Boomers Redefine Retirement With 'Encore' Careers

Many are using their retirement years to pursue a purpose, a passion, or a dream

October 8, 2009 RSS Feed Print

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Here are five ways to prepare for nonprofit work:

1. Check out websites. Encore.org, Idealist.org, Commongood Careers, www.cgcareers.org, www.Bridgestar.org, and www.philanthropy.org are excellent sources for people with broad skill sets who are looking to shift into the nonprofit world. Opportunities range from volunteer positions to internships to board slots.

2. Volunteer or intern. Before you accept a position, survey your options. Check out different organizations to find one that makes the best use of your skills and appeals to your interests. "Just because you're not getting paid doesn't mean that your time isn't valuable," says Beverly Jones, president of Clearways Consulting in Washington. "Some retiree volunteers find that they get stuck with the boring, time-consuming jobs because their paid colleagues assume that they don't have anything better to do. Be clear about how much time you are willing to devote to the cause, and don't be afraid to negotiate about what you are willing to do."

3. Expect some bumps in the road. Chances are you won't feel immediately at home. You're no longer the one with experience. The transition inevitably involves some false starts and may take a period of months or years. "There's a difference between passion for a particular issue and working in an organization focused on those issues," Freedman says. "There is a fitful, choppy process."

4. Be realistic about a salary. If it's continued income you're seeking, look at resources such as www.salary.com that will give you a sense of the pay in the field you're considering. Nonprofit salaries tend to be 20 to 50 percent lower than in the for-profit world.

5. Get training. As you prepare for your next stage, think about opportunities for education, skills training, and building new relationships, Jones advises. Credentials help in the nonprofit world, and there's a lot to learn.

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On retirement I started a pet care business on Mercer Island, WA. The business was taking off and of course I simply love dogs, cats and other furry creatures so this fit with my passion. I relocated off of Mercer Island, however, and so far have not restarted the pet care business as I don't do well staying in other people's homes. But somehow I must get back to pet care. Unfortunately I attempted volunteering for the Seattle Animal Shelter and they were so overloaded with volunteers (which is a good thing) that I was at the bottom of the list when it came to caring for pets at the shelter. So I'm exploring other options. I am considering becoming a certified therapeutic yoga instructor as have done yoga off and on since 1978 and in the past 8 years I have done a yoga routine every single a.m. for 1 hour, this really gets me through the day as I have some musculoskeletal problems.

Joyce Markendorf of WA 1:14PM October 19, 2009

I've been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland since 1999 and a National Certified Counselor ince 1989. As a retired parish clergy, I have used that license and certification in my ministry, but I have never worked in a clinical setting. Upon retirement, I explored possibilities in our county in Maryland for employment and was hired as a therapist in the Behavioral Health Department of our local county Health Department. I am able to see clients in a very nice setting; I am able to set my own weekly/monthly schedule of working hours (working about 18 hrs a week); I receive payment for the clients that I see; I do not do the initial intake interviews, nor do I do any of the scheduling or billing. It's a great part-time position, and it's all because I am a male and licensed.
I encourage anyone who has a license for therapy of any kind to keep it current for the very reason that I have done so. There are opportunities to explore.

The Rev. Manning L. Smith, NCC, LCPC of MD 9:45PM October 13, 2009

Not a Boomer (Gen-Xer, actually), but it's great to see people doing anything other than just parking it in a rocking chair. That old cliche stereotype of "older" people just has to go, because American culture is just so far behind other cultures, where older people are respected for life experience and knowledge.
One of the best suggestions for meaningful volunteer work, aside from human concerns, of course (especially in the aftermath of the Great Recession), would be related to fuzzy and furry little animals!
Many pets were given to shelters as people lost their homes, and not all landlords accept all types of pets (some only want quiet pets, so barking pups can be out of the question). That's a great option for those Boomers who love animals. Lots of people are working two jobs, if they are lucky enough to still have jobs, and so they have less time to volunteer. Boomers with a bit of a nest egg already put aside, however, can easily help out at an animal shelter, or to provide a temporary foster home for a homeless pet.
If in the Chicago area, look to organizations like The House Rabbit Society (for bunnies) or PAWS Chicago (pups and kitties). These little animals need a forever home, and these types of organizations are great for providing temporary foster care until a forever home is found.
Another great option would be wildlife related volunteering, too. There are wonderful folks who work for the US Fish and Wildlife organization, and who graciously answer some of the wacky questions that the rest of us call up to ask them (Example: Is it harmful to the natural ecosystem if a concerned human puts out some fresh alfalfa hay for the backyard wild cottontail bunnies during the freezing winters?).
After helping out other people, don't forget about all those furry little critters!

Angie Koutrostios of IL 4:10PM October 12, 2009