Ageless ambition sets the stage for retirement plans to be shelved

Older workers are becoming part of a booming trend that is seeing them switch from long-term primary careers, to what has become known as an “encore career” in the second half of their lives.

Encore careers typically involve a shift to a completely new field or a continuation of one’s previous career but with a different focus.

These second-act careers combine continued income, greater personal fulfilment and – sometimes – a hefty dose of personal satisfaction by “giving back”.

After three decades, a pilot takes off with a new career as a science teacher. 

On the eve of their 60th birthday, a physiotherapist decides to give up a four-decade career to become a drug and alcohol counsellor.  

After working in retail since leaving school, a pharmacy assistant takes on a role in aged care on the eve of their 50th birthday.

These changed pathways, which reimagine what retirement might look like, all represent encore-type career moves.

Choosing purpose over pay 

An encore career is not the same as finding a job following redundancy or illness nor equivalent to unretiring. These are second-chance careers linked to wanting to undertake socially worthwhile work.

Starting a new career at any age is a major decision. It raises the question as to why someone would leave a well-paid job in their senior years for a more socially worthwhile job.

Several reasons are at play.

One explanation for the encore effect is that people are living longer and healthier lives and want to continue to use their skills and knowledge after retiring from a primary career, rather than giving up work altogether.

Many look to an encore career to experience a sense of purpose and fulfilment they might not have experienced in their previous career.  

Others turn to specific encore careers because of the flexible employment conditions that are part and parcel of the job.

Unsurprisingly, many encore careers are in the not-for-profit, community and charitable sectors that often pay less but provide more meaningful work experiences.

Those comfortable with the financial aspect of the job taking a back seat to a more fulfilling work experience find that positions in these types of organisations are a great way to remain connected.

Not all encore careers are in the not-for-profit sector. Some choose to make their encore career as a volunteer without any financial compensation at all.

The realities of transitioning into an encore career

But despite their appeal, encore careers are not without challenges. 

Many find discrimination towards older workers makes it nearly impossible to break into a completely new profession or industry.  

Some discover the education or training required to switch jobs a cost barrier, while others find the uncertainty of moving from something they know well to new and unfamiliar territory too daunting.

Even though many encore careers are based on choice rather than necessity, they should be treated with the same forward planning as any career change.

And for those who manage to successfully launch an encore career in later life, they will become members of a growing movement that values a career reprise over retirement.