Two hundred twelve primarily middle-class women were classified as “still working,” “retired,” or “housewives most of their lives” according to self-report. Results of analysis show that women who have worked much of their lives are not at a disadvantage relative to those who have not in terms of number of social resources at their disposal. Although retirement reduces perceived level of social contact, specific types of informal interaction are increased. Differences in affect balance between retirees and workers are attributable to the lower income, subjective health states, and reported level of social contact of retirees. It is hypothesized that the lower affect balance of retirees relative to housewives is due, in addition to income differences, to the greater dependence of retirees on extrafamilial social contact for maintenance of psychological well-being