Recareer and relocate for your retirement?

29. May 2010 by Teresa.

    Recently, the USA Today Weekend ran a small article detailing how teens can use their summer vacation to explore future careers. Citing ideas from What Color is Your Parachute for Teens by C. Christen and R. Bolles, the article suggested that teens could 1) get a summer job, 2) volunteer, 3) do career research, 4) job-shadow, or 5) find an internship.

My suggestion is that older workers should take the same advice and use their summer vacation for some career exploration too. The idea would be to test drive a new field and ask your self: does this interest me, would I want to work or volunteer in this field? You can do this by going on a book lovers tour in Cornwall or an archaeological dig in Colorado, visiting Micronesia to dive with sharks or volunteering in Kenya to build a school.

If you want something a little closer to home, try volunteering in your local school, leading a workshop at the area park, taking an art class at the nearby museum, or visiting patients at a local hospital. Opportunities abound for you to try out a new work, volunteer or social pursuit.

The Star-Ledger reported that once the labor market turns around, older workers are poised to benefit. The Wall Street Journal said that moving might be the best career move an individual can make. Companies need knowledge and experience, as well as compassion and patience. The health care industry in particular is developing creative strategies to recruit older adults. You will have the chance to choose your new career and the location in which you want to carry it out … as long as  you plan ahead. Travel, try it, and then live it.

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