Rent a CEO?

The career goals are achieved, the 60-hour workweek is growing old and there really isn't much ladder left to climb. Still, you just can't imagine devoting yourself full-time to travel, grandchildren or golf.

It may be time to consider becoming a temp, but not one who answers phones or does the filing. Experienced executives are finding their skills in great demand, on a part-time basis, at area companies.

Just don't call them consultants, an image that conjures up freshly minted MBAs with no real-world experience. These are proven, seasoned former executives hired for short-term assignments with decision-making authority. This practice, popularly referred to as "rent a CEO," is prevalent among companies in Europe and is slowly gaining popularity in the United States.