The experience of an abrupt and often premature departure from work can leave individuals feeling disoriented and can prevent their valuable economic potential from being tapped. This report, published in association with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, explores the possibilities of more flexible forms of work that bridge the gap between a steady career job and retirement. It examines such jobs in the wider context of the types of transition that are being made by people retiring early and makes recommendations for future retirement policy in the UK.