Encore Careers: How to Find Meaningful Work After Retirement

purposeful living May 09, 2025

What is an encore career?

An encore career is a second-act job or venture that combines purpose, income, and flexibility—designed to fit your life after retirement. These roles often draw on your existing skills and life experience while allowing you to contribute in ways that feel energizing, not exhausting.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

What makes an encore career different from a job
How to find meaningful work that aligns with your purpose
Examples of encore careers retirees love
How to transition smoothly from retirement into your next calling

More than 60% of retirees say they want to keep working—but differently. Encore careers are how they do it.

Your encore career should be energizing, not exhausting. In the next sections, we’ll show you how to identify the right path, take that first confident step, and build a second act that’s rich in both meaning and momentum.

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What Is an Encore Career? (And What It’s Not)

An encore career is more than just “working after retirement.” It’s a conscious choice to pursue work that matters—to you and to others.

It’s not about clocking back into the grind. It’s not volunteering for free (though that can be rewarding too). And it’s not taking a low-wage job just to stay busy. An encore career is about contribution with compensation, meaning with money, and purpose without pressure.

Key Traits of an Encore Career

Encore careers come in many forms, but they tend to share a few defining qualities:

Purpose-driven
You’re doing work that feels meaningful—whether that’s mentoring young professionals, supporting a cause, or building something that makes life better for others.
Skills-aligned
Rather than starting from scratch, most encore careers build on your existing strengths, experience, and expertise. You bring decades of value to the table.
Flexible and often lower stress
These roles are typically part-time, project-based, or self-paced. No more 60-hour workweeks or corporate chaos.
Paid
Yes, you can (and should) earn income. Many encore careers offer modest but steady pay—enough to supplement retirement savings or fund lifestyle goals.

Examples of Real Encore Careers

To give you a clearer picture, here are some popular encore career paths retirees are thriving in:

Nonprofit leadership
Help run or advise mission-focused organizations. Many nonprofits value seasoned professionals for strategic planning, fundraising, or board participation.
Teaching or tutoring
Share your knowledge with the next generation—whether in a classroom, online, or one-on-one. Retirees often excel in adult education, ESL, or test prep.
Coaching or mentoring
Guide others through career transitions, life challenges, or business growth. Great for those who enjoy listening, advising, and encouraging others.
Starting a mission-driven business
Many retirees launch second-act businesses around causes they care about—sustainability, wellness, education, the arts, or supporting other retirees.

An encore career isn’t about going back. It’s about moving forward—with clarity, heart, and intention.

Discovering Your “New Why” in Retirement

Finding the right encore career doesn’t start with job listings or networking—it starts with you.

Retirement gives you the gift of time and reflection. You finally get to ask: What truly matters to me now? What you choose to do next should feel aligned—not just with your skills, but with your sense of meaning and purpose.

Before you dive into what’s next, take a moment to reconnect with your “why.”

Questions to Reflect On

These prompts can help you uncover what would feel truly fulfilling in this next chapter:

What causes or groups do I care about most?
Is it education? The environment? Supporting fellow retirees? Veterans? Kids? Animals? Think about the issues or communities that tug at your heart.
What kind of people do I enjoy helping?
Do you like mentoring young professionals? Supporting families? Serving your local community? Teaching others what you’ve learned?
What would feel like a meaningful use of my time?
Picture a week that leaves you energized. Are you writing? Advising? Creating something new? Collaborating with others? Being hands-on?

Jot your answers down. Patterns will start to emerge. Your “why” isn’t a job title—it’s a feeling, a mission, a direction.

Life Experience = Legacy Potential

One of the most powerful things about an encore career is that it lets you turn your life experience into real-world impact.

You don’t need a new degree or fancy credentials.
You’ve already lived the lessons—what you need now is clarity on how to apply them in new ways.
Legacy isn’t always about money.
It’s about how you make people feel, what you leave behind, and the positive ripple effects of your actions.

Whether you're starting a nonprofit, helping others navigate life transitions, or simply showing up with wisdom and generosity, your encore path can leave a mark long after you’ve logged off.

Matching Your Experience to Purpose-Driven Opportunities

You don’t need to reinvent yourself to launch an encore career. In fact, the best second-act opportunities come from building on what you already know—your strengths, your life lessons, and your professional expertise.

Think of your encore career as a bridge between your past experience and your future impact.

How to Audit Your Skills

Start by identifying the skills you’ve developed over the years—on the job, in life, and through service. These include:

Career skills – communication, planning, sales, finance, tech, customer service
Life skills – empathy, resilience, adaptability, patience
Leadership – decision-making, strategy, people management
Mentorship – guiding others, training, advising, supporting growth

📝 Tools to help:

Use a skill inventory worksheet to list what you’re great at and what energizes you.
Ask former colleagues, friends, or clients for feedback on your strengths—what do people thank you for?
Review past performance reviews, testimonials, or project notes. Patterns will emerge.

