Encore Tampa Bay Connecting Boomers to their Encore Careers

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BABY BOOMERS CONNECTING TO THEIR ENCORE CAREERS

Welcome to Encore Tampa Bay!

ENCORE 6Over the past two years there has been a nagging restless feeling in my head and heart.  I found myself wondering what was next- I liked my work but I felt like I was ready for something more— in the second half (in the football game of life).  ‘That something more kind of feeling’….  It turns out that  a lot of people my age were thinking or wondering this same thing..   I can tell you that every week I hear someone of my generation saying things like —‘ Is this all there is?,… I am thinking about what’s next…, I know I have one more big thing left to do…I am restless, bored, been laid off or ready to do something that has meaning for me but not sure what that is…”  So I started doing a LOT of research, reading and soul searching.  What I found was not only my “Second Act or Encore Career” but I discovered a national movement where Baby Boomers are redefining their retirement years.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • There are 78 million Baby Boomers in the workplace today and the research shows that this generation is looking for the freedom to work in new ways and on their terms; a chance to find more meaning and purpose in their lives.
  • In the next 15 years, over 22% of our entire population will be Baby Boomers!
  • Life expectancy is now well beyond 80 years of age. (that is an extra 20 years of living beyond the ‘retirement age”)
  • AARP survey- 79% of those over 50 believe they will work at least part time well beyond their retirement years (economic crisis and shrinking 401 K’s also play a role in this new reality)
  • 1 in 4 Baby Boomers are ready or already have started their own entrepreneurial business. (Second Acts)
  • 50% of those entrepreneurs are looking for ways to make a social impact as well as earn a living.

Here is what happened to me…

I found out that there is life after raising a kid and being a consultant!! Marc Freedman, has become a key driver and thought leader in this Second Stage of Life revolution. He wrote a book in 2007 that identified a different kind of work that combines personal meaning, social impact and income after 55!  He called this –  Encore Careers. 

Since 2007 Mr Freedman has written other books and publications, along with starting a non-profit called Encore.  You MUST check out his website- it is awesome!  Encore.org

So here is why I am so excited

All of these books, articles, research AND real life stories of people who have truly found their Encore Careers in this later stage of life have truly inspired me and helped me to identify MY ENCORE Career!!

I have founded Encore Tampa Bay- The purpose of Encore Tampa Bay is two fold:

  1. To identify and create pathways, programs, policies and resources that will help my fellow Baby Boomers find and create their own Encore Careers.
  2. To raise the awareness in the Tampa Bay community- from businesses, non-profits, civic groups, social service agencies and educational institutions- that there is truly a windfall of talent and experience that is ready to be plugged in and do something that will impact our community for many years to come.

I believe I have a role to play in community and a role in helping my fellow boomers find their Encore Careers!!  With over 35 years experience in the field of Organization Development, leadership and consulting – I am ready to utilize my wisdom and experience to create an ENCORE experience for Tampa Bay!

My blogs will serve 3 purposes:

  1. to communicate the latest articles, research, resources, books, and real stories of Encore careers and Encore communities across the country. 
  2. to advocate – for baby boomers and organizations in Tampa Bay that will eventually create new pathways, programs, resources, and policies that support this Encore stage of life.
  3. to connect- baby boomers to each other, to resources and to the places or opportunities that will help our generation to identify, retool and implement their new Encore Careers.

Stay tuned for more blogs- with the latest articles, research and more inspirational stories and information that may be just the thing you have been looking for! So pass the blog around, like me on Facebook, connect with my group discussion on Linked in.  Lets make this a dialogue… I’d like to hear from you!!

Bevan Gray-Rogel,  Encore Tampa Bay

Comments

  2. Michele Norris says

    Bevan,
    Your work is critical to our community! We have much work to do to help Boomers and all generations find meaningful and productive work in this new economy. Count me in, I am with you!

  3. juliatmindbodylab says

    Bevan, you have clued in to a real need and a real passion. How thrilling for you to be creating the next chapter of your life! I’m looking forward to reading more and sharing your message!

