October 21, 2010
Forging an encore career in today's tricky job market
NWjobs
The IT professional turned social worker. The lawyer turned schoolteacher. The corporate accountant turned non-profit fundraiser.
In the past year, you've no doubt heard stories like these of professionals who -- thanks to layoffs, burnout, or general job dissatisfaction -- decided to forge a new career in a field that holds more meaning for them and gives back to others.
But just how does one go about forging such an encore career in today's tight job market? Is it possible to create what career expert and former New York Times columnist Marci Alboher calls a "second act with social purpose" when the competition for jobs that give back is already so stiff? Can you really hope to make a decent living doing work with a social purpose?
A two-part online seminar Friday, October 22 and 29, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Pacific time will answer these questions and more. Led by Alboher and sponsored by The New York Times Knowledge Network and Civic Ventures, a think tank concerned with "Boomers, work, and social purpose," the course features a panel of social entrepreneurship and career reinvention authors and experts, as well as Boomers who've successfully transitioned into encore careers of their own.
Among the topics this course will cover:
- How to start fresh at your current stage in life
- What kind of encore opportunities exist today
- How to gain experience and make contacts in a new field when you have neither
- How to forge a new career when you're only interested in or able to work part-time
- How to overcome age discrimination
In addition to the two live sessions, the two-week course features self-paced lessons and forum discussions. Registration is for the course is $95. Learn more or register here.
Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com
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Karen Burns is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl, a career guide based on her 59 jobs over 40 years in 22 cities.
Lisa Quast is a certified career coach, mentor, business consultant, former corporate executive and author based in the Seattle area.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
Former contributors
Matt Youngquist is the president of Career Horizons, a career counseling firm.
Natalie Singer is a Seattle writer, editor and small-business owner.
Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide."
Paul Anderson helps professionals in transition find their desired employment.
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