4 Steps To Finding Your Encore Career
Our early careers are typically aligned to a particular interest or talent but are more often driven by financial responsibilities to ourselves and our dependents. In those years, we are all in.
We have things to prove, and we have people relying on us. We have the energy to stack up the accomplishments and build out an impressive resume.
However, as many of us enter the next stage of life, often known as ‘the second act’, our personal responsibilities begin to downshift, and we start to think about doing something more meaningful in our lives.
In this stage, we still have our health and energy to apply to our work but need an income to support ourselves and save for the future phase of retirement. It’s at this point that our mindset about work often begins to shift and many people consider exploring an encore career.
What Is An Encore Career?
This is when people choose to pivot their career to one that feels more meaningful and fulfilling while still providing an income. In an encore career, people often move to non-profit, public interests, or social services sectors.
Many see this as an opportunity to apply their skills and passions to the greater good while maintaining benefits and income until they are ready to retire.
Steps To Choosing An Encore Career
1. Know your ‘why’ and identify a goal
Are you hoping to help people in need or maybe effect change through government policies? Perhaps you are artistic and want to focus your work around that talent. Understanding your passion is an important first step to defining your encore career.
2. Prepare for making a shift in careers
This shift in career focus is about tapping your talents and passions. So, consider updating your resume to a format that highlights your talents, skills, and characteristics. I'd also recommend including your volunteer work as this provides insights into your passions and values.
3. Prepare financially
Since encore careers are often in non-profit or self-employment sectors, they often provide lower salaries. So, it’s important that you meet with a financial advisor and fully understand your budget and spending needs before taking the leap into an encore career. This step is not intended to create a barrier but rather a plan so that you are comfortable and well prepared to pivot your career focus to more fulfilling work.
4. Seek out your ‘next’
Spend some time exploring your options to see which opportunities will provide the change you desire. Use your network, do some research, and consider volunteering to gain experience in the career field you're pursuing. Gaining real-life experience may help you decide if it's something you would enjoy.
Need Help With Your Job Search?
Enroll in our online course, Find a Job Fast: The Job Search Accelerator For Career Professionals
Enjoy The Journey
Encore careers are all about bringing meaning, fulfillment, and joy to your life. Enjoy the journey of figuring out your next career move so that you can move into it with excitement for things to come!
Related:
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Terri Seydel. I'm a learner by nature and believe that all decisions begin with curiosity. When I write, I seek to nurture the reader's curiosity with intriguing content and strive to inspire their next decision. Whether the reader's intent is for education, growth, or a purchasing decision, I will help them along that journey with interesting, meaningful, and high-quality content. You can find me on Linkedin.
