New & Next Careers for Experienced Professionals

Rather than embarking on the proverbial “rest and vest” period of their professional lives, a growing number of older adults are instead creating second, third (or even fourth) careers. Far from slowing down, these new challenges offer meaningful engagement, continued financial stability, and the chance to leverage a lifetime of skills for the benefit of both younger workers and the companies that hire them. Among the various paths available, there are a number that are particularly well-suited to older professionals. This article covers some of the most popular options and explores their significance in today’s world, the skills they require, and includes some resources for further reading.

Mentorship and Coaching
As industries grow more competitive, businesses can benefit from the knowledge and skills of experienced professionals to mentor younger talent or provide executive coaching. Mentorship fosters knowledge-sharing and enhances workplace culture and cohesion, while coaching helps individuals and teams improve their performance. Older professionals bring a wealth of experience and wisdom, making them natural choices as mentors. Their ability to reflect on and share the lessons of their successes (and challenges!) provides invaluable guidance to others.  A deep understanding of their chosen field or industry is of course crucial, with strong communication, leadership skills, and the ability to inspire being core attributes of successful mentors.

Getting Started: Organizations like the International Coaching Federation offer certification programs, and Score.org connects experienced professionals with small businesses in need of mentorship.

Consulting
Consulting spans industries from technology to finance to healthcare and more, leveraging the expertise of experienced professionals to solve problems efficiently. Their years of experience mean they can quickly assess and address business challenges, and top consultants combine deep industry knowledge, creative problem-solving, and project management skills. The ability to network and self-market are also extremely important for those looking to enter the consulting world.

Getting Started: Consulting Success provides both free and paid resources for aspiring consultants, and platforms like Upwork are excellent for finding companies that are looking for help. 

Teaching and Tutoring
With a growing emphasis on continued education and skill development, teachers and tutors - both in traditional and online settings - are in high demand. Covering everything from early education to niche professional skills, experienced adults have the patience, depth of knowledge, and life experience that make them excellent educators. 

Patience, expertise in a particular subject, and an ability to explain concepts clearly are the most valuable credentials in teaching. Storytelling talent combined with real-world examples enrich the learning experience, bringing the theoretical to life in new and interesting ways.

Getting Started: Some roles require teaching licenses, and organizations like TeachAway offer pathways to certification. Platforms such as Wyzant and VIPKid connect tutors with students seeking personalized instruction.

———

Pursuing a new career is more than just an opportunity to stay active and engaged, it’s a chance to make an impact by sharing expertise and knowledge gained throughout your life and career. Whether you’re coaching executives, solving business challenges, or teaching the next generation, the possibilities are as rewarding as they are diverse. The next chapter of your career could be the most fulfilling yet.

For more resources and information on career development and transition, visit Amevida’s Employment & Training section.

———

Important note: Amevida has not been compensated by any organizations mentioned in this post.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service mentioned herein.