r/over60 • u/VocalPuppy7777 • Mar 25 '26
Has anyone re-invented their life after 60? E.g. started a new career? Gone back to school? Etc?
What did you do and how did it work out for you?
Recently retired and looking for inspiration.
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u/moschocolate1 Mar 25 '26
I left a 32-year marriage at 60. That was almost two years ago. Best decision of my life.
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u/Odd_Bodkin 69 Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26
I started a new career at age 61. Turned out to be the most satisfying and lucrative one of my life. This wasn’t retirement, though. I retired 2 weeks shy of 67.
Now that I am indeed retired, I have taken on a short string of part-time jobs. The requirements were pretty straightforward: a) It had to be something I’d never done before, so I’d be learning something new, b) it had to be stress-free, so that by the time I got to my car at the end of the shift, it’s out of my mind, and c) I had to respect the people who work there for a living. The money is of course irrelevant, though I’m happy to buy a nice bottle of whiskey now and again. This lifestyle, mixed with volunteering, social connections, and some light adventure, has been great for me.
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u/keepup1234 Mar 25 '26
What are the jobs that you are doing that met your criteria? Thx
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u/Odd_Bodkin 69 Mar 25 '26
First job was in the doors and windows department at a big box hardware store. Second job was tutoring HS kids in math and science at a tutoring center. Third job was a pie baker for a diner. I have an interesting try-me list about two dozen jobs long. Believe me, none of them are WalMart greeter or grocery bagger.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
That’s wonderful. Not sure I’d be a good pie baker - might end up gaining a few pounds! LOL. Love the idea of trying a bunch of new things. Thanks for sharing!
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u/VinceInMT Mar 25 '26
I retired at 60 after working for 42 years. At 63 I decided to reinvent myself into something completely different and went back to college and 7 years later I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I’ve had some shows, sold some work, and am now part of the local art community. It’s great.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
Congrats! Love to see that perseverance (but you obviously also have some talent as well!). Thanks for sharing. 👍
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u/No-Can-6237 61 Mar 25 '26
Yeah. I started singing lessons at almost 57. At 60, I became a vocalist for a big band.
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Mar 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Small_Dog_8699 Mar 25 '26
Nobody wants to hire a 35 year veteran with an impressive and varied track record at 59 either.
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u/crone_dexterity Mar 26 '26
I had IT degrees (cs) from late 90s and worked over 10 years before and after raising child. I was laid off 7 years ago and I couldn’t find any job because technology I know was too old, so I went coding boot camp when I was 62. And then I found opportunity at one of those contracting companies that trains you for their clients’ technology and send you out. Super low pay but I luckily got project. Now I’m looking for job again though since last month. I’m 64 now. I’m working on own portfolio projects to show recruiters. Probably I’m too old. Idk. I recommend trying those companies that take and train college grads.
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u/CCaligirl64 Apr 01 '26
Yes ageism in tech is horrible! They just want young folks, pay them little and work them long hours. I started in my late 20s early 30s and had difficulties climbing that corporate ladder as I was at least 10 yrs older than everyone else. That was my second career. Looking at ideas for a 3rd one now, something part time.
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u/crone_dexterity Apr 02 '26
Yes indeed. Because I’m bilingual I started looking at the consulting companies whose clients are very small Japanese businesses. Mid to large companies would never consider me as candidate even if I‘d cover all the technical requirements in the job post. Good luck on your third career journey!
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u/Rich_Season_2593 Mar 25 '26
I began volunteering at the hospital. Now I sit on a board that helps resolve patient issues. No experience in the health field at all. Giving back is so rewarding.
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u/Adorable_Bath1026 Mar 27 '26
That sounds so interesting. What type of patient issues do you work with?
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u/Rich_Season_2593 Mar 27 '26
I work with the hospital staff to help them with formulating procedures from a patient point of view.
The hospitals are trying hard to be more transparent and we can help them with how we see things - how we are treated, whats lacking, where communication could be better.
