Reviews
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“This wonderful creation by Tom Marks should stand as a practical guide and must-read for anyone near or currently exploring retirement. This book is a masterpiece, and will sit on my hall of fame of 'read again'.”
Paul Rudersdorf, Bank President and Chief Executive Officer (Very retired)
"Tom Marks’s Coming of Age in Retirement is a funny, thoughtful, and eye-opening memoir-meets-social-commentary about stepping away from a high-powered advertising career and fumbling through the uncertain terrain of retirement. In the first half, Marks digs into the historical and cultural origins of retirement, exposing how our modern view of 'the golden years' was shaped more by ad campaigns, policy quirks, and economic conditions than by personal reflection or purpose. The second half is deeply personal, as he recounts his own missteps and lessons while transitioning from agency life into something more grounded, honest, and, eventually, peaceful. What starts as a search for what to do in retirement becomes a much deeper look into how to be.
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Reading this book felt like sitting across from a sharp, funny, slightly grumpy friend at a diner who’s finally telling you what’s really going on. The writing flows like conversation, sometimes punchy, sometimes tender, often bouncing between sarcasm and sincerity. I liked that Marks wasn’t trying to be a guru. He admits he got it wrong. He planned financially but never thought about the emotional tailspin that can come from losing your title, your schedule, your identity. He makes fun of his own cluelessness while unpacking how the advertising industry (his industry) has long sold seniors a glossy, unrealistic dream. He doesn’t offer rules or routines; instead, he gives raw, reflective stories. And honestly, I felt seen in them.
What stood out most was Marks’s willingness to be messy. He doesn’t tie things up in a bow. He talks about therapy. About shame. About trying too hard and letting go. His writing style zigzags, like a curious mind darting between memories, jokes, and gut-punch insights. I appreciated that. It made it feel real. Like a person actually figuring life out, not just repackaging answers. If you’re near retirement, newly retired, or even just burned out and wondering what’s next, this book will resonate with you. I’d especially recommend it to overachievers, late-career professionals, and anyone secretly dreading what happens after the job ends. This isn’t a how-to. It’s not about finances or hobbies. It’s about getting honest with yourself. About reckoning with who you’ve been, who you might become, and what really matters in the time you have left. For me, it was both a reality check and a relief."
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Rating: 5-Stars
Thomas Anderson
Editor In Chief
Literary Titan
“Coming of Age in Retirement by Tom Marks is an exploration of the complexities, challenges, and revelations surrounding retirement. Drawing from his personal experiences as a retired advertising executive, Marks offers a candid and often humorous account of his journey into this new phase of life. The book explores the history, societal perceptions, and psychological intricacies of retirement. Marks begins by examining the origins of retirement, tracing its evolution from historical milestones, such as the Wagner-Hatfield bill and Del Webb's Sun City, to modern-day retirement communities and societal expectations. He critiques the advertising industry's portrayal of retirees, highlighting the ageism and stereotypes perpetuated by younger creatives who often fail to understand the senior demographic. This critique is both insightful and unsettling, shedding light on how marketing shapes perceptions of aging. The book is structured around Mark's journey, including his mistakes and lessons learned. He introduces the concept of Encounters of Retirement, which replaces traditional stages with flexible, individualized experiences, such as the Denial Encounter, Do-Over Encounter, and Enlightenment Encounter. This approach challenges Robert Atchley's Six Phases of Retirement, offering a more adaptable framework.
Tom Marks's anecdotes, such as his experiences in senior HOAs and his struggles with the "Hamster Wheel Syndrome," are engaging. His reflections on the teachings of the Buddha, Aristotle, and Henry David Thoreau add depth, providing philosophical insights into the pursuit of happiness and the importance of detachment from suffering. Marks emphasizes the importance of self-empathy, gratitude, and finding one's unique path to happiness. His writing is accessible and conversational, making complex ideas easy to grasp. Coming of Age in Retirement is a compelling read for anyone approaching or experiencing retirement. It challenges conventional wisdom, encourages introspection, and provides practical guidance for navigating this transformative stage of life.”
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Rating: 5-Stars
Carol Thompson
Reader Reviews
“Coming of Age in Retirement by Tom Marks documents the evolution, marketing, and lived realities of retirement in the United States. In it, Marks traces the institutional origins of retirement age policies from 19th-century Germany to U.S. Social Security legislation, and takes a hard look at academic models like Atchley’s, and explains AARP’s development. Marks talks about how retirees are misrepresented in advertising despite their economic power, and has some interesting tidbits on retirement communities, The Villages, and a surprising factoid being the standout. Drawing on personal experience, he analyzes psychological and social aspects of retirement dissatisfaction, structured routines, and changing expectations. He proposes an alternative, non-linear model of retirement based on self-directed “Encounters,” supported by historical context, empirical observations, philosophical frameworks, and advertising insight.
Tom Marks’s Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive's Story of Revelation and Enlightenment is an excellent deep dive into the emotional and practical adjustments that come with this stage of life. I recall my grandmother once saying that the most difficult part of aging is becoming an invisible member of society. I wish I'd had this book while she was alive to show her the recommendations of therapy and writing as intentional methods of self-care. Finance planning is obviously important, but in a shake-up of the usual approach, Marks discusses where attention to flexible planning beyond finances is important, which reflects his clear and careful consideration of everything retirement involves. The book has practical strategies and a conversational tone that is like a chat with a friend. Overall, this is among the best resources I've read on managing this major life transition with care and purpose. Very highly recommended.”
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Rating: 5-Stars
Asher Sayad
Readers Favorites
“The transition to retirement can be a challenging process. Tom Marks points out that retirement requires a new look at the world, and most retirees are ill-prepared for what follows. Coming of Age in Retirement begins with a brief history of retirement, providing background information that may come as a surprise. The optimum retirement age is still the subject of debate, but 65 is the most popular number. The author rightly disputes the assertion that we are in decline after age 40 and unemployable above 60. He maintains that the retirement industry has been artificially shaped by advertising agencies and insurance companies that mirror the perceptions of young copywriters and salespeople. The young prescribe to the old in defining retirement, often making wrong assumptions. Seniors have been treated poorly and exploited as cash cows, while stereotypes and misconceptions remain entrenched. Homeowners Association (HOA) community retirement schemes are promoted by property developers, but do not suit everybody, as each person has unique needs, and the term “seniors” covers a wide span of ages. Some retirement community centers have undercurrents of conflict, not readily apparent to newcomers. The author discovered this to his cost and relocated elsewhere.
Tom Marks is an acclaimed author and the retired owner of a highly successful advertising agency. Born in 1955, he had 48 years in the advertising industry before his coming of age during retirement in 2025. The author challenges conventional wisdom regarding retirement and points to his early failure to adapt. He called on the Greek philosophers, Buddhism, and undertook therapy for answers in pursuit of purpose and happiness. He sounds a warning to avoid carrying self-imposed treadmills into retirement. The common denominator is letting go of unnecessary attachments and the pursuit of material things in favor of meaning and being ourselves. The author does not prescribe a retirement formula, pointing out that we are all different. Instead, he talks readers through the process, exploring his emotions, reactions, and solutions. Coming of Age in Retirement is a refreshing change from the self-help style of retirement guides and those that concentrate on financial planning, neglecting the personal and spiritual aspects. This memoir is a unique combination of warmth, wisdom, and humor that will delight the reader. It is a journey of healing and a search for self that concentrates on the philosophical side of retirement. Highly recommended.”
Rating: 5-Stars
Leonard Smuts
BookFest