Capture Real-World Career Insight & Advice That Will Prep You for The Big Time

Career Alternatives Suited to Maturity

Did you know AARP studies state that one in four boomers wants to do something completely different from their previous work? My experience tells me that many more would like to explore changing from the corporate world into a nonprofit world, to stree-free or fancy-free jobs, or to roles that will allow them to meet new and meaningful challenges. New opportunities abound... here are a few to consider. Real estate sales or service. No, I am not suggesting trotting around homes in a dwindling market with the other 2.4 million U.S. licensed real estate agents. The "hot" market for mature professionals is in sales and service in the active living adult communities where the price of admission is age 55! Buy or build a small business or franchise. AARP found that in 2002, 5.6 million workers over the age of 50 were self-employed in an unincorporated or incorporated business, making up 40 percent of the self-employed population. Physician assistant. Enjoy many of the benefits of being a physician with few of its liabilities. Under a doctor's supervision, physician assistants do diagnosis, treatment, and patient education, but training takes just two to three years. The BLS reports that PA's will be among the fastest growing careers. Tutoring for pay. Red hot if you can tutor in math, science and English language skills. If you have an educational credential, that's a plus. But, if your own career demonstrates your expertise, many opportunities are available without the formal credential. Explore paid part-time opportunities in the public sector. According to the EEOC, the average age of federal workers has reached nearly 46 years of age. Part-time opportunities will be bountiful in the public sector as government struggles to contain costs in the future. Debunk the myth that the government does not pay well. According to figures compiled by the BLS and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the average federal employee earns a salary comparable to, or better than, his/her counterpart in private industry. Foster care to save a generation. There are over 520,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Many of these children will do better if placed in homes with "grandparents" than with younger families who are struggling to raise their own families. And, I'll bet some of you could use someone to love, mentor and inspire as well. Now go on, explore!