The goal isn’t to rehash your résumé—it’s to understand what you bring to the table now, and how you want to use it.

Aligning Skills with High-Impact Needs

Once you have clarity on your skill set, look for causes, organizations, or opportunities that would benefit from what you offer. Here are some examples to inspire you:

Coaching or mentoring → Ideal for nonprofits, startup founders, or young professionals who need guidance
Project management → Use your organizational talents to help local causes run events, streamline operations, or launch initiatives
Healthcare background → Apply your experience to community wellness programs, health education, or patient advocacy
Teaching/training → Share your knowledge in adult education, job readiness programs, or digital literacy workshops
Finance or bookkeeping → Offer part-time support to small mission-driven businesses or faith-based groups

You don’t have to change who you are—you just have to channel your experience in a new direction.

Best Encore Career Paths for Retirees (That Pay and Inspire)

Encore careers aren’t just “nice to have” anymore—they’re needed. Across the country, mission-driven organizations are actively looking for people like you: reliable, experienced, emotionally intelligent, and ready to contribute in a meaningful way.

You bring something no fresh graduate can: wisdom, perspective, and a lifetime of real-world experience. And that makes you incredibly valuable in the right settings.

Top Industries for Purpose-Driven Second Acts

These fields are especially welcoming to retirees who want work that matters:

Nonprofits and foundations
Lead initiatives, serve on boards, or take on strategic roles in areas like fundraising, operations, and community engagement.
Education and tutoring
Whether in-person or remote, retirees are thriving as tutors, substitute teachers, or adult educators. Subjects like reading, ESL, test prep, and financial literacy are always in demand.
Coaching and life design
Use your own journey to help others navigate theirs—career transitions, wellness goals, or retirement planning. Certifications are available, but many start informally.
Environmental and sustainability organizations
If you’re passionate about leaving a better world behind, consider working with local conservation groups or national nonprofits on education and outreach.
Healthcare support and patient advocacy
Retirees with medical or caregiving backgrounds are a natural fit for roles in health coaching, senior care navigation, or wellness program facilitation.
Local government or community planning
Your leadership and planning skills can help shape parks, senior initiatives, civic boards, and local policy.
Faith-based and mission-driven enterprises
Churches, synagogues, and religious nonprofits often seek experienced individuals for teaching, administration, or counseling.

Work Formats That Fit Retiree Lifestyles

Encore careers are most powerful when they flex to fit your ideal schedule. Here are a few formats to consider:

Part-time employment – Ideal for steady work with structure and social connection
Freelance/contract work – Greater control over time, location, and projects
Teaching or speaking – Share your story, teach a skill, or inspire others in a group setting
Hybrid work/volunteering – Get paid for core services, and donate time in ways that feel extra meaningful

Encore work should be energizing, not exhausting. These career paths prove that you don’t have to choose between purpose and a paycheck—you can have both.

Volunteering vs. Paid Encore Work: What’s Right for You?

When stepping into your second act, one question comes up often:
Should I volunteer, or should I look for paid work?

The truth is—both options are valuable, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is understanding what you need from this next chapter. For some, time and freedom are the priority. For others, income and structured responsibility create the spark.

Here’s how to figure out what’s right for you—and why a mix of both might be the sweet spot.

When Volunteering Makes Sense

Volunteering can be an ideal way to dip your toe back into work without pressure or commitment. It offers:

A chance to explore interests
If you’re not sure what you want to do next, volunteering can expose you to new fields, people, and causes.
Opportunities to build connections
Meet others in your community, connect with professionals, and discover unexpected paths through casual involvement.
A low-pressure way to re-engage
Especially if you’ve been fully retired for a while, volunteering can help rebuild a sense of structure and contribution—on your terms.

When to Seek Paid Roles

If you’re ready for something more structured or need supplemental income, paid encore work may be a better fit:

You have financial goals
Whether it's for travel, family support, or long-term savings, a flexible income stream can boost peace of mind.
You want to feel professionally fulfilled
Many retirees miss being part of a team, solving problems, or sharing their expertise in a meaningful way.
You’re ready for responsibility again
Paid work can provide purpose and accountability without requiring a full-time commitment.

Hybrid Approach = A Smart Entry Point

You don’t have to choose just one path. In fact, many retirees start with volunteering and gradually shift into paid opportunities. For example:

Help at a local nonprofit, then transition into a paid role managing their programs
Offer free workshops, then use that experience to build a consulting or coaching business
Volunteer in a field that interests you, and use the experience to build a new resume or portfolio

Your time has value. Your expertise matters. Whether paid or unpaid, the right encore path should feel rewarding, balanced, and deeply yours.

How to Plan a Smooth Transition into an Encore Career

Starting an encore career isn’t just about finding the right opportunity—it’s about preparing for the change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

After all, you’ve likely spent decades in a structured role. Moving into something new—no matter how exciting—can feel uncertain at first. That’s why a thoughtful plan makes all the difference.

