Encore.org recently conducted a national survey asking people 50-70 years old about their plans, aspirations and concerns at this stage of their lives. The overall findings showed that encore careers appeal to people across all lines of education, and economic status. They found that people want to find work that allows them to use their talents, and strengths with a sense of purpose and passion while contributing to organizations, communities or individuals around them. The 2014 survey was based on findings and research done in a 2011 survey on encore careers to identify trends that have emerged since that time.
GOOD NEWS
A recent article in Forbes by Jim Emerman, EVP of Encore.org, summarized the findings around encore careers from this study:
- Interest in encore careers increased since 2011 with over 55% of all Americans ready to put their skills and talent to work.
- 44% transitioned into new roles between age 45-54.
- 45% transitioned into new roles between age 55- 64.
Perceived barriers to encore careers made a significant decrease in areas such as:
- Economic concerns, need for earned income.
- Loss of flexibility (taking care of family needs)
- Socioeconomic concerns.
- Age discrimination (this particular area still is a moderate concern)
One other significant trend emerged from the study:
- Only 23% of people in encore careers are employees paid for their work.
- Nearly 30% of people are self-employed (rising entrepreneurial thread)
- 28% are carrying out their encore work in pro bono roles.
IMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
With over 55% interested in encore careers, only 28% were ready or willing to take some kind of action. Here is our opportunity:
- Raising awareness of the opportunities and possibilities around encore careers.
- Providing programs, and pathways for older adults to identify, retool and connect to their encore.
- Creating a new culture in our community that recognizes and leverages the talent and experience of older adults who are redefining work and are ready to contribute in a meaningful way.
ENCORE TAMPA BAY TOWN HALL – OCTOBER 21
Now is the time for all of us to learn more about the encore movement and NGAGE 2.0. Join the conversation where we can begin to explore ways that our Tampa Bay community can capitalize on the talent, experience and engagement of over 500,000 adults over 50 in Hillsborough and Pinellas County.
For more information and to register for the Encore Town Hall event go to NGAGE 2.0.
GET INVOLVED/ TAKE ACTION/ JOIN THE MOVEMENT!!
Please contact me if you have any questions or interest in getting involved.
Bevan Rogel
Encore Tampa Bay