How to use your golden years to pursue your passion

Learn the art of the encore career

A woman at a laptop.
(Image credit: Illustrated | PIKSEL/iStock, Natasha Yeresko/iStock)

Just because you've left the full-time workforce doesn't mean you have to enter full-time retirement. For many seniors, the years that follow the end of their career represent an opportunity to finally pursue long-held interests they never had time to fully explore. And they're not doing this stuff for free — you can make money doing something entirely new and fascinating. Think of it as a sort of career 2.0. A clean slate. A chance to become fluent in a whole new skill set that not only keeps you busy but keeps you happy and fulfilled.

While the idea of working part-time during retirement may seem contradictory, there are a number of benefits to keeping some kind of job in your later years. "Most people who retire still want meaning and purpose in their lives," says Elisa Robyn, PhD, a former academic dean now working during her retirement as a transitions coach/consultant.

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Sara Lindberg

Sara Lindberg is a freelance writer specializing in health, wellness, education, and business. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Headspace, LIVESTRONG, Paste Magazine, GOOD, and many more.