Are We Headed For Encore Careers?

I just read an interesting article about Boomers and encore careers. The author, Maryanne Mobeley, is a woman I respect, and she's saying that by 2018 -- which is NOT THAT FAR AWAY -- we Boomers will be dominating the workforce, in our new roles -- encore careerists.

Here's a link to her article. I'd be curious as to what you think. Are you looking forward to retirement at the traditional age, or would you love to do an encore?

Here's the post: Baby Boomer Insights http://bit.ly/9HBfvR

I just read this article Anne and feel slightly hopeful for the future after doing so..My husband lost his executive job at the age of 50 when the mega corporation he worked for went down for the count...all due to a very greedy CEO and immoral Board of Directors..he has since started a Sales Consulting firm working with smaller companies within his industry..but it hasn't always been easy and he has gone up against much younger , less experienced men when bidding for a client and lost some because the media in this country teaches our children that youth is to be revered and old people should be hidden away...I so admire my husband for going out everyday and fighting the fight...I am hoping he will feel better after he reads this article as well...
He says he will never retire...but I wish he could find an encore career and feel happy about the future and not so nostalgic for the ways things use to be...do you know what I mean?

My encore career started when I was in my sixties and already collecting social security in order to be covered by Medicare Insurance... Kind of like the best of both worlds.

I am retiring from my second career this spring. My first was 15 years in retail management. Now I am retiring from 20 years in education. I don't know what I will do next, but I will have another career. Will it be an encore career???? Or just another passion to follow?

It is useful for highly experienced folks not to be too nostalgic about the past (jobs). Otherwise it's even harder for him to see opportunities around the edges.

Hope he has an interest outside of work that keeps him afloat, AvalonBlondi.

Hi AvalonBlondi,

I have such empathy for what you and your husband are encountering. I have coached many Boomers who lost their jobs in similar situations and decided to start a biz of their own.

I'm a big supporter of entrepreneurial activities, but you are to be commended as much as your husband. Why? Because people who decide to strike out on their own WILL be challenged. And they need a good support system...

In fact, without spousal support and understanding, the road to entrepreneurial success can be incredibly lonely and wearing.

I am so thankful that Steve and I are in business together, and working "shoulder to shoulder," since it means we know what the other is experiencing.

I'm not saying you need to work with your husband ON THE JOB, but you are an immeasurable support to him with your understanding of what he is undertaking!

Cheers! (And I'm glad you're going to share the article with him.)

Thanks Anne..I have been my husband's Number One Cheerleader for almost 35 years...he is a an amazing man and I am so glad that he is mine...He also felt hopeful after reading the article...Thanks again.

You say Nancy

"I have been my husband's Number One Cheerleader for almost 35 years...he is a an amazing man and I am so glad that he is mine..."

I like hearing that..lucky you and lucky husband..
Despite having different work interests we too supported each other in a positive way.

I love hearing those same words, too, Avalon. There are many of us here on BWS that feel blessed for our partners, and they for us. I am happy to hear that you and your husband are supportive of each other.

*New to this site* This topic caught my attention. When I was 58, my ex-husband and I retired from the real estate business. We travelled around and crossed some places off the old bucket list. Somewhere in New Zealand I realized I needed to leave the marriage. Long story. I went back to school for a year and started a career in the non profit sector. I don't make as much money but the work is very satisfying. I have no desire to retire anymore....

Welcome Kathy! Thanks for sharing. I am sure you had to do a lot of soul searching before leaving your marriage and before going back to school. So delighted to hear it has worked out for you.

I hope you will become a regular participant on our site!

I guess I don't feel these powerful desire for a 2nd career.

I'm just working. The work so far is interesting. I am learning something new.

That's all it counts..plus the paycheque which is a reality.

I consider my personal hobby/activities more interesting.

I would love a "second" career: although my previous careers have been in education and government before computers were as widely used. It seems that the skills most prized are executive and technological skills. I certainly don't expect a large salary when making the transition, but I know I'll experience a lot of retraining if accepted into a nonprofit organization. Any suggestions for a certified teacher who has worked in special education?

Hi Auntshommy, Welcome to the Boomer Women Speak forum!

I do believe we are all headed for encore careers, especially because we are living longer and more and more of us are healthy and vibrant at retirement time -- not interested in just spending our remaining years playing shuffleboard or bingo...

As you are a former teacher who has worked in special ed and interested in working in a nonprofit situation, it seems to me you have loads of options available to you.

One concept that immediately springs to my mind is volunteering as a teacher or teacher's aide. There are so many places where this sort of work is available.

As just one example, my father is involved with a program called the "Children's Dyslexia Center" in Madison, Wisconsin.

This program, sponsored throughout the country by the Scottish Rite masonic organization, is growing, with its purpose being to help children with dyslexia learn to read and write.

As an educator, you most likely know that up to one in five school children in the United States are living with dyslexia.
While dyslexia cannot be cured, it can be overcome.

The Scottish Rite program is unique in that it offers "one on one" professional tutoring free of charge.

I don't know where you live, but doubtless there are similar opportunities for you to assist some sort of educational program in your area - either as a volunteer or in a paid capacity.

Alternately, you could start up a tutoring program of your own - with people paying you for your services. This could be for adults or children.

I could write a book about this topic, but I will stop for now, and see who else has some ideas for you.

Again, welcome to BWS - we look forward to your ongoing participation in our forums.

Anne

I have one girl one day a week who is having difficulties in reading..she comes from school has her tea...We have some projects on the go..It does help me as much as her to have this mentoring..Giving to another is so beneficial..

Yes, Mountain Ash, giving is wonderful! Good for you for helping out.

This was a good article. I think the baby boomer generation will not be "retiring" as previous generations did. They want to give back and do something worthwhile, whether it's a second career or volunteering.

I have working from home for six years, and hope to continue on as long as I can. I really enjoy it, so why not?

My husband has recently started working at his outside job part-time, so he has more time to build his web design business. He loves building websites, and hopes to do it full-time when he can "retire" from his outside job.

I hope that we continue to do whatever it is that we want to do; and do it our way.