Have you ever woken up one morning and thought, Is this really it?
For years, you followed the rules. You built a career, checked the right boxes, made a good living. But now, something feels off. Maybe your corporate job—once a source of pride—feels more like a cage. Maybe the financial success you’ve worked so hard for doesn’t bring the fulfillment you expected. Or maybe, like so many others since 2020, you’ve realized that life is too short to waste on work that doesn’t light you up.
If any of that resonates, you’re not alone. Welcome to the era of the Encore Career—a powerful movement where professionals in mid-life are redefining success, not by climbing the corporate ladder but by making a real impact in the world.
The Shift: Why More Professionals Are Walking Away
Since the pandemic, millions have been rethinking their careers. Reports show that early retirement surged, but for many, it wasn’t because they wanted to stop working—it was because they were done with the stress, the grind, and the misalignment.
A recent study by MetLife found that nearly 57% of professionals over 50 want their next chapter to be meaningful. They’re seeking ways to give back, build community, and finally pursue the passions they sidelined for decades. The so-called “Great Resignation” wasn’t just about burnout—it was about reinvention.
What is an Encore Career?
An Encore Career is not just a new job. It’s a calling. It’s work that blends purpose, impact, and personal fulfillment. Some people start businesses, others move into nonprofit work, consulting, coaching, or teaching. Some take the skills they’ve mastered over decades and apply them in completely new, unexpected ways.
But here’s the key: an encore career is not about starting over—it’s about stepping into the next, most meaningful chapter of your life.
The Encore Career Mindset Shift
For years, we were taught that career success meant stability, climbing the ranks, and securing a paycheck. But for many, mid-life brings a reckoning: Success without fulfillment is just another form of failure.
Instead of asking, “What job pays the most?” people are now asking, “What work will light me up?”
Instead of thinking, “I have to stay in my field because it’s what I know,” they’re thinking, “How can I use my experience to create something meaningful?”
Instead of believing, “It’s too late to start something new,” they’re embracing the fact that wisdom is an asset, not a liability.
Real-Life Encore Career Success Stories
From CFO to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur
At 52, Lisa had spent her entire career as a CFO, managing finances for major corporations. But when the pandemic forced her to slow down, she realized she didn’t love what she was doing. What she did love was helping women become financially independent. So, she left her corporate role and launched an online financial literacy program for women in transition—helping single moms, recent retirees, and newly divorced women take control of their money. Today, her work isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowerment.
From Burned-Out Attorney to Yoga & Wellness Advocate
David spent 30 years in law. The long hours, high stress, and endless battles left him drained. At 55, he took a sabbatical and went on a wellness retreat. It changed everything. He realized that what he truly wanted was to help others find balance before burnout. He became a certified yoga instructor and now runs corporate wellness programs for law firms—helping other attorneys manage stress and build resilience.
From Tech Executive to Community Builder
Samantha had been a leader in the tech world for 25 years. She had money, status, and prestige—but she felt completely disconnected. At 50, she left her role and co-founded a nonprofit that provides mentorship programs for young girls interested in STEM. Today, she’s building a legacy she’s proud of—not by leading boardrooms, but by shaping the next generation of female leaders.
Why Now is the Best Time to Build an Encore Career
The world is shifting. More people than ever are questioning traditional career paths. The rise of remote work, the gig economy, and the digital landscape means that you don’t need to follow the old rules. You can build something that aligns with your values, on your terms.
And the best part? You’re more prepared than you think.
You have decades of experience.
You have a network of connections.
You have clarity on what you don’t want.
You have the emotional intelligence that younger professionals are still developing.
You’re not starting over. You’re leveraging everything you’ve built to create something deeply fulfilling.
How to Start Your Encore Career
Identify What Matters to You: What impact do you want to make? Who do you want to serve? If you had the freedom to choose, what would you spend your days doing?
Leverage Your Existing Skills: You don’t have to throw away your experience. Ask yourself: How can I use my knowledge in a new way? A former marketing executive can become a branding consultant for nonprofits. A retired teacher can start an online education business. A corporate leader can become an executive coach.
Experiment Before You Leap: Before making a full transition, test the waters. Take a course, volunteer, start a side project. See what feels aligned before making the big leap.
Build Your Community: Surround yourself with people who have made the shift. Join mastermind groups, attend workshops, seek out mentors. There’s power in connecting with like-minded individuals who have already paved the way.
Trust That It’s Never Too Late: One of the biggest myths about career change is that it’s too late. But history proves otherwise:
Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40.
Colonel Sanders started KFC in his 60s.
Julia Child didn’t publish her first cookbook until she was 50.
You are just getting started.
Encore Careers Aren’t About Retirement—They’re About Reinvention
There is no rule that says you have to spend your best years doing work that doesn’t inspire you.
An encore career isn’t about chasing another job. It’s about stepping into your truest, most purpose-driven work.
So ask yourself:
What kind of legacy do I want to leave?
What work will make me feel alive?
If I had the freedom to choose, how would I spend my days?
This isn’t the end of your career—it’s the beginning of the most meaningful work you’ll ever do.
If you’re ready to build your encore career, the time is now. Explore what's possible with my 28-day program, Corporate to Calling: Manifesting the Life & Business of Your Dreams in 15 Minutes a Day. Together, we’ll design a scalable, purpose-driven business that sets you up for long-term success. Learn more about our Online Learning Academy and other courses HERE.
Your next chapter is waiting. Are you ready to write it?
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