Have you ever dreamed of a different career? Anthony McClellan did. For years, friends encouraged him to "do something" with his photography hobby. Finally, at age 65, he achieved his dream: starting his own fine-art photography business out of his home in Maryland.
This is McClellan's second career, after a 43-year-long first career in education. And he's not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13.5% of all Americans over age 65 work, with the highest concentration among those aged 65 to 69 (26.2%).
The 2006 New Retirement MindscapeSMstudy found that nearly 20% of people who have been retired for two to 15 years say that doing more meaningful or satisfying work is very important to them.
"It's an exciting time," says Melanie Keveles, a Wisconsin-based certified professional coach who helps people find new callings. "You are so much smarter and wiser, and you know more about yourself."
So how can you find your next career? By finding and following your passion. Here are some ideas to set you on the right path.
"You want to find your 'PhD' — your passion, heart and desire," says Steven Bloom, spokesman for SCORE, a nonprofit organization that provides free small business advice to people thinking about starting or expanding a small business.
Ask yourself: "What excites me?" McClellan already knew that his heart lay in photography. You may need to work a little harder to unearth your hidden desires. Having trouble identifying a direction? Ask yourself who is doing the kind of work you admire, and follow in their footsteps.
Another approach? Do a bit of brainstorming. Grab a college catalog and read through the courses to see which ones excite you. Or throw a party for yourself and invite friends to brainstorm with you.
Don't feel that you have to jump right into a new field. Dip a toe in first. Try exploring the new field by volunteering. Or get involved in associations or clubs. This will help you decide if this really is your passion and, importantly, if you like the day-to-day aspects.
Above all, remember that retirement is a time of new beginnings. It's a time when you finally have the energy and resources to pursue your passions. For many people, starting a second career is the way to do it.
"Don't settle," says Keveles. "This is the time of your life.
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