Longer lifespans, concerns about outliving retirement savings, and a desire to remain active have changed how many people view retirement. Many retired baby boomers are using these years to explore second careers that were not economically feasible earlier in life.
Even though a second career during retirement will most likely be driven more by personal fulfillment than by money, it still deserves careful planning similar to your first career. Below are four practical tips to approach a second career with a level head.
Reassess Your Job Skills.
Begin by listing the skills you accumulated during your primary career. Identifying transferable skills helps you match your experience to jobs where you can add value. Online job boards, employment services, and local classifieds are good places to research opportunities and find resume and interview tips.
If you want one-on-one help, consider hiring a job coach who specializes in midlife career changes or second careers.
Research Growing Industries.
Fields such as healthcare often show steady demand, but new industries and specialties emerge regularly. Look into what industries are developing in your area and which employers welcome older workers. For additional guidance on planning aspects of retirement, see Planning for Retirement: Key Considerations.
Make Industry Connections.
Attend industry conferences and join professional organizations to meet people already working in the field you plan to enter. Conversations at meetings can reveal which businesses are hiring, which roles have on-ramps for career changers, and which employers are more accommodating to older workers. Be prepared that lack of experience in a specific field may require internships or volunteer work and that earnings may be lower during any training period.
Evaluate Furthering Your Education.
Your second career might require new coursework, certifications, or even a different degree. Some employers will hire candidates who agree to complete additional education and may offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a work commitment, so read any agreement carefully before committing. If you need to pay for education out of pocket, assess your finances to make sure it is realistic; for context on potential costs and planning, see Understanding Retirement and Long-Term Care Costs.
If you're unsure how education or work choices affect your overall insurance or retirement picture, consider reaching out to an insurance professional to review your options — or talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify which of my skills are transferable?
List tasks you performed in past jobs and match them to common job requirements such as communication, project management, or technical skills; focus on outcomes you produced rather than job titles.
Do employers hire older workers for entry-level roles in a new field?
Yes—many employers value maturity and reliability, though you may need to accept entry-level pay or volunteer roles while gaining industry-specific experience.
Is it worth paying for additional education during retirement?
It depends on your career goals, expected earnings, and finances; weigh the cost against the likelihood of better opportunities and check whether employers offer tuition assistance.