Transitioning to an encore career can be a lengthy and expensive process, and more support mechanisms are needed to help post 50s bridge the gap. Four in five people who experienced time with little to no income, reported a gap of six months or more. Civic Ventures is advocating for more short-term, part-time and paid fellowships at nonprofits that lead to encore careers, as well as lobbying for tax-advantaged savings vehicles to help support older workers changing careers.
Encouraged by the 2010 health care act’s emphasis on primary care, care coordination and chronic disease management, pilot programs that rely on the talent and experience of boomers are emerging to try to improve the fragmented medical system. Many programs rely on coaches, navigators and advocates. The paid or unpaid work they do is well suited to boomers seeking encore careers, said Phyllis N. Segal, a vice president of Civic Ventures.
Service In The Second Half of Life
02/15/2012 - 11:21:35am
This post is part of a series sponsored by Fast Company and Catchafire on the future of service in America.
People who are between midlife and old age are looking for another round of service with the same motivations that young people have--to give back, to have an adventure, to acquire experience, and to gain credentials and credibility.
- by: Marc Freedman | More >
Our notions of old age are old fashioned, reflecting a time when the typical 60-something was physically worn out from laboring in an auto plant or some other factory. In recent years, scholars in a range of academic disciplines report seeing signs of a new stage of life between the prime working years and full retirement. (This article also appeared in National Journal.)
For job seekers over 50, what they did in their off hours before becoming unemployed matters as much their past job performance. The organization 55 Plus Yonkers Connections, headed by Civic Ventures Launch Pad finalist Cathy Elser, demonstrates how volunteering can lead to an encore career.
Thinking of an encore career? Nonprofit organizations have opportunities for those who embrace the calling. And training is available. For example, Prince George's Community College in Largo, Md., features the Envision 50+ program for people over 50 who want to rewire either to change careers or to continue working after traditional retirement age. The college developed the training with funding from Civic Ventures' Encore College Initiative.
Laid Off and Forging an Encore
11/09/2011 - 02:28:50pm
Recently we asked you to check out a column by New York Times columnist David Brooks, who asked for “a brief report on your life so far, an evaluation of what you did well, of what you did not so well and what you learned along the way.” (Read his column here.) We asked you to share your enc
- by: Michele Melendez | More >
We’re a nation that will soon have more older people than young ones, and much of the popular media portrays this as a disaster story. Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, explains why it's actually an opportunity. (This commentary also appeared in Yes! magazine.)
Focusing on our achievements, inner wisdom and creativity often helps us focus on the bright spots of being 50 and older. Take The Purpose Prize. Awards are given to people 60 and older who have started meaningful encore careers that create new ways to solve challenging social problems around the world. The stories of these people are inspirational.
We’re a nation that will soon have more older people than young ones, and much of the popular media portrays this as a disaster story that goes something like this: Tens of millions of people, the single biggest group in society and a mighty political force, are about to dominate the scene. Marc Freedman, founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, outlines how boomers are discovering ways to apply their skills and life experience to purposeful encore careers.
