Second Acts: Career Paths For Worn-Out Executives

As considers Wall Street Journal, golfing and gardening aren't as enticing as they once were. While baby boomers are increasingly becoming eligible for Social Security benefits, so far it seems that few are actually putting their working lives to bed. According to an AARP survey, 79% of baby boomers plan to work in some capacity into their retirement years.

But not all fiftysomething executives want to stay in the jobs, or industries, they spent most of their careers. Many are opting to step back from the long hours and stress of managerial roles in their golden years in favor of new and less time-consuming jobs.A decade ago, Arnie Cogan, 64, exchanged a suit and tie, and a pay package that topped $300,000 a year, for a flight attendant uniform and starting salary of about $20,000 a year at Southwest Airlines. He now works as an in-flight supervisor for the company at its Phoenix airport. "It's been the best job that I've ever had," says Mr. Cogan, who previously worked as vice president of a graphic arts supply company. In his vice president role, Mr. Cogan worked 60 hours a week and frequently attended dinner meetings. As a flight attendant he worked 30 hours a week, and in his new role he works 40 hours a week. For seasoned executives like Mr. Cogan, a slower lifestyle and less stress can trump a big corporate paycheck…  Reed more