This week USA Today posted another article about Encore Careers. What I like about this article are the great examples of people who have found their Encore Careers. Some of these examples point to the reality that Boomers must find another “job” and pursue their Encore Career out of financial necessity. The economic downturn is one of the major factors, though not the only one, for Boomers to keep working beyond “the traditional retirement age”. Another reason is that Boomers want to live vibrantly and make a meaningful difference in their later years.
Encore Fellows Program
Another interesting initiative is how communities are encouraging Boomers to pursue non-profit management opportunities through Encore Fellowships. A win-win! See attached for a full description of the Encore Fellows Program.
Encore Entrepreneurs
The third great example in the USA Today describes how Baby Boomers are capitalizing on entrepreneurial opportunities. Research shows that over 50% of all entrepreneurial start-ups are initiated by people over 50 years of age. I will talk more about entrepreneurial opportunities in future Encore Careers blogs.
Purpose Prize
Another great initiative established by the National Encore Organization is the Purpose Prize where you can nominate people over 60 who are changing the world. If you have a story about someone who is making a significant impact in their Encore Career- you can submit your nomination by April 4. Winners of the Purpose Prize receive $100,000! Click here to find all the details for the contest.
I am so excited to read the stories about people engaged in their Encore Careers as well as to learn about new programs that are helping Boomers ignite their Encore Careers. These are appearing more and more in community and national publications!
I would still love to hear about more examples of people who have found their Encore Careers. Tell me about a person you know who has begun focusing on their true passion and purpose! Stay tuned to my next blog which will help those of you who are not sure yet what that Encore Career could be! (Tools, Books and insightful questions)
PS- Don’t forget to like me on Facebook (Encore Tampa Bay) and to pass the word about my blog around to people who might be interested.
Today, I leave you with a great quote:
Twenty years from now, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did.
– Mark Twain
Bevan Rogel
Encore Tampa Bay
Over 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.