Boomers

The headline in today's USA Today was interesting...."Boomers in the Mood to Give Back to Society."

Upon closer inspection, the article outlines the results of a survey indicating that "millions of Boomers are either quitting their old jobs or coming out of retirement to pursue new careers that not only give them personal meaning but also contribute to society."

The author of the article uses a phrase that I have never heard before.

Encore Careers.

These are careers that are defined as those that, "combine income, meaning, and social purpose."

At a time when the trend seems to be moving toward earlier retirement, Encore Careers are emerging as a new way of contributing to society.

There is a great example in the article. It is the story of Phil Borges who is now 65 years old. He quit his orthodontist practice to become a photographer. He then used his photography skills and founded a non-profit organization that uses digital storytelling to connect children worldwide.

The article caused me to begin thinking about the growing number of boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) who have so much to offer society. The community I live in is full of retirees that fit this demographic. Unfortunately, many of them are content to sit and drink coffee and swap stories.

I have a friend who retired at in his early 50's with an IRA and 401k fully funded. He and his wife have no financial worries. They have houses here and in the sunny south. They are content to watch tv, eat at restaurants, and criticize society, church, and others. My heart breaks when I think that they are equally talented as Phil Borges and have so much to offer. They would be poster kids for an "Encore Career." But alas, they are mired in the malaise of mediocrity.

The church would take on new life if boomers would embrace "Encore Careers."

Civic organizations would emerge with new life if boomers would contribute through "Encore Careers."

Non-Profits would burgeon and thrive if boomers would re-direct their energies toward these organizations.

There are 79 million boomers alive today. No, let me re-phrase that. There are 79 million boomers in existence. The ones that are alive are living in their "Encore Career"

Rock on, Phil Borges and Boomers everywhere!