If you’re drawn to volunteering after retirement, you’re not alone. More than ever, a worker over the age of 50 is looking to a career in the non-profit world, seeking her second chance at a purposeful job.
In fact, according to Encore.org, more than 25 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 70 want to share their skills, passion, and expertise by volunteering to help address social needs. I’m here.
Of this 25 million Americans, 4.5 million now identify as already working encores, and another 21 million are preparing to transition to their own encores. study At Encore.org and the Penn Schoen Berland show.
Kerry Hannon, a Washington, DC-based career, retirement, and personal finance expert, said: “This whole idea of doing work that actually has meaning and purpose is something that really resonates with the older group.”
More than half (55%) of Americans say using their skills and expertise in some way to help others is an important part of how they view the stages of life following a major career. I agree with you on one thing. According to an Encore.org survey, 28% make retirement volunteering a central part of their plans.
It is clear that interest and participation in volunteer work is increasing. But before embarking on the next chapter, it’s important to first consider a few tips to make the transition to retirement volunteering as seamless as possible.
1. Find suitable retiree volunteer opportunities
Finding work at nonprofits and volunteer opportunities can actually be difficult. You want to get the right fit for everyone. There are hundreds of ways you can help your community. For example, try contacting schools and hospitals. You can also go further afield for volunteer adventures.
Here are some organizations that can help you find volunteers for rewarding retirement gigs near your home or far away.
Takano Leadership Partner:
Takano Leadership Partners has connected millions of people to the best places to volunteer and has helped tens of thousands of organizations use volunteers more effectively to create real impact.
Senior Corps:
senior corps is a network of national service programs for Americans 55 and older, made up of three major programs, each with a different approach to improving lives and promoting civic engagement. Senior Corp volunteers dedicate their time to address critical community needs, such as academic guidance and mentoring, elderly care, and disaster relief assistance.
National Park Service:
National Park Service As part of Volunteers-In-Park, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups
Peace Corps:
peace corps It’s not just for young people. Your experience will be an asset to both community members and fellow volunteers in your host country. Use your skills to help your community learn about business and technology, inspire new generations in your classroom, or transfer your love of sports and hobbies into youth development programs.Hear about them from senior volunteers peace corps experience or viewable Volunteer recruitment.
make good:
AARP Partners, create good has a simple online survey to quickly match you with volunteer opportunities.
Global Volunteer:
global volunteer It was granted special consultative status with the United Nations in 1999 and formally established its relationship with UNICEF in 2008. Through high-level associations, their international volunteer work protects the safety and well-being of children and addresses hunger, health, poverty and education at the United Nations. Community level around the world.
Volunteer Match:
volunteer match has connected millions of people to the best places to volunteer and has helped tens of thousands of organizations use volunteers more effectively to create real impact.
2. Volunteering after retirement?plan ahead
Don’t just jump into the non-profit world. Plan ahead, especially if you want to be rewarded for good work.
“The most successful people who have changed jobs have started doing so three to four years ago,” says Hannon, a careers expert at AARP.
For some people, this transition may occur before retirement. For others, it might happen at retirement. According to Encore.org, 44% of his current encore career transitioned into a new role between the ages of 45 and 54, and 44% over the next decade (55 to 64). years old).
Popular nonprofit areas with more than 50 workers include finance (accountants, bookkeepers), marketing, sales, fundraising, event planning and public relations, Hannon said. Whatever your field or organization, look for positions that can benefit from your lifelong knowledge and experience.
“You are not reinventing yourself as a second career in the nonprofit world. You are redeploying [your skills]’ says Hannon.
3. Start volunteering now
Please volunteer as soon as possible. Both in the organization you are aiming for and in other organizations.
If you haven’t retired yet, volunteer on weekends and evenings to add useful skills and experience to your portfolio while stepping into the nonprofit world.
The same applies to those who have already retired. “Volunteers are important,” says Hannon.
It can be a gateway to networking, board member positions, and potential employment opportunities.
4. Sharpen your skill set
Many volunteer organizations offer training, but we encourage you to start on your own. Learning new skills and taking some additional college courses can help prepare you for new careers and exciting adventures.
“If you know in advance that this is a move you’re interested in, attend some classes or take a workshop to bolster your skills,” says Hannon. Make sure there are courses out there that provide an introduction to the field.”
For example, the University of Connecticut offers a program called Encore!Hartford. This program focuses on the differences between corporate and nonprofit business management best practices, examining where practices match and where they differ.
“This process will enable us to identify the transferable skill sets that we bring to the nonprofit sector from our previous work experience,” the program outline states.
Another program, the Pace Angkor Transition Program at Pace University in New York, offers a series of five-day evening classes designed to prepare students for meaningful work in nonprofits and public service organizations. I promise.
Check out colleges in your area to see if similar programs are available.
5. Market yourself
Tech-savvy or not, to step into the non-profit world you need to build a great LinkedIn profile.
“No matter what kind of second act you’re looking for, you need to have a great LinkedIn profile,” says Hannon.
If you think volunteering at your local church, food pantry, or animal shelter shouldn’t be included in your profile, think again.
According to a LinkedIn survey, more than 40% of LinkedIn’s hiring managers believe volunteer work is just as valuable as paid work experience when evaluating candidates. Additionally, 20% of US hiring managers agree that they hired candidates because of their volunteer work experience.
Volunteering is especially important when starting an encore career. Because “that volunteer work often leads to a position at a nonprofit,” says Hannon.
6. Be confident in your financial situation (so that you can do volunteer work)
Working for a nonprofit offers a “purposeful paycheck” for those starting an Encore career, but workers should be aware of some economic challenges that come with it.
More than two in three people already in their Encore career (67%) experienced a personal income gap during the transition to Encore, either earning no money (24%) or reported significantly less than before. In a previous job (43%), according to a MetLife Foundation survey.
Of those who experienced a period of little or no income, nearly four in five (79%) said they had experienced a gap of six months or more, and 36% said their income gap lasted more than two years. says. Most (65%) of respondents say they rely solely on personal savings to support their livelihoods.
Because of these challenges, it’s important to make sure your finances are stable before making the transition. Working with a financial advisor is a good use of your money and time. Alternatively, you can try our online retirement calculator.
“For those who want to step into the nonprofit world or are just starting the second act, money is the biggest obstacle,” says Hannon. “The most important thing is to be as economically fit as possible.”
Is it time to feel confident about your financial future? NewRetirement Planner makes it easy to create and maintain your retirement plan. Try out different scenarios and see what kind of adventures you can have.
See what’s possible today and stay on track for the future.