Who Won the Encore Career Handbook Story Contest?
05/03/2013 - 12:24:02pm
There's so much talk about how people over 50 are having the toughest time rebounding from the recession that we at Encore.org wanted to uncover the stories of those who have overcome obstacles and those who are using their encore careers to help others hard hit.
Recently I asked for your stories, and you shared your many passions, journeys and triumphs. We were honored to read them. We picked five favorites to share.
- by: Marci Alboher | More >
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| Diane Accurso , Beaumont Health System |
| Visit Beaumont Health System's website |
Beaumont Health System
Editor's note: This is Diane Accurso's story in her own words.
I spent my first career as a project manager, primarily in the IT world. I worked for General Motors and periodically they would open a retirement window for eligible employees. Essentially, if you met the criteria you were generally able to retire from the company and begin receiving a pension. For me, that made the time right to try something different after 32 years at GM.
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| Elaine Chavez , New Jerusalem Elementary School District |
| Visit New Jerusalem Elementary School District's website |
New Jerusalem Elementary School District
Editor's note: This is Elaine Chavez's story in her own words.
I'd like to share how I have weathered the storm of a change in my career, and the downturn of the economy.
I had surgery on my foot 2011 – a full reconstruction of my arch and replacement of tendons. At the time, I was a pre-K teacher at a private school. But after my surgery I was laid off, basically because I could not stand on my foot too long and perform my regular duties. I continued my education, completing my bachelor’s degree in education in December 2012.
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| Carol King , Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers |
| Visit Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers' website |
Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers
Editor's note: This is Carol King's story in her own words.
Running a program on lifestyle planning in retirement was definitely not my background. But here I am, in charge of Next Step: Engaged Retirement & Encore Careers at the Princeton Senior Resource Center in New Jersey.
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| Gerard Baltrusaitis , Michigan Works! Ferndale Career Center |
| Visit Michigan Works! Ferndale Career Center's website |
Michigan Works! Ferndale Career Center
Editor's note: This is Gerard Baltrusaitis' story in his own words.
Seven years ago I was laid off as an organizational development coordinator for a beauty supply distributor, where I was responsible for the orientation of new employees and professional development programs. I had to reinvent myself in a difficult market.
100Kin10 is joining forces with the Encore Fellowships Network to fuel the 100Kin10 movement by adding capacity to member organizations in the areas of marketing and communications, strategic planning, data analysis, program design and management, performance management, and talent management. These Fellowships offer a pathway for seasoned professionals and executives to bring their functional expertise and experience to 100Kin10 partners.
What are Encore Fellowships?
Encore Careers: A Solution to Hard Times?
03/15/2013 - 11:34:53am
As I tour the country, introducing people to The Encore Career Handbook, folks everywhere are telling me they’re worried about the still-sputtering economy. If you’re in the job market, finding work can seem daunting, and a little scary.
- by: Marci Alboher | More >
A New Vision for Midlife and Beyond
02/28/2013 - 11:26:02am
You’ve most likely encountered Prudential's Day One stories campaign, telling us we need to prepare for a seemingly endless retirement. On billboards and bus posters, in radio and television ads, Prudential says we’ll be retired for 6,000 days – or many more – after working for 12,000. The financial services company’s campaign amounts to scenario planning through the rear view mirror – bolting the new longevity (longer, healthier lives) to the old retirement lifestyle. This retrograde vision is neither sustainable, nor attainable – and it isn't desirable.
- by: Marc Freedman | More >
An Encore in Teach For America? Absolutely!
02/08/2013 - 06:07:29am
I've long felt that the encore movement needed its own Teach For America, a social innovation so powerful that it not only helped a significant number of individuals transition into work with real social impact – but changed the culture in the process.
- by: Marc Freedman | More >
