How Do I select An Encore Career?

Kassidy Emmerson Contributing writer

If you're a baby boomer who is getting ready to retire from your first job, but you still want to work, now is the time to consider a second career.

Continuing with a second job will provide some extra income. It can also help fill the gaps that are left as 77 million baby boomers reach retirement age and leave professional jobs. What type of job should you consider?

Read here to learn about the best second careers after retirement.

Match Your Skills, Interests

There is no shortage of careers out there for baby boomers who want to continue to be productive after they initially retire. In fact, there are so many jobs to choose from in various areas that it may be hard to select one. To help narrow the field, you need to determine your skills and interests. Then, you need to match these qualifications up with available positions.

Don't Overlook Your Hobbies

After you retire, it may be a good time for you to monetize your hobbies. If you've had the same hobby for 20 years, you've probably become somewhat of an expert on the subject. After you leave your first career, this may be the right time to expand your hobbies and start your own business. Being self-employed offers many benefits, such as being your own boss and having flexible hours.

Stay In Same Professional Field?

Although many baby boomers retire from their first jobs and take their skills into entirely different second careers, some choose to basically stick to their original job descriptions. You can simply search for a similar position at another company. Or, depending on what your first job was, you can:

Become a Consultant

One of the best second careers after retirement is to become a consultant in your area of expertise. You can check with your current employer to see if this position is available for you. Or, investigate other companies for job opportunities. Since consultants are usually self-employed, you'll be able to adjust your work schedule to fit your personal calendar.

Contact Placement Companies

If you're a baby boomer and you're retiring from a specialized career as an engineer or scientist, for example, you can contact a placement company like yourencore.com. YourEncore contracts with major corporations across the United States and hooks them up with retired scientists, engineers, product developers, et cetera.

Besides being in control of the number of hours you work every week, signing up with a placement company will allow you to choose short-term or long-term job assignments.

Need More Encore Career Guidance?

According to a survey done by D. Hart Research Associates of Washington, D.C., many baby boomers who retire from their initial careers turn around and work in one of three segments. These popular job fields are education, health care and nonprofit.

Professionals Needed In Education

Due to the continued shortage of teachers across the United States, there's a pressing need for these professionals. The teachers that are in the highest demand teach math, science and special education.

If you have a bachelor's degree, you may be able to enroll in a fast-track program that will allow you to get employed and in a class room quicker than traditional educational methods.

Health Care Field Offers Much To Baby Boomers

Just like education, the health care field is lacking qualified employees. There's a need for nurses, personal aides, pharmacists, human resource managers and more.

To help create more qualified nurses, there are accelerated programs you can enroll in if you already have a bachelor's degree.

Boomers Could Choose Nonprofits

Starting a second career at a nonprofit organization can bring in some extra income and fill your free hours, too. It can also give you the chance to help others who are less fortunate.