Lifestyle S E N I O R
LIVING
A Career Restart after 50 Written by D A N A P E V E L E R . Executive Director of Senior Living—Leisure Living Communities
“But do you think I’m too old to start a career like that at 55?” Even as I said it, I felt myself bracing for the scolding I was about to take. My friend, shutting me right down said, “Good Heavens, NO! You have 10, 20, maybe even 30 years left to do it! Why would you cheat yourself out of all that joy?” I’m all about aging gracefully, but let’s be honest, at first, you don’t feel like there’s anything graceful about it! No, I’m not saying we’re less than enough, because we certainly are not! I’m saying we’re changing again – this is just another stage of life! Along with the physical changes, our priorities, goals, and dreams begin to transform. It isn’t surprising that we may also start considering a career change to make a way for realizing those. It’s terrifying, though. Especially in this uncertain climate we’ve found ourselves in. That’s a notable
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difference between our younger years and now - we have life experience that has taught us to be more calculated and reserved about our choices. Fortunately, we likely have some luxuries affording us more options in this period of our lives. We’re emptynesters which opens up all kinds of scheduling options; our experiences have helped us to distinctly identify our likes and dislikes; we have the financial resources to invest in our new goals; and we’re motivated by joy more than need! So how does one press that big, fat, red, restart button? For me it was with shaky fingers and eyes clinched shut! For some, it comes after taking time off after retirement, traveling a bit, visiting kids and grandkids, realizing there’s only so much fishing, golf, gardening, and reading one can do before the decision is made to reenter the workforce. For others, the plans are made while continuing to work in
their current field. According to the Department of Labor, between the years of 2014 and 2024, there is an expected growth rate of 55% for those 65-74 years of age returning to work, and an even greater 86% for those 75 and over! Why? There are lots of reasons folks want to retire and change gears! It could be that your health is pushing you to reduce your hours, or your stress. Does this make you less valuable? It most definitely does not! You still hold within you all the experience, the wisdom, the skillsets, the talent, the expertise … and when you recreate yourself, remember to include those insights when you’re discussing what you bring to the table with another employer. Write it down, put it in your resume, on your LinkedIn profile, join social media groups that help keep you focused … practice your speech (out loud) for when they ask you why you’re
