Here's how you can explore new career paths as a late career professional who is not ready to retire.

While corporate mandates a #retirement #age, there is always ways to keep one engaged 1. #Specialist Skill : like in #tech #manufacturing and #services 2. #Advisory Roles 3. #Mentors : #startups requires a lot of mentors 4. #Independent #Directors 5. #Professors of Practice / #VisitingFaculty or #subject matter experts 6. #Consultancy #engagements All of the above (except for #IOD) usually need to have any certification but certainly the #volume of work can always be the point of attraction for those requiring such services. Best is to #network. Remember your #network=#networth Let retirement, re-wire one ??????????

Flexible Work Arrangements: Remote Work: Explore remote work opportunities that offer flexibility and align with your skills. Consulting Projects: Take on project-based work that allows you to work on specific assignments with defined timelines. Education and Training: Advanced Degrees: If you are passionate about a particular field, consider pursuing an advanced degree or additional training. Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops and seminars to stay current with industry trends and learn new skills

In my opinion, begin yourself by conducting an assessment of your skills and experiences. Be updated with the latest technologies which will be useful and align with your skills. Be engaged always.

I believe #late-career professionals are experts in their respective fields. They must leverage their #experience and #expertise to contribute to their next opportunity. They can play the role of #consultant, #mentor, or #expert in new-age organizations.

I’m a big believer in focusing on strengths. Academic, technical and professional skills are critical, but how else do you add value? Consider attributes such as resiliency, emotional intelligence, empathy, relationship building, effective communication, innovative thinking and adaptability. Understand areas of opportunity to develop that may create barriers to progression or effectiveness. Otherwise, ask yourself if you need to be too concerned.

Research roles in a variety of industries. Consider how one role can lead to another. It may not be just about the traditional career path, but more about how a role creates a network and leads to opportunities for interaction with senior leaders and those with influence. Your network is the lifeblood of your career path. It’s not just who you know, but who knows you.

As a late career professional, you should not only assess your current skills but also consider areas you have been interested in but never explored. Research professional opportunities that speak to those interests. If it's something that requires a certain skillset, research the training available in that space and take it. Learn it and then excel at it. There is nothing like doing something you love.

Consider exploring activities that bring you joy and genuine happiness and how those activities might become potential sources of income. If you’re like most, you’ve already spent too much time doing things that don’t bring you joy. Make sure your next career move considers your overall health and well being! ????

As a late career professional exploring new career paths, upgrading your skills is key to staying relevant and competitive in the job market. I prioritize continuous learning by seeking out courses, workshops, and certifications that align with my interests and the requirements of my target career paths. By investing in skill development, I not only expand my knowledge base but also demonstrate to potential employers my commitment to personal and professional growth. Additionally, I actively seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience or participate in relevant projects to further enhance my skill set and increase my marketability in the evolving job landscape.

Get into the habit of saying yes. The wealth of skills you will obtain through a wide variety of opportunities and roles beyond your core function will be invaluable. Particularly if you’re saying yes to opportunities that challenge, stretch your capabilities and excite you.

In my experience, #late-career professionals have #experience and #expertise, but sometimes they lack supporting #certifications such as #CPTD to strengthen their position to get hired.

I always find important to have your skills upgrade because in a fast changing world in order to adapt and keep track, your skills have to be up to date all the time. Having these shows that you have an open mind and your are ready to embrace the new. Besides this, upgrading means putting your mind to work which is very important because your renew your brain connections.

One thing I found helpful it to attend short courses even if you have done it previously by all means if ever given the opportunity again do it once more because your thinking 10 years ago vs now is totally a different thing. Also sign up for self paced training so that it does not impact work or your personal life.

I think any senior professional with atleast 20 years of experience or more should look at creating networks with other professionals. This would not only help you in making your own assessment vis-à-vis others in the industry but also help you in understanding where would your skills be in demand if at all one wishes to pursue consulting or project oriented workspace.

One of the most impactful models I have used when it comes to networking is David Maister’s “formula for success” from his book, The Trusted Advisor. Invaluable.

I am a strong proponent of #professional #networking. These #connections redirect or guide to suitable #opportunities or #assignments. You never know which one of your connections can land you a #job opportunity or a #project you always wanted to be part of.

Networking is also important to learn new things. I think that mingle with the people that have the same interest is a benefit and it can bring a new collaboration and new perspective.

In my view, even #late-career professionals must attempt #new projects or #technology. It will provide them with #motivation and #confidence to take the latest technology and work alongside #Gen-Z without any hesitation.

Before diving into anything, taking time for self-discovery is important. Reflect on existing skillsets. What are you good at? What sparks curiosity? Once you have finished reflecting on your self some low commitment avenues to explore are informational interviews. Reach out to those in the field your interested in. Find opportunities for volunteer work with organizations in your field of interest. Leverage online courses! So many different sites allow for courses to understand the fundamentals of the field.

Agree test the waters example via volunteer work or projects and also read up about the company reviews etc to determine if you would be a cultural fit

Stay optimistic and focused on your goals, even in the face of challenges. I once faced rejection from several job interviews, but I persisted and eventually landed a job. Highlight your wealth of experience as an asset, showcasing your skills and accomplishments to potential employers. Focus on the skills that are transferable across industries and roles, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Build connections and seek advice from professionals in your desired field. Be willing to explore different career paths and roles, and be open to learning new skills. By staying positive and focusing on your strengths, you can successfully transition to a new career path and find fulfillment in your professional life.

My career has suffered a lot of transformations. I have worked in different domains, from medical to economics, sales, management and I am grateful because each time I have changed rhe filed it scared me but I always have maintained a positive attitude and had patience with me because I knew that I will get to the bottom of this and try to be to the peak of the path in that field.

Always remember that you are never too old to start a new career. Wherever you are on your journey, make it a great chapter and write your own storyline.

Understand what skills are transferable and highlight those skills. Sometimes hiring managers are nervous to hire without specific experience in the field. Your goal is to explain why the lack of experience shouldn’t be a problem because you possess other skills they won’t have to train you on. Let the manager decide if they’d rather train on culture or skills.

As you explore new career paths, ask your why this position and why now. Also, think about what you can bring to that role or industry. Lost of skills are transferable across various industries. Don't put yourself in a box.

Begin by reflecting on your interests and skills, and research industries or roles that can be aligned to you. Consider upskilling through courses or certifications, and gain practical experience through volunteering or freelancing. Networking through professional organizations and social media can open doors to new opportunities. Potential paths include teaching, consulting, writing, creative pursuits, or even entrepreneurship. Ensure your new career aligns with your financial goals and desired work-life balance for a rewarding post-retirement journey.

I think Consulting and Freelancing is the best options.Utilize your expertise and experience to advise in the field of Business, IT, Marketing, Human Resources, finance, online coaching. Flexible hours, ability to work remotely, high demand for experienced professionals nowadays.