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Encore careers begin after retirement age and often involve public service. Many people switch careers in midlife to do something positive for the world. Financial motivation is also a factor. Some colleges offer training for those who want to change careers. The increase in encore work has led to more attention being paid to age in the work environment.
A career at encore is one that begins after the traditional retirement age of 65. Careers at Encore typically involve a completely new field, which may mean additional education or training is required. Many involve a greater focus on public service and work that people find meaningful in some way. The growing popularity of the encore career is seen as a positive benefit for the workforce, as more people work and contribute to society.
As life expectancy increased dramatically in the 20th century, many people who retired at age 65 found themselves bored and restless. While they were eligible for retirement benefits and care as seniors, they found the retirement environment unfavorable to them, and increasing numbers of seniors began pursuing encore careers. Some people started even earlier, in middle age, moving from their early career choices to another field.
Typically, an encore career is designed to fulfill a desire for public service and positive contribution to society. For example, someone might develop new educational tools, work with a women’s advocacy organization, or help with a foreign aid program. Many baboomers who switched their careers in midlife cited a desire to do something positive for the world as their main reason for switching. Sometimes, people bring existing skills into an encore career, while in other cases they start over, bringing new skills and decades of experience into their new chosen field.
While the reasons for entering a career in encore may be altruistic, there can also be a financial motivation. Some seniors worry about the amount of their benefits or want to make sure they are covered by good health insurance. Others may not have enough retirement benefits to make full retirement an option, so they look for a career that will support them in old age.
A number of colleges have recognized the career demographic of the encore, offering specific training for individuals who want to change careers. The increase in encore work has also led to more attention being paid to age in the work environment, as many older people struggle when looking for work due to prejudicial attitudes towards their age. The increase of older people in the workforce can help dispel some of these misconceptions by allowing people to see firsthand that older members of the workforce can be very productive and positive assets.
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