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Second
careers
New doors open for workers over 50
By Phyllis Ritvo
From MSN Careers
 By
now, we are all familiar with the statistics about people living longer,
healthier lives. The huge contingent of Baby Boomers reaching 50, the
boom economy, the changing nature of work, and today's greater emphasis
on work satisfaction are all hot topics. And then, of course, there's
the new law that allows people to earn more money without losing their
Social Security benefits. But these are more than conversational ideas:
They affect the way people think and live during the last third (or
more) of their lives.
Full retirement is no longer the obvious option — or even the desire
— of many people over 50. Although workers previously viewed
retirement as their just desert after a lifetime of hard labor on the
farm or in the factory, many of today's workers abhor the idea of
playing golf every day or moving to the Sun Belt. They are still full of
life and capable of tackling new challenges and experiences. Just look
at all the newspapers and Web sites that regularly feature stories about
older people who have successfully changed careers.
Closing the door on an old job
Many factors lead people away from "lifelong" careers. They
may find themselves shoved out the office door because of retirement
(whether enforced or voluntary), company mergers, moves or bankruptcies.
The most fortunate among us leave with substantial severance packages
and/or pensions, and can thus begin new careers at some level of
financial comfort. This financial stability allows many people to use
their wealth of experience as independent consultants or business
owners. Here are examples from my own client list:
- A marketing executive now publishes newsletters for high-level
decision-makers in his former industry.
- After being downsized at a local utility, an engineer began a
productive career as a self-employed landscaper (while also enjoying
more time with his children).
- Fred found new life as a wine-store owner after retiring from the
Veterans Administration. "Lots of hours, but lots of fun,"
he says.
- Following a long career as a college president, Jill began a
satisfying new job directing a major foundation.
The balancing act after 50
After living though years of long hours, stress and burnout, many older
professionals want a more balanced existence. A recent news article
featured doctors who made career switches, giving up substantial incomes
for new careers in software development, venture capital, health-career
counseling and other professions. They can now use their medical
knowledge without bearing the stress of making daily life-and-death
decisions.
Giving up money, status and professional identity is never easy, but
many people find it to be worth the sacrifice. For example, one of my
clients is a much happier person after leaving a management position
with an HMO. He was able to trade a job with ridiculous hours for a less
stressful position managing a hospital research department.
Some older people who are unable or unwilling to maintain full-time
positions opt for part-time jobs in related fields. For example:
Geriatric management, a new and growing field, has attracted many
self-employed social workers, and people from a variety of fields,
including sales, work as part-time couriers and drivers.
Boomers just want to have fun
Some people change careers in order to turn hobbies or serious interests
into profitable businesses. Paul was one career changer who left a
secure, professional position at a major corporation to follow his
long-term interest in fireworks. Yes, fireworks. His computerized method
of accurately timing fireworks is now very much in demand by major event
sponsors.
Antique dealers are also often latecomers to their field. After
collecting for years, they move from buying to selling and enjoy new
friends, along with the real tax benefits of business travel.
A changing world view
Maturity often brings about a change in values. Prestige and pay may
seem less important than giving to others or finding the "right
livelihood," as the Buddhists say. And, although some people move
into more satisfying fields or situations without specialized training,
a variety of mid-career programs are springing up at colleges and
universities around the country. For example, the Harvard University
Graduate School of Education offers a program where scientists and
engineers can retrain themselves as secondary-school math and science
teachers.
Perhaps the greatest career (and life) change of all involves men
entering the priesthood. Jean Boyle is the public relations director at
Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., the only institute
that specializes in these "delayed vocations." Many of her
middle-aged seminarians were originally involved with helping
professions such as medicine, government and teaching. At some point in
their careers, she says, they felt an overwhelming need to help people
with their spiritual lives. Boyle says that parishioners appreciate the
wealth of experience that older priests can bring to their work.
Sadly, a death or prolonged illness can also cause people to re-evaluate
their lives and look for more meaningful work. One good example is my
friend Lew who, after his son's death, left the traditional family
business to teach and coach at his son's school.
Paths paved with gold
Clearly, the view down the road has changed for late-in-life career
changers. Whether you're over 50, 60 or even 70, you can now look
forward to a new and satisfying career. So forget about that rocking
chair. Save it for the distant day when you're really too old to do much
else!
Phyllis Ritvo is an
experienced career counselor and writer based in Weston, Mass. She is a
member of YourWriters.com
Copyright 2000 CareerBuilder.
Reprinted with permission.
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