Abstract
Two related typologies of vocational choice--(1) retirement style and (2) postretirement work pattern--developed by Walker, Kimmel, and Price (1980-81) were examined. The study was designed to ascertain the importance of the following variables in predicting retirement satisfaction: preretirement education, preretirement occupation, preretirement feelings about retiring, income, retirement style, postretirement health, and postretirement work pattern. Retirement satisfaction was measured by the Retirement Descriptive Index, a widely used instrument for assessing retirement satisfaction. A survey was conducted by questionnaire of 342 randomly selected retired members of the Association of California School Administrators. The questionnaire elicited data regarding variables associated with retirement satisfaction. Analysis of variance and chi-square were employed to ascertain significant differences among the retirement style groups on twelve variables. Analysis of Variance was used to ascertain significant differences in the retirement satisfaction among retirement style and postretirement work pattern groups. Multiple Regression Analysis was applied to the independent variables noted above and the dependent variable of retirement satisfaction. The study identified postretirement health, preretirement attitudes about retirement, and postretirement work pattern as significant predictors of retirement satisfaction in public school administrators. Contrary to the findings of the Walker, Kimmel, and Price (1980-81) study of retired employees from major corporations, postretirement work pattern was found to be a significant predictor of retirement satisfaction among retired public school administrators while retirement style was not a significant predictor. The study also found that retirees who both work for pay and as volunteers have significantly higher overall satisfaction than those who do not work at all. Significant differences among the retirement style groups were found to be associated with the financial need of some retirees to work after retirement. Preretirement counseling should include exploration of attitudes toward retirement and planning for wellness, health care, finances, and work, both for pay and voluntary, after retirement.