Recareering means “changing careers.” This change can occur in mid-life or even post-retirement for any number of reasons. You may retire and then decide to try a new work experience completely different from what you did in your previous career. This new endeavor might be less stressful or it might be more exciting!
Some people recareer because they lost their jobs or are unhappy in their current position. They might have lost their interest and passion for their work and are considering better opportunities. Others might not be able to keep up with the physical demands of their lifelong occupation or they may simply be looking for a lifestyle change.
Many of our generation have the opportunity to retire early, some as early as their mid-50s. They don’t want to stop working, but they want to pursue their lifelong dream of starting a business, teaching children, or working for a nonprofit organization. I have a good friend who left his high-salaried sales position to become a high school teacher and has never been happier.
You may not have enough money to retire completely but still want to leave your fast-paced, high-pressured job for health and/or personal reasons. However, many of you don’t need to make the same salary in order to maintain your current lifestyle. Instead, you can choose a career that fulfills you in ways that your current work no longer does. Some boomers even use the re-career process to ease into retirement. This might involve a full-time or part-time position using some of their current skills in a completely different venue.
What kind of recareering holds the most appeal for you in this season of your life?