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Question:
Dear Guidance Counselor,
I worked as an engineer and then as a manager for my life. I retired two years ago, but I think I might have made a mistake. We could use more money and I also feel like I need more purpose in my life. Is there another career for me out there? What do I do now? Please help, Paul.
Answer:
Dear Paul,
The situation you are describing, of wanting to go back to work after trying a retirement period, is becoming increasingly common in our culture. This new approach to career development is called an “encore career” and it refers to a career pursued later in life that has personal meaning, contributes to society, or just taps different skills and talents than the field you practiced in the bulk of your income earning life.
People choose to embark on an encore career for many reasons. Many people find simply that they need more money than just their retirement benefits alone. But human beings are driven by all kinds of needs, and the needs for belonging to a community, making a positive contribution, realizing one’s talents, and using one’s acquired expertise can all be motivating forces in finding a career after retirement.
Did you enjoy your engineering career? Was this field and the management you did a satisfactory match for your interests and abilities? I have found in my work with leaders and other professionals that many people end up in a career almost by accident—someone offers them a job, or a family member or friend or counselor suggests a job.
Many people have never given their career development serious thought. The great news is that it is not too late, not even if you are in your sixties and beyond. While there may be some obstacles in finding a new job when you are past retirement age, there are also many opportunities to use your talents in new ways.
I suggest you do some careful soul searching to find out what areas interest you. I knew an engineer with a natural talent for teaching who became a substitute teacher and is now the most sought after substitute in the school district. Perhaps you have an artistic side, or want to work with people more directly now.
Conversely if you loved engineering but want to do something different you might be able to apply your expertise in a new way, for example as a consultant. Encore careers have become some popular that many career counselors, web sites and books now address this important life stage. One web site with a lot of relevant information is Encore Careers and it will guide you through some of the most important issues. The AARP , an organization for people over 50, also has some great content.
Consider as well that it can be invigorating to study something new later in life. There are many online classes in all kinds of subjects and degrees. Check out Online-Education.net for online program possibilities. Also, local community colleges have lots of interesting offerings, and sometimes there are other adult education programs that just might get you started in a new direction.
Good luck with your endeavors; this can be an exciting time!
Tags: encore career, retirement, talents
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