Second Career Ideas

Lots of people want a second career. Everyone wants a good second career. Some are willing to go back to school for it. Some are only able to take a course or a training program in their spare time. Whatever you are willing to do, know it before you start the search. Being aware of what you can mentally, financially, and emotionally invest in the process of changing careers will save you time, money, and frustration. Most of all, remember finding good second careers is a three part process.


First, you decide you want to switch, take inventory of what you can give to the switch, and start researching options and second career ideas.

Second, you begin the training, education, or just the resume revisions needed to make the switch.

Finally, you begin the job search for a position in your new second career.

Think of your second career in this way, and you will have a much easier time managing the transition. Now, on to the second career ideas.

Nursing: huge demand, good benefits, good to excellent pay depending on the speciality.

Teaching: Elementary through high school teachers have good hours, summers off, and solid benefits. Also, if you have a BA in a subject field, it is often easy to make the switch.

Working with the Elderly: As boomers age, there is no end to the ways that you can employ yourself at their expense. Home care, exercise classes geared for older people, shopping delivery services… Use your imagination here, and target your market well.

Coaching: If you have a hobby you do well or a sport you really love, consider coaching others in it.

Want to learn more about good second careers and promising second career ideas? Businessweek has some great research they release each year on the subject. Google “businessweek” and “second career”, grab a cup of coffee, and start reading. There is a ton of valuable material on their website to help you get started. And best of all? It is totally free.

Or, if you need help figuring out what your strengths are and what kind of work you would enjoy, check out these two books: Second Acts and Encore. I highly recommend both.