Hello there,

Are you wondering what the next chapter of your life will look like?

You may be contemplating acting on an unabating dream. Maybe you’ve received a sobering financial report and find yourself among the Boomers or seniors who feel unprepared to enter retirement. You might have been out of the workforce for a significant time and want to re-enter. Or perhaps you’ve got some fire in your belly and are searching for a fresh career change.

No matter your motivation, a second act is within reach with technology. Here are a few possible paths to ponder:

Podcaster

High-quality headphones? Check. Microphone? Check. For a career that requires little more than these devices, a smartphone or computer, and a quiet space, look no further than podcasting. The digital trend has exploded in popularity in recent years: the Pew Research Center reports that 49% of adults in the U.S. tuned in to audio content in 2022. And with ad revenues soaring to $1.8 billion last year (IAB’s seventh annual U.S. Podcast Advertising Revenue study), it could prove worthwhile to tap into your well-established network for help monetizing your own podcast.

The skills needed to get started may include configuring a mic, installing recording hardware/software, downloading a transcription program, and uploading content online.

Low and no-cost podcasting tools exist for novices, such as Audacity and Riverside. As you build confidence and an audience, you may want to consider upgrading to advanced technology for more professional-level podcasts.

Virtual Consultant

You’ve worked for years, honing your talents, cultivating skills, and developing expertise in one or more areas. If you feel compelled to advise others for financial (or emotional) rewards, you might be interested in virtual consulting.

So, how tech-savvy do you need to be?

Video conferencing is a popular way for consultants to engage with their clients, so getting comfortable making video calls is crucial. You’ll probably want to promote your business on social media, such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Managing an online calendar of client bookings using software like Calendly will help keep you organized.

Online Instructor

Someone somewhere wants to learn something—and you just might be the one to teach them. Many people rely on the convenience of videos for learning educational content, from personal accounting to DIY home repair.

What do you need to turn your passion into profit?

For starters, recording and uploading videos are basic skills for online instructors. Boost audience engagement with live streaming on Facebook. Screen recording is a useful tactic for explainer/how-to videos. Finally, you may want to learn how to host a webinar to extend your reach and build credibility.

E-commerce Shop Owner

Do you think you’d make an exceptional salesperson? If so, consider carving out a niche in e-commerce. Online sales in the U.S. exceeded $1 trillion last year, according to e-commerce news source Digital Commerce 360; clearly, there’s no shortage of consumers.

How can you set yourself up for success in this domain?

Your website will need high-quality product images, so taking photos and uploading them online are useful tech skills to learn. Of course, marketing your business on social media like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) should be no surprise.

I hope you found this newsletter helpful. Rather than providing an exhaustive list of options, I aim to spark your imagination as to how you can launch a rewarding encore career using modern technology. Your next great success may be only a few keystrokes and clicks away!

Whatever your next move is, I’m here to help. Boomernology’s Tech 101 course is perfect for developing the foundational tech skills to confidently pursue a second act. If you haven't done so already, visit www.boomernology.com book a one-on-one session with me today.

Thanks for your time, and as always, stay connected.

Sincerely,

Dave

NOTE

Sources:

1. https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2023/04/18/podcasts-as-a-source-of-news-and-information/

2. https://www.iab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/IAB_2022_Podcast_Advertising_Revenue_Report_2023.pdf

3. https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/us-ecommerce-sales/