{"id":5243,"date":"2016-02-14T10:17:59","date_gmt":"2016-02-14T14:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=5243"},"modified":"2016-02-14T10:17:59","modified_gmt":"2016-02-14T14:17:59","slug":"tips-to-plan-for-a-second-act-with-purpose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kerryhannon.com\/?p=5243","title":{"rendered":"Tips To Plan For A Second-Act With Purpose"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0\"forbes\"<\/a>You don\u2019t have to spend $60,000 and a year at Harvard or Stanford <\/a>to find a new vocation with meaning. Here are some steps to take\u2013preferably before you retire from your old job. Here are my seven tips to DIY second-act planning:<\/div>\n
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<\/b>\u2013 Run the numbers.<\/strong> Can you afford to move to a lower-paying sector and perhaps to a less senior job in it? Will it require lifestyle changes?<\/div>\n
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\u2013 Plan ahead. If you want a new career at 60, start working on it at 55.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Focus on the skills you have\u2013be it in finance, IT or sales.<\/strong> Odds are they can be used by not-for-profits, too. You might be able to hone them for the nonprofit sector with just a course or two, e.g., accounting for not-for-profits. (Seton Hall University<\/a> maintains a searchable list of nonprofit management courses across the country.)<\/p>\n

\u2013 Volunteer. <\/strong>Find an organization or two whose mission appeals to you and raise your hand. Offer to manage a project. Do pro bono consulting. Serve on a not-for-profit board or boards. Participate in charity auctions and 10k races\u2013you\u2019re networking while doing good.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Create a nonprofit-oriented resume. <\/strong>Consider hiring a career coach to help you think through your next steps and to fashion a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and cover letter that highlight how your experiences directly apply to the organizations you\u2019re interviewing with.<\/p>\n

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\u2013Check out specialty websites.<\/strong> Commongood Careers<\/a> and the Bridgespan Group feature jobs and tips to help people with in-demand skills shift into the nonprofit world.<\/p>\n

\u2013Hone your elevator pitch.<\/strong> Nonprofits want to hear a convincing story about your passion and commitment to their cause. It\u2019s okay to wear your heart on your sleeve if you\u2019re sincere and succinct.<\/p>\n

by<\/p>\n

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Kerry Hannon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n

Follow me on Twitter, @KerryHannon<\/a> Visit me at Kerryhannon.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0This story appears in the February 29, 2016 issue of Forbes.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0<\/b>I cover boomer careers, retirement, aging and personal finance.<\/p>\n

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