their "woulda-shoulda-coulda's" with a candor and clarity that's incredibly helpful. Ever the business journalist, Hannon is skillful at breaking down the information into bite-size pieces that are easily digested. 

If you're a Boomer standing at a career crossroads (and in this economy, that's pretty much ALL of us) do yourself a favor and pick up What's Next? It may not answer ALL your questions, but it will open the doors of your mind wide enough to help you find them.

Author: Kerry Hannon

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Penned: April 2010

Time Out: The 216 pages are a must read for any Boomer contemplating changing careers. The chapters are filled with plenty of helpful tips and been-there insight to help you chart your own course.

Beach Worthy: Sure, but leave your Allen Edmonds wingtips at home - this book is all about business and switching career gears.  

Available:  $15.61 from Amazon.com