There are many ways to prepare for a second-act career, even while you’re still working full time. Here are five fun and easy ways to get your second-act plans in gear:
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1. Create a retirement ‘R and D’ budget. Set aside a small amount of money each year to spend on your second-act research and development project: classes, workshops and events that can help you learn about future work options, hobbies and volunteer opportunities. You don’t necessarily need a lot of money to do this. Even a hundred dollars a year can make a big difference. The important thing is to put the money aside so it’s available when you need it.
Once you earmark those funds, you’ll be far more likely to spend them guilt-free on your second-act education. And if you hesitate to spend the money on retraining yourself, just think about what you spent on your kid’s piano and ice skating lessons over the years.
2. Peruse college catalogs. Even if you have no intention of going back to school, it’s worthwhile to check the course catalogs or your local college’s online course listings just to see what courses and programs are being offered. Catalogs feature ideas about emerging fields and hot careers, as well as information about certificate programs and certification options.
Community colleges are increasingly catering to adult learners. Many community colleges now participate in the Plus 50 Initiative, a national program offering courses and services specifically targeted to the 50 and older population.
When you search for college programs, be sure to also check online courses and continuing education programs, which often feature classes for people interested in starting their own businesses.
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3. Road test a few volunteer opportunities. Many boomers are interested in volunteering or working for a nonprofit as part of their second act. The second half of life can be a perfect time to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.
But there’s no need to wait until you’re retired to start volunteering. Even if you only have a few hours each month to spare, it can be helpful to test out your interest in volunteering while you’re still employed. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore different organizations and expand your nonprofit network, so you can hit the ground running once you’re ready to pursue your second act.
Just be careful to avoid falling into the trap of volunteering simply because you are asked. Instead, target volunteering assignments and organizations that synch with your second-act interests and goals. For example, if you think you might like to work for an environmental organization, volunteer with a group like the Sierra Club. Or, if you want to test out your interest in fundraising and development, volunteer to work on the capital campaign at, say, your local hospital.
If you’re not sure what type of volunteer role might interest you, take a look at sites like Encore.org, Idealist.org or Volunteermatch.org for ideas and inspiration.
4. Do one small thing every few months to test out a second-act idea. Chances are you have at least one or two ideas brewing about things you might like to do as part of your second act. But until you try them out to see what it’s like to work in these fields in the “real world”, it’s all just speculation.
So do one small thing every few months to move your plans forward. For example, if you’ve thought about selling your jewelry, try visiting a few shops in your area to ask if they might want to sell your items on a consignment basis. Or, if you’re considering teaching as an option, you can look into possibilities for teaching one course as an adjunct at your local community college. By trying out your ideas slowly over time, you’ll be in a much better position to make an informed decision about your second act going forward.
5. Take time off. Taking time off can actually be a way to jump start your career plans. A break acts like a career version of a palate cleanser. It’s a chance to clear your mind, gain distance from your old routine and allow a vision of who you want to be next begin to emerge.
Lots of people are ready for a break when they first retire. According to a 2014 Merrill Lynch survey of 1,856 working retirees, 52 percent said they took time off after retiring to recharge and refresh.
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So, go ahead and give yourself permission to do nothing and just enjoy life. You’ll be amazed at how the time away will allow you to appreciate your situation with fresh eyes and widen your range of second act possibilities in the process.
Nancy Collamer is the author of “Second-Act Careers: 50+ Ways to Profit From Your Passions During Semi-Retirement” and blogs at mylifestylecareer.com.
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5 Ways to Get Ready for a Second-Act Career originally appeared on usnews.com
