The project reported here studied increased-benefit early retirement programs and mid-career change programs in academic institutions, business, industry, and government. The search and analysis had two objectives: (1) to assemble information useful to colleges and universities; and (2) to assemble information helpful to individual academics. The study focused on programs within institutions that were specifically designed to increase early retirements or mid-career changes. Over 40 special-incentive early retirees were interviewed. It is concluded that institutions may find advantages to carrying out an increased-benefits early retirement plan; however, the effects of mid-career change programs are unclear. (MSE)