For the millions of people in their fifties and sixties who find themselves out of work, unable to find a job, and financially incapable of retiring, 55, UNDEREMPLOYED, AND FAKING NORMAL (Simon & Schuster; On sale January 8, 2019) is a practical plan for getting past any blame or shame, overcoming denial, and finding a path to a new normal.

Elizabeth White was inspired to write this book by her personal struggle. White has an impressive resume, including advanced degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins and a distinguished employment history. She started a business that failed and then tried to re-enter the work force in her mid-fifties, only to find that there is little demand for workers her age, even those with an outstanding resume. But she then discovered that her financial and employment hardship was not an isolated case. 55, UNDEREMPLOYED, AND FAKING NORMAL is an empowering guide for Baby Boomers in need of constructive advice to help get back on their feet, filled with emotional testimony and eye-opening facts and figures. As important as its practical advice is the book’s emotional support. With hard data and a comforting shoulder, White offers insightful pathways that she followed for personal and financial survival. The future, as she explains, can be better than you think with an unvarnished understanding of how to rebuild your sense of self and a new supportive community.

White is a charismatic speaker who travels to advocate on this subject. She has appeared on PBS NewsHour and her TED talk has received over 1 million views. Originally self-published, Simon & Schuster is relaunching White’s highly necessary book – updated with new information and stories – to bring White’s valuable advice to a larger public.