Babyboomers.com

Have you ever taken some time to consider all that we are hearing these days about baby boomers foregoing “traditional” retirement in favor of building a second career? As I have looked around over the past few months, I have found that it is really catching on all over the country.

I just saw a news story recently that talked about the number of boomers who were leaving their corporate jobs to buy franchises. There are other reports in print and online that indicate that large numbers of boomers are starting businesses at higher rates than ever before. Some work from offices, some from home, and some from the driver’s seats of their cars. In what ever way works best for them boomers are making the second half of their lives more exciting than the first.

But, you might be asking yourself: Is this something that I might want to do? Do I have what it takes to consider a second career? Is there really a way to start a second career and still enjoy some of the time and travel benefits associated with “traditional” retirement? As you consider these questions, you must also evaluate the five elements necessary to establish a successful second career:

1) You must have a passion for the work. Statistics are all over the board on this, but it is safe to say that at least half of people today do not like their jobs. (Statistics range from 50% to over 80% depending on how the question is asked. In a December, 2005 Forbes article the number was 87%!) If you are planning a second career, you absolutely must make sure that you are passionate about what you are going to do. If not your career will fizzle the first time you encounter an obstacle that is bigger than your passion.

2) You must be willing to take on all the aspects of business. Michael Gerber, in his book, “The E-Myth” he points out what he calls the “fatal assumption.” The fatal assumption, according to Gerber is, “if you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does that technical work.” Your second career will be exciting and successful if you can learn to market it, manage it, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

3) You must learn how to be innovative, placing yourself in “top-of-mind” position with your customers/clients. What makes your favorite coffee shop your favorite? What makes your favorite mechanic your favorite? You must find the way to make your business the one that your clients/customers choose above all the options available to them.

4) You must make customer/client service the hallmark of your business. In our world rudeness and lack of concern for customers seems to have become the standard of the day. I remember when I was younger the old adage, “the customer is always right.” The more you work to serve your clients/customers, the more your business will be strengthened and secured.

5) You must decide what success looks like for you and not be deterred from that vision. Success, especially in your second career, may not look like other people think it should. You alone can define and shape the picture of success in your second career. Once you do, don’t let anyone take that picture away from you!

So, as you look to the future and your retirement, are you headed for the rocking chair, the golf course, or the second career you have always dreamed about?