Encore Careers

Your most meaningful work might be next.

What is an "encore career"

Term coined by Marc Freedman. Career change in your 50s/60s/70s — often less pay but more purpose. Public service, teaching, nonprofit, advocacy. Studies show better health + longer life vs full retirement.

Popular encore paths

Teaching — substitute → full-time teacher. Many states fast-track 2nd-career.
Healthcare — Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Assistant. 6-12 month training.
Nonprofit — your career skills + new mission.
Counseling / Coaching — life coach, career coach. Certifications $1,000-5,000.
Government — federal jobs with strong benefits + later pension.
Consulting — your expertise, your hours.
Real estate — license $500-2,000, flexible.
Hospital chaplain — clinical pastoral education.

Free / cheap retraining

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) — federal. Free training + paid position 55+.
Coursera / edX — university certificates $40-200.
Community college — many free for seniors. CNA programs commonly $500-2,000.
Encore.org Generations Programs — networking + training.
VA training programs for veterans.

Best resources

Encore.org — research + community.
Coming of Age — local programs.
AARP Encore — articles + job board.
"What Color is Your Parachute?" — classic career-change book.
"The Big Shift" — Marc Freedman's book.

It works

9+ million Americans are in encore careers right now. Average length: 8-11 years. Reported life satisfaction higher than pre-retirement. Most don't need full income — supplements pension/SS.