Resources to Start Your Encore Career

Last month, I wrote about Baby Boomers choosing their purpose-driven second careers later in life called the “Encore Career.” The idea came from a book that was given to me by Marc Freedman called “Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life,” where he speaks to many examples of older adults changing careers later in life. 

Baby Boomers are increasingly working past conventional retirement age, a trend fueled by an uncertain economy, improved health as we age, and an understanding that staying engaged leads to a better sense of well-being and keeps us mentally fit. While our grandparents and parents could not wait to retire at 60 or 65, this isn’t really the reality anymore. Even if many can afford to retire, they choose otherwise. 

AARP reports the percentages of people who work and people who want to work have increased markedly in both the 65-and-older and 75-and-older groups. In 2011, the participation rate for 65-and-older was 17.9 percent compared with 10.8 percent in 1985. For 75-and-older, the rate jumped from 4.3 percent in 1990 to 7.5 percent in 2011. 

Do you or someone you know someone looking for a more meaningful career later in life?  If so, there are some great resources available to begin the journey to achieve an “Encore Career.” 

The best place to start is knowing what interests you. Self-assessment quizzes are available atCareerPath.com and Monster.com's career advice section, where you can discover your interests. 

The next step is finding where the jobs are. Fields like healthcare, education (particularly preschool through twelfth grade) and technical consulting services are growing rapidly, with new niches and specialties popping up all the time. 

Some jobs require the strength and stamina that you used to have. Consider job websites that cater to the older adult such as Workforce50.com,Seniors4Hire.org, andRetiredBrains.com. Additionally, AARP's annual list of the “Best Employers for Workers Over 50” can direct you to workplaces that are particularly friendly to aging boomers. 

Before you visit those sites, however, make sure your resume is up-to-date and ready to distribute to potential employers. Senior Community Centers offers an in-person resume building class at its Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in the Bud & Esther Fischer Cyber Café. This is a popular class among the seniors we serve. If you have interest, please call 619-487-0727 for the next scheduled date. The classes are free of charge. 

Sometimes networking and “word of mouth” is the best way to discover new job opportunities. Find a like-minded group that is also in the midst of changing their careers. Their first-hand knowledge is invaluable and so are the contacts they may have to help you with your career move. 

Finally, you may also want to consider more education. Chances are you'll need to learn new skills and maybe even earn a degree in a new field. If possible, take mandatory courses before retiring or leaving your current job. Your current employer may foot the bill. 

The most important part of starting your encore career is not letting your age get in the way of your new beginning. It’s never too late to start a second career or to follow your dreams. Don’t allow yourself or anyone to doubt you. You only have one life – make it count.   

Paul Downey is the president and CEO of Senior Community Centers, a nonprofit agency dedicated to keeping San Diego seniors healthy and independent. Learn more at www.servingseniors.org.