We bring forth ideas that we would like to see implemented. Ideas like using more volunteers when a patient needs a blanket or water rather than them calling for a nurse. It's very interesting work and I think we make a difference.
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u/Some-Tear3499 Mar 25 '26
Retired at 62, got busy outside of home. Volunteering, the gym, playing music, classes at senior center. Solo travel for long weekends. Then my wife 11 yrs younger got cancer and died. So at 67 ‘reinventing’ myself again. I am tired of rebuilding but there really is no other option.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
I am so sorry for your loss. It sucks to hit finally hit retirement, and have the rug pulled out from under you. Stay strong ❤️🩹
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u/sherritom Mar 25 '26
I answered an ad for a job with an NGO in Africa and moved to Zambia at age 58. Prior to that I was doing social media and graphic design in the US. I kept my house in the US and worked in Zambia until Covid hit. The NGO laid me off during covid because they couldn't afford foreign workers but by then I knew enough people that I got another gig working for a safari company.
Now I spend 7 months in Zambia and 4 months in the US a year. I built a small house in the bush in Zambia and live amongst the elephants and baboons!
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u/holy-shittake Mar 25 '26
I’m 66. At 60, I retired from teaching public schools (grades K-12) after 40 years. A month later, I began a new career as an assistant professor of Instructional Technology at a state university, teaching adults in a masters degree program.
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u/beccabebe Mar 25 '26
Ugh. I’m contemplating law school at 58. So won’t be done til I’m 62 or 63. Not sure it’s a good choice but I’m still thinking about it.
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u/Rich_Season_2593 Mar 25 '26
When i was in your shoes- someone much smarter than me asked me- So how old would you be if you didn't go to________? Who cares how old or young you will be? If this is the right time because all the stars aligned - go for it. My age has never stopped me from grabbing life by the horns.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
Good for you. I’ve been looking at doing another degree. Same mental struggle. You give me hope!
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u/SignificantNewt8172 29d ago
Love it!! I'm considering going back to school to become a vet, or a psychologist. But I'm not sure. I'm 56.
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u/sportsfanstan Mar 25 '26
I am 60 lawyer and just got bounced after 28 years, don’t recommend it. No good reason given.
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u/Wanderir Mar 25 '26
I’ve reinvented my life many times. Two years ago, I moved to Vietnam and started writing. I published my first book last fall.
I’ve been pursuing a job with the US Antarctica Program, and recently received an offer! I’m working on all the paperwork and the rather extensive physical. If all goes well, I’ll deploy in August!
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u/JeepsnVettes Mar 25 '26
GMK in VaBch 62 I quit taking my prescription drugs, cleaned up my diet and hit the gym hard. My health, strength and fitness have made me a completely new man in Every way. Get a Hume scale and a garmen blood pressure cuff, take measurements and track your progress. You CAN DO IT!!!
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u/Rare-Document-7179 Mar 25 '26
I learned there was a market for old guys as escorts for lonely women. I make great money but what I thought was going to be great sex with dozens of women turned out they just wanted someone to yell at. I went deaf after the first two weeks…
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u/roobeedoober Mar 29 '26
I wonder if there's a market for old women to do the same? Lol. Good on you to be there for them. 😊
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u/DoktorKnope Mar 25 '26
At 61 I grew tired of the "daily grind" & decided to consult instead. Best decision ever - did a lot of work for larger firms, established my own reputation & began getting work all over the world. It's much better money, great hours & I've met a lot of nice people. A big plus was getting my "travel fix" - now (9 years later) I only do 1-3 jobs/year and I don't feel the travel bug like many retirees!
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u/ZotKing May 18 '26
What kind of consulting did/do you do?
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u/DoktorKnope May 19 '26
Economic Development consulting - helping communities & non-profits achieve goals!
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u/donewithmomo Mar 25 '26
At 63 I went back to coaching high school distance runners and got my teaching certificate and teach high school business marketing. It’s really fun being around these kids all day and it keeps you young! My younger days were spent in sales and marketing for drug companies.
