Never Too Old for Creativity

In this commentary in the New York Times, the author reflects on his interest in "late bloomers" whose creativity has peaked in their middle to late age. He offers a number of compelling examples: Filmmaker John Huston, Actor/Director Clint Eastwood, Senator Ted Kennedy, and author Joan Didion, to name a few. This homage to second-act aces inspires ... and confirms what we know about how experience, constant experimenting, and perserverance can help creativity emerge during all stages of life.

Age-Proof Your Career

When you look around your workplace, do your co-workers feel like they could be your kids? With employment at a premium, we all want to make sure that we continue to be seen as valuable and "with it" at our jobs. This article provides interesting tips about how to remain "age proof" by using social networking tools (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter); focusing on the future, not the past; and understanding the new communication modes like texting, webinars, Skype, and others.

Nine Questions to Guide Your Job Search

Working in the nonprofit sector feels like the right move to make at this time in your life, but you just aren't sure how to begin the process. Your desire to make a difference and find a way to express your skills in a new setting have been stalled by not knowing what you need to launch this career change.  These nine questions come from a book called Change Your Career: Transitioning  to the Nonprofit Sector.

Going Entrepreneurial

Have you always wanted to be your own boss? If so, join the more than five million Americans age 55 or older who run their own businesses or are otherwise self-employed. According to the Small Business Administration, the number of self-employed 55 to 64-year-olds is soaring, climbing 52 percent from 2000 to 2007. Check out the Small Business Administration website that offers advice and expertise for older adults ready to "leverage experience, passions, hobbies and resources to launch or purchase a small business.”

Finding Nonprofit Careers in Tough Times

With unemployment soaring and hiring freezes in place at many organizations, it is heartening to know that many nonprofits are still recruiting experienced people. But, as Jeri Sadler, a longtime "rewiring" guru and Michael Watson, a nonprofit human services executive explain, competition for these positions is stiff, so you will need to be strategic and have a specific encore career in mind as you venture into the nonprofit world.  Read their article for valuable tips.

6 Tips for Starting a Business After Age 50

Starting a business is difficult at any age. While those planning to retire soon need to be particularly careful with their finances, Boomers' accumulated expertise and experience is a real asset in being successful. When an entrepreneur knows something about the industry, they are better able to leverage that knowledge and move towards their goal.

Click here for some tips.

Boomers Reinvent Themselves

“When you’re doing something you really love, it’s not really a job." This is the sentiment of a struggling real estate agent turned nature guide, who has turned her passion for the outdoors into a part-time business. Some boomers are taking the plunge by choice; others have been laid off or have to bolster sliding retirement funds. No matter how the change occurs, there are positive stories in re-invention.

What's a Good Job?

As people get older, work may still be essential as a source of a salary, benefits, and a sense of financial security. But, we also work for pride, self-esteem, social contact, and learning. Recent research and plain old common sense says that work can literally make us happier and healthier. This article talks about “good jobs” and the elements you might keep in mind during a job search to achieve that goal.

The Benefits of Working Longer

The paucity of available jobs has stirred up talk of a generational conflict: if older adults stay in the workforce, are they taking jobs away from the younger set? On the other hand, if the elders keep working, won't that help pay for future social security benefits for their children and grandchildren? In this Boston Globe article, Ellen Goodman takes a different tack. Why not use this economic downturn as an incentive for Boomers to begin encore careers that will support social change efforts and provide personal satisfaction. Read more.