Work is important to life

Work offers people 3 important things: 1) a way to structure your time; 2) a sense of community; and 3) a sense of shared purpose.

Author John Trauch says that you need to recreate these conditions in retirement (also when between jobs, it would seem).

Another author, Alan Bernstein, says that even after a honeymoon period of travel/golf/etc, you need to take steps to build purpose into your life. Activity ideas from a 3rd author, Tamara Erickson, include philanthropy, volunteer work, going back to school, changing your career, teaching, or starting a business.

--- From New York Times "Career Couch"