Part 2 in a 2 part series.

In our FirstLantic blog last week, we provided some inspiring examples of baby boomers who have embarked on new career paths. This week we want to help you get started on planning your own “encore” career with helpful resources.

One of the most intimidating parts of the process can be figuring out where to even begin. And then the old self-doubt starts to creep in. “Am I too old to start something new?” ‘Will I be able to keep up with my younger peers when it comes to technology?” “What new skills will I need?” Fortunately, there are organizations that were started with the express intention of making it easier for boomers to start fresh whether that be through paid work or volunteer opportunities that make an impact.

ReServe helps workers ages 55 and over make that transition by pairing them with non-profits nationwide in need of their private-sector expertise for at least three months.

iRelaunch, founded in 2007, runs career reentry conferences and events for employers and individuals returning to work after a career break or looking for a new opportunity. They also work directly with over 50 blue chip companies to help them engage with and hire from the return-to-work talent pool.

Encore.org is a San Francisco-based organization that helps Boomers start that second career. Its focus is getting them involved in non-profit agencies. Through their Encore fellowships, they match skilled professionals with social sector organizations in high-impact, paid assignments.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are also involved in helping retirees into encore careers, as entrepreneurs. They jointly promoted an effort this past April called Encore Entrepreneurial Mentor Month. They provided one-on-one instruction, classes, mentoring programs and help in writing business plans. h and .

Career Guides – The book, Second Act Careers outlines over 50 opportunities to create flexible, fulfilling, and profitable encore careers.

So whether you want to continue working in order to learn new skills, earn additional money or make a lasting impact in the world, there are plenty of available resources to help you jumpstart your next chapter. As the famous literary icon, Gabriel Garcia Marquez said, “It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” So show the world what you have to offer and don’t miss out on pursuing your own dream!

If you have other resources to share with the community, please don’t hesitate to provide comments on our Facebook page.

To read our other blogs, go to www.firstlantic.com or if you need more information about assisted living options, go to our sister company, www.livewellplacements.com.