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What Is an Encore Career and Why People Consider One

An encore career is a work situation that typically happens in the second half of your life, usually after age 50 or 55. It's different from just retiring completely. Instead of stopping work entirely, people in encore careers shift to roles that may pay less than their previous jobs but feel more meaningful to them personally.

The term "encore career" was popularized by Marc Freedman and his organization Encore.org around 2007. Research from AARP shows that about 70% of workers over 50 want to continue working in some capacity, though not always in their previous field. Some people move to encore careers because they want to work on social issues, help their communities, or pursue interests they didn't have time for earlier in their careers.

People choose encore careers for various reasons. Some want to reduce stress and work fewer hours. Others want their work to align with their values — for example, a former corporate accountant might want to manage finances for a nonprofit organization. Some encore workers need to continue earning money but prefer less demanding roles. Still others simply discover new passions they want to pursue professionally.

Common encore career paths include nonprofit leadership, teaching, consulting in your former field, starting a small business, coaching or mentoring younger workers, and environmental or social justice work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the population aged 65 and older will grow to nearly 80 million by 2040, which means more people will explore work options during their later years.

Practical Takeaway: Before pursuing an encore career, spend time thinking about what kind of work would feel fulfilling to you. Consider whether you need full-time income, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities. Your answer will help guide your search.

Financial Planning for Transitioning to an Encore Career

Making the shift to an encore career often means earning less money than you did before. According to research from Encore.org, encore workers typically take a 40% pay cut compared to their previous positions. This reality makes financial planning essential before making the transition.

Start by calculating your actual living expenses for one year. Many people overestimate what they spend or base calculations on inflated numbers. Track your spending for three months if possible, then multiply to get a yearly figure. Include housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, healthcare, and discretionary spending. Once you know your real number, you can determine how much income you actually need from an encore career.

Next, review your available income sources. This might include Social Security (which you can begin at age 62, though waiting until 67 or later increases your benefit), pension payments if you have one, withdrawals from retirement savings, and part-time or full-time encore work earnings. The Social Security Administration provides a benefit calculator on ssa.gov. Understanding what you'll receive from Social Security helps you figure out what gap an encore career needs to fill.

Consider your healthcare costs carefully. If you're not yet 65, you may need to purchase your own health insurance until Medicare begins. Healthcare costs are often the biggest surprise expense for early encore workers. The federal healthcare marketplace at healthcare.gov allows you to compare plans and costs based on your income projection. Some nonprofit employers offer health benefits even for part-time positions.

Create a transition budget that shows your income and expenses for the first year or two of your encore career. Be conservative in your income estimates. Build a cushion of savings — ideally three to six months of expenses — before making the switch. This buffer protects you if your encore career earnings are lower than expected or if unexpected expenses arise.

Practical Takeaway: Write down your actual monthly expenses and identify your required income. Then research your Social Security benefits and other income sources. This simple exercise shows you whether an encore career alone can support you or whether you need additional income sources.

Finding and Exploring Encore Career Opportunities

Discovering the right encore career requires exploration and often some experimentation. Many people don't immediately know what their perfect encore role looks like. The most effective approach involves learning about different sectors, talking to people doing work that interests you, and possibly volunteering before committing to a full transition.

Start by identifying your transferable skills from previous jobs. If you were a project manager, those organizational and coordination skills apply in many settings. If you worked in human resources, you could bring that expertise to nonprofits, schools, or small businesses. Make a list of what you're good at and what you enjoyed about your past work, separate from what you didn't enjoy. This clarity helps you avoid recreating a situation that didn't satisfy you.

Research sectors that interest you. Job boards specific to certain fields can show you what positions exist and what qualifications they require. Ideally.org, a nonprofit job board, lists positions at charitable organizations. HigherEdJobs.com shows opportunities in educational institutions. LinkedIn allows you to search by industry and location. Many local nonprofits post opportunities on their own websites and on Indeed.com.

Informational interviews are one of the most valuable tools for encore career exploration. This means having a brief conversation — often 15 to 30 minutes — with someone doing work that interests you. You're not asking for a job; you're learning about the work itself. Ask questions like: How did you get into this field? What surprised you about this work? What skills matter most? What does a typical day look like? Most people enjoy talking about their work when someone shows genuine interest.

Consider volunteering before transitioning. Many people volunteer with an organization for a few months to understand the culture, the work, and whether they truly want to do this professionally. Volunteering also builds your network within a sector and sometimes leads directly to paid opportunities. It costs nothing except your time and shows potential employers that you're serious.

Practical Takeaway: Identify three areas that interest you. For each one, find one person doing that work and request a 20-minute conversation. Ask specifically what they wish they'd known before starting. Their answers will reveal both opportunities and challenges.

Encore Career Paths in High-Demand Fields

Certain encore career paths have strong job availability and often welcome experienced workers. Understanding what's available can help you make an informed choice about your direction.

Teaching and education rank among the most accessible encore careers. Many schools face teacher shortages, particularly in math, science, and special education. You don't always need a teaching credential to work in schools — positions exist for curriculum specialists, literacy coaches, administrative assistants, and teaching aides. Some states have alternative certification programs designed for career-changers and experienced professionals. Community colleges often hire part-time instructors with industry experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for educational positions is expected to grow through 2032.

Nonprofit leadership offers another substantial field. Nonprofits need skilled workers in program management, finance, human resources, and executive roles. Your corporate experience directly transfers. Many nonprofits are run by leaders without formal nonprofit training, meaning they value real-world management skills above nonprofit-specific credentials. Starting salaries for nonprofit positions are typically lower than corporate roles, but many nonprofits offer mission-driven work and flexible arrangements.

Consulting or independent contracting in your former field allows you to maintain expertise while controlling your schedule. A former marketing director might consult for small businesses or nonprofits. An engineer might provide technical guidance to startups. This path often pays reasonably well — sometimes matching or exceeding previous salary rates — but requires building a client base and managing business operations yourself.

Healthcare and social services fields continuously need experienced workers. Positions include patient advocates, program coordinators, case managers, and administrative roles. If you work directly with vulnerable populations, expect some emotional demands, but many find this work deeply rewarding. Training requirements vary by specific role but many positions don't require new degrees.

Government and civic engagement roles include working for local government agencies, serving on boards, working for elected officials, or managing community initiatives. These positions often have reasonable hours, clear job expectations, and good benefits. Many government employers value the perspective and stability that mature workers bring.

Practical Takeaway: Choose two fields from the ones described and spend 30 minutes researching actual job postings in your geographic area. Note what qualifications are required and what salary ranges are offered. This reality-check prevents you from pursuing fields with limited opportunities near you.

Addressing Common Concerns and Age-Related Challenges

People considering encore careers often worry about age-related obstacles. While age discrimination in hiring is