the New Age of Adulthood: Navigating Extended Midlife and Rise Polyworking in a Changing World

The New Age of Adulthood examines the fundamental transformation of adulthood in the 21st century, challenging traditional linear models defined by predictable milestones (education, career, marriage, children, retirement). Instead, Morissen presents two interconnected concepts: extended midlife (a dynamic phase spanning roughly the 30s through 60s) and poly-working (the deliberate cultivation of multiple simultaneous professional and personal roles).The New Age of Adulthood explores how increased longevity, economic volatility, technological disruption, and shifting social norms have blurred traditional life stage boundaries. It argues that contemporary adults must navigate fluid identities, continuous reinvention, and diversified work portfolios. The book integrates psychological perspectives, economic analysis, marketing implications, and practical strategies for financial planning, health maintenance, and community building. It concludes by reframing adulthood as a dynamic, creative symphony rather than a fixed destination, offering actionable steps for cultivating resilience and joy amid ongoing transition.