THIRD OF FOUR PARTS

For many Hawaii residents, the downturn in the economy means a retirement deferred.

As 401(k) portfolios dropped anywhere from 40 percent to 50 percent, those who were on the cusp of retirement suddenly realized they would have to put it off for a few more years.

In some instances, workers who were laid off decided to continue working for medical benefits. In other instances, workers realized they would have to stay in the work force longer to reach certain savings goals or to support a certain retirement lifestyle.

Some have had to make career changes and start over after being laid off from jobs they were at for more than 20 years.

Some just want to wait until the economy feels more secure.

These hard decisions are being made every day, according to Bruce Bottorff at AARP Hawaii.

But help is available from the state's Career Kokua program, which offers one-stop career centers, counseling and training funds for those who are qualified.

Hawaii's work force is resilient. Many laid-off workers have gotten back on their feet again, and many are working nowadays well past 65.

The Star-Bulletin shares the stories of those who have put off retirement, as well as tips on how to cope with layoffs and transition to a new job.