Posted 09/26/2008 - 09:59:27am by Joe Wasylyk in Encore Nation
I'd like to know WHY the first thought most people have when they have a perceived shortage of money in retirement is to go back to a part-time or full-time job? Wouldn't we have a better society if at this stage of life we could participate more in lifelong learning programs, and then possibly contribute more to non-profit organizations and/or entrepreneurial programs? Are there any suggestions HOW we can achieve a mindset change here whether there is a financial crisis or not? Myself, I believe that too many people emphasize Self before Service rather than the preferred order of Service before Self that could benefit the whole society.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur Project
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Creating Sustainable Gains from this Crisis
Hi Michelle,
I love your invitation to all of us to look at what ways non-profits can make permanent improvements in their systems and structures. No matter what the economic times, I believe "talent managers" or "volunteer coordinators" are valuable roles to develop. As the former operations manager of a homeless shelter for women and children, I was constantly challenged by the day-to-day flux of volunteers and how to manage their time most efficiently to maximize our impact with those we served. It would pay endless dividends to harness this current in-flux and develop an on-going structure for volunteer management.
I'm also interested in harnessing the enthusiasm that many of those profiled showed in working for a cause. What's the opportunity for these folks - at whatever stage in their career - to take another look at their career direction? I don't believe situations arise simply for us to tolerate or survive - there is always, always something to be learned. So what will it be for us all?
The reality can look something like this: I'm tired and miserable in my current career; I'm so happy that I was laid-off. At least it gives me a few weeks/months of downtime before I have to start a new job that I equally dislike.
Or like this: I'm tired and miserable in my current career; I'm so happy that I was laid-off. Now I have time to explore what really excites me and where I can truly connect with my purpose in life.
Which do we choose?
Economic crisis and encore careers
Jim Emerman contributed this comment:
Today's NYT has a front page piece on the surge in volunteers for nonprofits among people who are recently unemployed. Although most of the people profiled are younger, there are examples of people who could end up seeing this as the start of an encore career.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/nyregion/16volunteers.html?_r=1&hp
David Bank
Editor, Encore.org
I’d say it’s both it
I'd say it's both it sucks so many people lost their homes jobs etc because of banks mainly giving out a mortgage like it was candy. People need to be a lot more responsible as do companies and this is when they'll start.
participation and contribution
1.) NFPs should have the ability to compensate contributors with some modest compensation rules
2.) there ought to be a different "currency" used to compensate contributors for their efforts (e.g. discounted theatre tickets, etc)
3.) there ought to be wide promotion of individuals contributions in the local/national press
The 'Currency' Question
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
Herb,
I believe that some type of 'currency' compensation is required to advance BOTH Encore career AND Entrepreneurial projects. I know that the 'social value' of any new project will be the major measuring stick for any significant contributions achieved to improve Society. However; there is a possibility that the current financial crisis could last for another 4 to 5 years. Because of this assumed fact, it will be important to somehow recognize ALL individuals for their generous contributions. As you suggest, the compensation could be some type of bartering and/or hopefully some interesting media exposure.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
An opportunity for individuals, organizations, & communities
Bravo to those who are balancing a job search in tough times with a significant commitment to community service. Human service organizations and the people they serve are benefiting from this influx of talent. Imagine the number of children we can tutor, the families we can feed, and the new ideas we can generate with the hours and the skills that are being donated during this time of unprecedented need!
Can the nonprofit sector also use this as an opportunity to do business differently not just now, but in the future? Can we design jobs for experienced part time "pro bono talent managers" rather than full-time paid volunteer coordinators? Can we create new incentives and value-exchanges beyond a traditional paycheck? Can we and our for-profit peers recognize that 20 hours a week donated to a food bank during a six-month job search is valuable job experience?
Exploring questions like these could lead individuals and organizations to new Encore roles that produce huge wins for our society.