Posted on September 1, 2008

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Baby Boomers Find 'Encore' Careers at Nonprofits

As millions of baby boomers reach retirement age, a growing number of them are trading jobs in the corporate world for work in the nonprofit sector, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Having come of age at the dawn of the civil rights, environmental, and women's movements in the 1960s and '70s, many boomers are completing their careers at nonprofits that feed the homeless, comfort the elderly, and mentor the young. According to a recent survey by Civic Ventures and the MetLife Foundation, an estimated 1.1 million boomers have already embarked on "encore careers" at nonprofits and millions more could soon follow. The survey found that about 75 percent of the nation's 78 million boomers plan to work beyond the traditional retirement age, with as many as half saying they're interested in jobs in which they can help others.

Boomers' interest in charitable work couldn't come at a better time. Nonprofits face a serious leadership deficit, said David Simms, an executive with the Bridgespan consulting group. A surge in retirements and a proliferation of nonprofits will create a need for 640,000 senior managers over the next decade — more than double the current number.

But making the move to the nonprofit world isn't always easy; the pay can be less and the hours longer than what many were used to in the corporate world. According to Center for Nonprofit Management president Cynthia Nunn, nonprofits need to step up their recruitment efforts and offer perks, such as four-day workweeks and telecommuting, for workers who want second careers that give them the flexibility to pursue other interests.

Despite some trade-offs, many of those who have left their jobs at for-profit companies to work for nonprofits have no regrets. Among those satisfied with an encore career is Larry Sykes, who was unsatisfied in his job as a commercial real estate broker. Sykes is now working to bring a national program designed to help homeless people find work to Stewpot, a Dallas-area charity. "In real estate, I just helped rich guys get richer," said Sykes. "Now, I help people get a life."

Moos, Bob. “Baby Boomers Find Meaning in 'Encore Careers' at Nonprofit Groups.” Dallas Morning News 8/28/08.

Primary Subject: Aging
Location(s): Dallas, National, Texas

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