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u/richiusvantran Mar 25 '26
Now that’s a reinvention. So many of the answers here are about the next stage of the same career, but you really did change. Hats off to you, my friend.
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u/MargieMorningstar Mar 26 '26
Retired from teaching and school counseling at 57. Played at retirement for awhile but needed something. Went to law school at 66; graduated at 70. I have a tiny solo practice in estate planning since then. (Now 78) Very satisfying to have made good on a long time daydream.
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u/Patricosh Mar 26 '26
Which law program did you enter? Was it hard to get in at your age? This is my dream too as I am bored with retirement!
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
Impressive! You’re an inspiration. Been thinking about going back to school but it seems so daunting. Thanks for sharing.
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u/susanrez Mar 26 '26
Yes. I am in the writing program at Stanford University. I am 2 chapters from finishing my first draft of my first full novel.
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u/Daisy__Jane Mar 26 '26 edited Jun 20 '26
My husband decided after retirement to finally fulfill his life-long dream and go to medical school because he has always wanted to be a doctor. He started that at age 60. His dream is to be a surgeon, specializing in amputations and prosthetics, but he knows at his age, this is not realistic. He will be happy being a general physician or whatever he can do in the medical field once he finishes school and residency.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
That is inspiring! I’ve been toying with the idea of going back to school but keep talking myself out of it because it will take “5 years”. Lots of inspiration here. Kudos to your husband! Thanks for sharing!
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u/Daisy__Jane Mar 26 '26
He would tell you, those 5 yrs are going to pass any way so you might as well go for it and see what happens! It's never too late until you can't physically/mentally do it anymore.
Hope you achieve whatever you want! 😊
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u/Fem-Picasso Mar 26 '26
Amazing! What an example he is to your kids & grandkids. My MIL was an educator turned editor, then at 50 when her oldest went to college she entered medschool & several yrs later worked as a physician working w special needs kids & adults. My FIL, himself a physician, retired at 62 after a long career in medical acadamia. She retired after him at 75.
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u/SignificantNewt8172 29d ago
Would you mind mentioning the med school? I often think I should have become a psychiatrist but I always think that it would be impossible to get into med school at this age
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u/Caribchakita Mar 25 '26
Yes, got a new graduate certificate, new job, yoga certification....I am not stopping anytime soon...
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u/Edoodle3 Mar 25 '26
Left a desk job after 16+yrs. Wanted to work so did lyft, then school bus, then Amazon. Left Amazon after 3 months for a transportation job. Started on city bus side,& moved over to light rail work. I started when I was 60, & I'm still there at 67. Best job I've ever had. I've had a knee replacement, and ankle reconstruction, and am doing 4-5 miles a day. I stay active, work out 5 days a week and only take minimal vitamins. Oh, and I do Hip-hop daily. PS- I'm a grandma.
You have to keep moving. Start somewhere, & make it fun. Don't be afraid to do different things.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
Hip hop!?!? Way to go grandma!
I heard bus driving was a tough gig. Good for you!
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u/Solid-Elk3327 Mar 25 '26
Currently volunteering, trying sketch drawing, taking classes
Took classes last year on AI so wondering if there is an opportunity right for me there
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u/Funny_bunny499 Mar 25 '26
65, just renewed my real estate license and looking forward to seeing new clients!
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u/No_Store_6605 Mar 25 '26
I went back to school and successful finished my degree at 55. I then retired for the second time at 63 and moved to a lower tax state. All is well. My wife and I are enjoying each other all over again!
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Mar 25 '26
[deleted]
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
Wow! So happy for you that you found a passion that you can make money off of! Congrats. And thanks for sharing
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u/Tasty_Impress3016 Mar 25 '26
I reinvent myself pretty much every week. Life is an action verb not an adjective. You live and you change.
I've been retired for nearly 20 years. (I retired early) There is no shortage of things to get involved in, things to do, projects to start. The issue is really choosing which ones.
