As ThirdAgers plan for retirement, many of us are looking for more than a condo on a golf course.
The new generation of retirees may look forward to leaving the daily rat race, but that doesn't mean they want to stop working. Many simply want the chance to trade in their jobs--the ones they pursued for practical purposes, like paying the mortgage and putting the kids through college--for a job that taps into their passion. They want a chance to pursue that dream job, maybe the one that was put on hold while they settled for something more secure.
A recent Merrill Lynch survey found that 77 percent of the more than 3,400 Baby Boomers polled planned to work in some capacity in their retirement, including 13 percent who intended to start their own business. Although some retiring Boomers feel they have to work for financial reasons, many others feel they have spent their life doing what they thought they had to do and now are ready to do something they want to do.
For them, retirement isn't a time to step back, but a time to step forward and discover their dream job.
So how do you take that step? Unfortunately, it is not as easy as going to the classified section of your paper or craigslist and checking the listings under "dream job." Instead, you'll have to examine where you have been and determine where you want to go. Retirement gives you the permission to do this and the time to follow your dreams.
Here are some ideas to get you started: Know ThyselfWhat was it you liked and disliked about your previous career? What were you particularly good at and what was difficult for you? What do you think you'd miss most about your job? Do you want to work for someone or work for yourself? Do you have some unique skills, talents, hobbies or interests that might translate into a dream job? Are your goals personal or financial ... or both?How much time do you really want to spend working? Here's an exercise that might help you zero in on a possible career. Pick up course catalogues for a few local colleges or community centers and read about the classes. Perhaps an old interest that had gone dormant long ago will resurface. You can also approach this quest like a detective. Interview family, friends and acquaintances and ask them what sparked your passion in the past. Do Your Research Start brainstorming about professions or companies that best match what you learned about yourself. Consider companies you patronize and support as potential employers.Identify and contact associations or organizations that focus on a particular field you are interested in pursuing. Use the Internet to search actual job titles that reflect your interests and see if the job responsibilities mesh with your interests and skills.Determine what skills or education you will need if you are making a change in professions.Find a Mentor
Network with family, friends and colleagues to find an expert in your field of interest. Contact prospective mentors to find out what it is like to "walk in their shoes." If possible, spend a few days with them to test-drive your dream job. Is this really what you want to do? Create an Action PlanOnce you have identified what you want to do, determine if you need to go back to school or get certified in the field. If you want to start your own business, develop a business plan. You may need to take a class or hire expert help, but it will be worth your time. If you want to make a drastic career change that may be hard to sell to a hiring manager, consider volunteering temporarily. One of the prejudices against older workers is the assumption they want to take over and run the place. Show employers you are a team player and you have passion for the work, and a job offer might follow.Be determined. Friends or a spouse may not understand why you want to take on a new career. Try to explain how and why you have arrived at this decision, but don't let their lack of support and pessimism deter you. Remember, this is about you and what will make you happy.Brian Kurth founded VocationVacations (www.vocationvacations.com). He is the author of Test-Drive Your Dream Job - A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love (Hachette, 2008).
