Who it's for

Who the Preferment course and Rarified Life coaching are for

Last updated: November 2026

The Preferment course is for driven, accomplished people who built a career and a reputation over decades and now face more free time than ever, with no clear idea what it is for.

Rarified Life's free presentation speaks directly to accomplished women in their 50s and 60s who are nearing or in retirement, while the course page addresses driven people in general. Either way, the common thread is the same: an identity closely tied to work, and a wish to treat retirement as a rise, not an ending.

Part of the guide to Rarified Life's life after retirement course and retirement coaching.

Is the Preferment course right for me?

It likely fits if you recognize yourself in the course page's opening line, "Retirement wasn't supposed to feel like this," and want a structured, live program rather than a book on your own. It fits less well if your main concern is money, or if you want only private sessions.

A good fit if you

Spent decades building a career, a reputation, and a way of moving through the world.
Feel your entire identity has been wrapped up in your work.
Are nearing retirement, or are already in it and feel adrift.
Want a real answer to "So, what do you do?" that does not start with "I used to."
Would rather work in a live group with a coach than alone with a book.

Who should choose something else

Your main worry is money. Start with a financial planner; coaching addresses how you live, not what you can afford.
You want only one-to-one sessions. Rarified Life lists 1:1 coaching as coming soon, as of November 2026.
You are struggling with persistent low mood. A doctor or licensed counselor is the right first step.

Do I need to be retired to start?

No. Rarified Life says you can begin "even if your last day at work is still years away" and "without asking anyone's permission." Starting while you still work gives you time to test new routines before your calendar empties. If you want a no-cost first look, Rarified Life runs a free presentation for women in their 50s and 60s, and this site has a free readiness quiz.

Questions about fit

More answers on the retirement coaching and course FAQ.

Who is the Preferment course for?: It is for driven people who spent decades building a career and a reputation and now have more time than ever, with no clear idea what it is for. Rarified Life's free presentation speaks directly to accomplished women in their 50s and 60s who are nearing or in retirement.See this answer in the full FAQ
Is the Preferment course only for women?: The course page addresses "driven people" in general and does not limit enrollment. The free presentation is aimed specifically at accomplished women in their 50s and 60s. If you are unsure whether the current cohort fits you, check the course page on rarifiedlife.com.See this answer in the full FAQ
Do I have to be retired already to join?: No. Rarified Life says you can start "even if your last day at work is still years away" and "without waiting for retirement day." Many people find it easier to rethink identity and routine while still working than after the calendar empties.See this answer in the full FAQ
Is it for people whose identity was wrapped up in their work?: Yes, that is central to the program. The Identity module is about separating who you are from what you did for a living, and Rarified Life's presentation is pitched to people for whom it works "even if your entire identity has been wrapped up in your work."See this answer in the full FAQ
Who should choose something other than Preferment?: If your main question is money, start with a financial planner. If you want only private one-to-one sessions, note that Rarified Life lists 1:1 coaching as coming soon. If you are dealing with persistent low mood or depression, a licensed mental health professional is the right first step.See this answer in the full FAQ
Is there a free way to get started?: Yes. Rarified Life offers a free presentation for accomplished women in their 50s and 60s who are nearing or in retirement. This site also has a free emotional readiness quiz you can take in a few minutes, with no sign-up.See this answer in the full FAQ