CONSIDERATIONS IN PLANNING A SECOND CAREER

According to a study, more Americans are working long after they have retired. Around 86% of business professionals intend to hold a job past their retirement age, and majority of these are seeking a shift in careers as they prolong their working period. These second or encore professions allow individuals to pursue something that allows them to follow their passions more than just earn money with their energy, skills, and time. The best time to consider this is probably mid-career; while you are still at a current job to ensure a steady source of income.

Know your strengths

The perfect combination when you embark on another field is skills and interests. Think about something you enjoy doing and compare it with what you do best. Inquire with your present employer and widen your network, which is bound to provide you with more opportunities in the long run.

When thinking of your passion, try going back on what you like and what you aspire to be when you were younger. This may help guide you in the right path when you choose your job in the next 10 or 20 years.

Training and educational background

If you skill happens to be mismatched with your interests, you may have to acquire new ons through further studies. Luckily, online and weekend classes are now available for more flexibility. If you can, aim to finish the required coursework while staying employed, as this will be beneficial in terms of credentials. Plus, you can also avail a tuition reimbursement depending on your company. Just make sure to obtain the necessary information such as to what extent of period you will have to render in exchange for the program.

Moreover, it is time to give your resume a makeover and highlight relevant experiences. You may also get a coach for this to help you create a well-organized one that showcases your accomplishments and expertise.

Recommended industries

Individuals pursuing encore jobs usually fall in these sectors:

• Education: A survey revealed that 30% of people in their second professions are in this field, despite frequent budget cuts. There are several positions available especially in a K-12 setting.
• Healthcare: This industry is expected to expand remarkably over the next 20 years, in line with the increase in demand.
• Environment: 'Green' jobs are usually rare but at present there is a growing interest in this division. While some of these require a particular technical skill, there are slots available for those with no environmental backgrounds.
• Government: In the next couple of months, 31% of state employees will be retiring, hence initiating labor shortages in different positions.
• Nonprofits: Despite struggling during the 2008 financial crisis, 10% of the US workforce are employed in this sector, as it is one of the fastest developing fields.
• Entrepreneurship: There has been an increasing number of individuals aged 50 and above who are opting to own their small business, classifying them as self-employed. This is due to the work's ability to turn a hobby into a profitable pastime.