  5. Suzanne Daigle says

    Bevan, How exciting on the eve of Valentine’s Day to be launching your blog on such an important topic. You speak from the heart on this subject and with such passion. It is a topic that is critically important and full of possibility not only for Baby Boomers but also for the generations behind them who are so ready to assume and share leadership in a world that is in great need of new ways of working in a new economy. Bravo!

  6. Robert Coates says

    Bevan, so excited to see you have found your Encore. A great opportunity for you to share your care, passion, and experience. I can’t wait to see it unfold.

  7. Rosemary Brehm says

    What an exciting venture, Bevan. Thank you for the invite to join. I have spent the last 5 years designing my SHIFT! to make my company, turningpoints2results, something that I can enjoy well into the future. Always a work in progress, so I look forward to the conversations in Encore.
    Remember change happens when we use turning-point momentum to create turning-point opportunities and SHIFT! into action.

  9. Annarose says

    Congratulations Bevan! As I was reading your blog, I was singing to myself, “It’s curtain time and away we go – Another op’nin of another show!” How wonderful to be given an opportunity for an Encore and to share the opportunity with others! Although I am a thousand miles from Tampa area, I know the value of Encore from its presence in our community. Looking forward to reading your blog – “Write on, Bevan” – and hoping you enjoy your “Lunch with Lucille” – Annarose

    • bevanrogel says

      I just started reading your wonderful book- and it is so aligned with our movement with Encore. Share with me your blogs and writings so I can share that with our Tampa Bay audience.- Bevan

  10. Bonnie says

    Bevan, I am so excited for you. You are the perfect person with your gifts, strengths, and passion to infuse the Tampa Bay area with a blossoming of “new life”. I can’t wait to read Encore and see what wonderful opportunities and connections come from all of this.

    Just as an aside I am curious with the blooming of new businesses and new ways of doing things how a book I am reading may support this movement. It is called Rethinking Money by Bernard Lietaer and Jacqui Dunne.

    I can’t wait to see what amazing opportunities and connections come from your development of this concept.

    Congratulations!

  12. Tom in Paamul says

    Hey Bevan! Great blog. It will be interesting to see when it all ends up having been with you in many chapters of your life. Congrats!

  13. Debbie Taub says

    Bevan, I can’t think of anyone more qualified than you to lead by example and passion Tampa Bay baby boomers onto our future missions. Obviously we all have so much more to offer with our age and wisdom. Great to network with other like-minded people. Wishing you all the best with Encore and I promise to stay tuned in. Debbie Taub

  14. Dianne M. Kipp says

    Hello Bevan! Congratulations and Best Wishes for all success!! I am so happy for you, knowing you have been searching and researching for your Encore! Fabulous idea, and sure to be a fantastic opportunity for all. Life is short, live it well, be courageous and live your most magnificent self…you’ve done it!

    • bevanrogel says

      Hi Dianne
      Thank you for your kind response. I hope that you can share my blogs and resources with others who are in search for their encore careers!
      Bevan

  15. Rebecca Phaup says

    Hello Bevan, I am so honored to be on the initial distribution list for your launch. I wish you all the best and look forward to our future conversations about your endeavor!

  16. Rosemary Morris says

    So wonderful to see where your searching has brought you. As always, you are thinking of how you can bring your talents and skills to benefit other people. I know that my encore career changed my life and brings me much joy as I help people on their wellness journeys. I enjoy partnering with you ALWAYS, and know that it only gets better from here! Rosie

  17. Lisa Jacobson says

    Bravo Bevan! I’m a fan! This is the beginning of a grass-roots movement to make the second half of life better! Who’s in?

    Not a Boomer? Check it out anyway, many of these Boomers have superb business experience, are well-connected and are potential mentors. Get networking GenS X and Y!

  18. Jarine says

    Hi Bevan, so excited for you on your next adventure. I am going through this myself; searching for something new, and hoping to build on what I have done in the past. I’ve got a lot to learn, and it’s kind of scary, yet invigorating at the same time. It’s nice to know your thought practice will be there to guide us along the way.

    • bevanrogel says

      Thanks Jarine- Yes- you are absolutely right- going on this kind of adventure can be so exhilarating while at the same time very scary! We are all learning as we go. Lets keep the conversation going!
      Bevan