Drs. Lucinda Jackson and Craig Hodges leave their hard-hitting, life-long chemistry and biology careers and try to adapt to a new life on the “outside.” Using data, charts, and a five-step project management technique, they Plan their Vision, Design Alternatives, Develop the Preferred Alternative, Execute the Plan, and Conduct a Look-back on their chosen retirement idea. In several scenarios, including Mexico and the island nation of Palau, they face chaos and identity crises, in sharp contrast to their decades-long, rigid work reality. With a trail of disorienting pit holes along the way, they take risks, break old patterns, fall in love again after 30 years of marriage, and come out the other side with valuable perspectives for their future. Drs. Jackson and Hodges will cover how to research alternatives and deal with issues such as identity, ego, and lifestyle. Sense of purpose, adaptability, money, and relationships will also be discussed. This presentation illustrates a bold, new way—using technical procedures—to leave the structured science world, plan your next chapter, and find inspiration to celebrate an unscripted life.

Project escape: Using scientific and project management processes for next act planning

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.