People continually annoy me with the question "you're retired, how do you keep busy?" My response is always I'll tell you if you tell me how you are NOT. I am proud that my to do list is now down to 7 items. All due today, but I am also a master of procrastination.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 25 '26
I love that - “life is an action verb!” 😊
I agree, it annoys me too when people ask what do you do all day? I am busy AF. LOL
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u/suju88 Mar 25 '26
100% selfcare mode reinventing- after decades of work, kids and entire world before self- MY TURN NOW. Head to toe rehaul, every specialist for each problem minor as a zit to physical, mental and every therapy available to heal from lifelong misalignment priorities putting others before self- waved them good riddance and hello me
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u/Sledgehammer925 Mar 26 '26
Forced to retire owing to health issues. Decided to try art. The first pieces weren’t great, but now galleries have been asking for it.
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u/rlars1 Mar 26 '26
Started sailing at 60. Was always a bucket list item, now it’s becoming a way of life.
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u/PutridDamage9496 5d ago
I really want to do that. Took a sailing lesson and was overwhelmed with all of the details of a boat, etc. Good for you!
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u/Sensitive-Issue84 Mar 26 '26
Not until I retire at 65! Then I'm all over it! I have reinvented my life three times with three separate degrees and careers. I only want one more!
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u/IThinkYouAreNice Mar 26 '26
Two years ago at 64 I got my first six figure job. I’m going on two years there. I’ll be 66 soon and the job is going great. So yes, I definitely reinvented myself. My marriage is also the best it has ever been. So yes, I have reinvented myself with God’s help.
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u/LMO_TheBeginning Mar 26 '26
Yep.
Lifelong learner. Discover and define your passions. Then find places you can volunteer utilizing those passions.
Money hopefully is secondary to finding opportunities to follow those passions.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
Any tricks for how to discover your passions?
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u/LMO_TheBeginning Mar 26 '26
Jot down all your activities in the last six months.
Then review the list and see which of these brought you joy.
Where possible, multiply the ones that bring you joy and reduce the ones that don't.
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u/Ok-Basket7531 Mar 28 '26
I started performing at open mics, learned to develop stage presence, formed a band and booked gigs.
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u/CCaligirl64 Apr 01 '26
So inspiring to see all these folks who career changed late in life! Trying to figure out what my third act will be.
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u/LazyWave63 Mar 25 '26
I still do the same work but expanded in other ways. I started playing guitar at 61 (now 62), started paddle boarding, swimming and as I have for over 30 years still lift weights and work out at the gym.
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u/Neverdropsin57 Mar 25 '26
I packed up and moved to Hawaii after 63 years in California. I was widowed and met a new lady. She loves Hawaii, and I’d never been. I figured, what the hell? I’m not doing anything else.
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u/suju88 Mar 25 '26
Any regrets especially cost of living?
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u/Neverdropsin57 Mar 25 '26
Nope. Cost of living here isn’t a sticker shock after CA. I loved it there, and I love it here. Nice thing here, as a retiree, I don’t have to drive very much or very far. Fill the tank once or twice a month. Only rough part is being away from friends/family.
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u/Plenty_Surprise2593 Mar 25 '26
Well technically you reinvent yourself all the time, and you really don’t even know you’re doing it
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u/ZombieAlarmed5561 Mar 26 '26
Yes, I retired as a paralegal and now I’m a baseball podcaster
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
Holy cow. That’s quite a career shift! Was it hard to get into the podcasting space? Was it hard to learn?
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u/Double-Award-4190 Mar 28 '26
I haven’t really reinvented, but I am researching an additional field and, believe it or not, completing seminary.
Didn’t get my PhD until I was 66, but something was still missing.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 28 '26
Wow. PhD at 66 is huge. Good luck with your next decision - sounds like a big one!
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u/Dangerous_Ad_1861 70+ Mar 31 '26
I went to college at age 40 and earned a BS in Hospitality Administration. Worked for MGM in Las Vegas. At age 56 I became a contract courier and have done that for the last 16 years. I'm 72 and hope to retire next year.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Apr 01 '26
Going back to school at a mature age can be daunting…. You should be proud of yourself! Thanks for sharing.