Create a Simple Encore Career Transition Plan

You don’t need spreadsheets or business plans to start—just a simple framework to guide your shift. Ask yourself:

What’s my ideal timeline?
Do you want to begin within the next 30 days? Or gradually shift over six months? There’s no rush—go at your own pace.
Do I have a financial runway?
Even if your encore career brings in income, it may take a few months to get going. Make sure your budget can support the transition.
Have I had key family conversations?
Whether it’s a spouse, adult kids, or close friends, involve the people who will be impacted by your new time commitments and goals.
Do I need to refresh any skills?
If your desired role involves tech tools, writing, or client work, take a quick course or brush up with free resources before jumping in.

Start Small—Pilot Before You Commit

The best way to ease into a new path is to test it. Think of it as a pilot project for your encore life:

Take on a small consulting assignment in your old field
Tutor one student online or locally
Join one board or committee in a cause you care about

You’ll quickly discover what energizes you—and just as importantly, what doesn’t. This approach builds momentum while reducing pressure.

Dealing with Fear or Resistance

It’s normal to feel hesitant when stepping into something new—especially later in life. Common thoughts include:

“I’m too old to start over.”
“I’m not tech-savvy enough.”
“I don’t know what I have to offer.”

These are just mental speed bumps, not roadblocks. Reframe them by focusing on what you do bring: wisdom, reliability, communication skills, and a lifetime of experience.

You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building from strength.

Tools, Resources, and Support for Your Encore Career Journey

Starting an encore career doesn’t mean going it alone. In fact, the smartest move you can make is to lean on tools, platforms, and communities built specifically to support second-act professionals like you.

From opportunity platforms to resume refreshers, the right resources can make your journey smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable.

Best Platforms to Explore Opportunities

If you’re wondering where to begin looking for meaningful work, these websites are purpose-built for impact-driven roles:

Encore.org
A hub for second-act careers focused on social good. Offers inspiring stories, fellowships, and opportunities designed specifically for people 50+.
Idealist.org
One of the best sites for mission-driven jobs in nonprofits, education, and public service. You can filter by location, part-time, or remote work.
Catchafire.org
A great entry point for skilled volunteering. Nonprofits post short-term projects—like designing a logo or setting up a budget—and you contribute your talents on a flexible schedule.
Retirepreneur Job & Project Board (coming soon)
Our very own curated list of low-barrier, flexible, and mission-aligned work opportunities for retirees. Stay tuned and subscribe to get early access.

Tools for Career Shifting

Once you're ready to start applying or marketing yourself, these tools can help you present your best self—without starting from scratch:

Resume refresh tools
Try platforms like Zety, ResumeGenius, or Enhancv for modern templates and guidance. Tailor your resume to focus on leadership, mentoring, and transferable skills—not just past job titles.
LinkedIn optimization tips
Update your headline to reflect your second-act goals (e.g., “Nonprofit Advisor | Encore Career in Community Wellness”). Use your summary to share your “why” and passion—not just your past.
Retirepreneur Encore Career Course & Planning Checklist
Our free mini-course walks you through everything from finding your purpose to launching your first paid project. The downloadable checklist keeps your transition on track, step-by-step.

You already have what it takes. These resources simply help you organize, focus, and gain traction faster—so your encore journey feels less overwhelming and more empowering.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Age Limit on Purpose

Retirement isn’t the finish line—it’s a turning point.

You’ve spent decades building knowledge, relationships, and wisdom. Now is your chance to use it in ways that feel deeply meaningful, energizing, and entirely your own.

Whether you’re looking to give back, stay active, earn extra income, or simply feel excited about Monday mornings again, an encore career offers something traditional retirement doesn’t: a new sense of purpose.

Let’s quickly recap the path forward:

✅ Reflect on your values, interests, and ideal lifestyle
✅ Match your skills to real-world needs in your community or industry
✅ Explore roles in nonprofits, education, consulting, or hybrid volunteer/paid opportunities
✅ Start small—pilot one project to test your energy, interest, and direction

This isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about redirecting your strengths into work that fits your life now—and feels worth showing up for.

Your next chapter is waiting—and it might just be the most rewarding one yet.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions

What is an encore career?

An encore career is a second-act job or business that retirees pursue for meaning, purpose, or social impact. It often blends income with personal fulfillment, like teaching, coaching, nonprofit work, or starting a passion-based business.

How is an encore career different from a retirement side hustle?

An encore career focuses on purpose and contribution, while a side hustle is often income-driven. Encore careers may involve mission-based work, mentoring, or legacy projects that reflect your values.

Do encore careers require going back to school?

Not usually. Most retirees use existing skills in new ways. If needed, you can upskill through online courses, certifications, or mentorship—many of which are free or low-cost.

How long does it take to transition into an encore career?

It depends on your goals. Some retirees shift within weeks through freelance or volunteer roles, while others explore part-time roles before committing. The key is starting with clarity and realistic expectations.