From Actress to Social Worker

New York, New York

Actress Carol Mannes went back to school to earn a degree in social work and is now a clinical social worker at The Actors Fund.

I had lost my passion for my career in the entertainment industry. Even though I had been successful in theater, TV and even teaching acting, I was burned out.

I decided to return to school, to complete my long unfinished undergrad degree. One professor, seeing my ability to work compassionately with people, encouraged me to get my master's degree in social work.

In my second year at Columbia University School of Social Work, I discovered that The Actors Fund, a national social service organization, employed social workers to provide services to members of the entertainment industry. They offered internships to Columbia students. This was my "aha" moment! An opportunity to blend my former career with my encore career.

I'm 70 now and and am still thrilled to have been at The Actors Fund for nine years, specializing in assisting women with serious medical and mental health issues and so grateful to be doing so. In helping others, I help myself every day.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker, assisting entertainment industry professionals in dealing with various issues. Because I made a successful transition as an older person, I'm better able to demonstrate to this population that it's possible to find a meaningful encore career, no matter what your age.

See Carol Mannes's profile