Encore! Encore!! What more is Possible?
The Triple Win of Encore Careers
Pursuing an encore career offers a trifecta of benefits:
Personal Fulfillment: Align your work with your deepest passions and values.
Social Impact: Contribute meaningfully to things you care about.
Skill Development: Continue growing and learning throughout your life.
An Encore Career is a unique and exciting opportunity for individuals to embrace professional paths throughout their lives. Giving seasoned professionals opportunities to leverage their extensive experience and expertise into their passions in fulfilling and impactful ways. Marc Freedman, https://cogenerate.org/people/marc-freedman/ brings a significant voice to the relevance of generational empowerment. His 2007 book, “Encore: Finding Work that Matters in the Second Half of Life” argues that people seek ways to contribute to society and make to a difference throughout their lives. This precious desire should never wane
Encore careers are deeply personal, springing, joyously, from a person’s soul mission, passions, prior learning and knowledge. The world’s need for passionate and knowledgeable individuals is ever-growing and evergreen!
Encore careers encourage lifelong learning and personal growth, providing a platform for continued development and innovation. Enthusiastic professionals can explore different fields, take on new challenges, and discover hidden talents, all while enhancing their overall well-being and satisfaction.
As the demographic landscape shifts and people live longer, healthier lives, the potential for encore careers expands, redefining the traditional notions of work and retirement. Embracing this trend not only enriches the lives of the individuals involved but also strengthens communities by harnessing a wealth of knowledge and experience that can drive positive change.
Dr. Peter Attia, https://peterattiamd.com/ speaks prolifically on the topic of longevity and brings forward that retirement can be perceived as a transition into leisure, but it often has hidden downsides that can impact health. One of the primary concerns is the potential for reduced physical activity. Many individuals who retire find themselves leading a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to various health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and weakened muscles. Engaging in regular movement is essential for maintaining overall health, and retirement can inadvertently diminish the motivation to stay active.
Social isolation is another significant issue that can accompany retirement. The workplace can serve as a critical social outlet, and stepping away from it may lead to loneliness, grief, and depression. Maintaining social connections is vital for mental health, and a lack of interaction can exacerbate cognitive decline and increase the risk of mental health disorders.
The structure that a job provides contributes to a sense of purpose and identity. Retirement can strip away this routine, leading to existential questions and dissatisfaction with life. This loss registers as stress in the mind and body exaserpating can increase stress and affect emotional well-being, ultimately impacting physical health. Financial circumstances often arise retirement which can lead to anxiety and stress. Concerns about budgeting and financial security may overshadow the anticipated leisure time, creating mental burdens that can take a toll on overall health.
Retirement may provide the opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment, but it also poses serious health risks; social isolation, loss of identity and purpose, financial stress, and lack of engaging activities. The generative nature of Encore Careers more than mitigate these risks of retirement. They open the question; What more is possible?