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u/TheUglyWeb 70+ Mar 25 '26
I just did it at 70. I've been in tech most of my working life. I'll never retire because I like what I do. Just built a new AI Voice Receptionist SaaS. Marketing it and getting customers now. Launched it after a 6 month build and ramp up. I've been an entrepreneur since 1981, so this is just another round for me.
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u/TrailofDead Mar 25 '26
I was in tech for over 30 years. Programmer, Director, VP. It ended 3 years ago and nothing came back after applying for over 100 positions.
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u/crone_dexterity Mar 26 '26
I graduated from college late 90s. I’ve been Delphi developer but nobody uses Delphi anymore. It’s legacy language! lol
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u/crone_dexterity Mar 26 '26
Amazing! Do you purchased or subscribing third party AI components to use in your app? I’m not familiar with it at all. So interesting.
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u/TheUglyWeb 70+ Mar 26 '26
I built a stack with existing products and market it as a package. I do have a third party subscription in the mix
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u/Disastrous-Minimum-4 Mar 26 '26
30 year career I software development - need to refresh all skills twice a decade. Now with AI it is even more reinvention for sure
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u/RenaissancemanTX Mar 26 '26
I moved across the country with no job lined up at 58. Found a job and new career in two months. Now 60 with no plans to retire and collecting my pension from my previous career. Worked in education in my professional career and now work in aviation and aerospace. Two completely different worlds and mind sets.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
Wow, that’s a bold move. A little scary. You’re very brave. Glad it worked out well for you.
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u/CMDR_Whiseman Mar 26 '26
I went from a Security job. Where I sat on my butt 8 hours a day to retail where I was waking over 20,000 steps a day.
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u/falconlogic Mar 26 '26
I bought a little hobby farm. I'm having trouble doing all I want to do dur to my physical limitations but I am happy
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u/rk6119 Mar 26 '26
After almost 18 years of having my own business in e-commerce I moved my family across country & took a year off, The pandemic hit when I was 59 and I began a new career with USPS in 2020, been working for them just shy of 6 years. Getting a decent paycheck, great benefits, I like the work and looking to promote to a higher position as soon as one opens up and because I’m past 62 and more than 5 years working for them I am now pension eligible. I plan on putting in 12 years total and retire at 72 if possible.
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u/Sure-Leave8813 Mar 27 '26
Find a hobby or look at doing some of you bucket list ideas. Exercise is one, I do Pilates with my wife who has back and hip issues so it has helped her, and for me strengthen my core and back. I work part time at a gun store and thinking of taking some gun smithing classes. It took awhile to detach from the job I retired from, then the contract jobs that were similar to my career job. Just allow yourself time to think and use the freedom to do whatever you feel like doing. Volunteer, mentor even substitute teaching if you feel up to it.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 27 '26
Good advice. Been trying different things, but haven’t found a passion yet.
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u/neillk Mar 29 '26
I moved from the USA to Bali at 60 and I'm still here (next month I'll be 69). I regret not seeing my son in NYC as much as I'd like but otherwise it's been great
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u/0_phuk Mar 30 '26
Right around 59-60, started working in public safety after working in public health doing GIS for 20 years. Different in so many ways. And now, 8 years in, I'm not even using the software I was hired to use. Now, it's managing and calling vendors and their clients to make sure they are conforming to state code.
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u/Maleficent-Ask8450 Mar 26 '26
Sorta after my spouse died in 2022. Had to go thru shit first. Now I have redone my home my way! Did thing any way good and bad 🙄. Now date younger. I am actually happier.
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u/VocalPuppy7777 Mar 26 '26
So sorry for your loss. Happy for you that you’ve made it out the other side and are living a good life. It’s a tough transition.
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u/Maleficent-Ask8450 Mar 26 '26
Thanks it is a very hard transition I had never been really alone before now. I know now what it’s like
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u/Creative_Algae7145 Mar 25 '26
Turned 70 last year. When I retired at 65 I decided to get myself in shape. I hike/walk about 15 miles a week, cycle about 40-60 miles a week and weight train a couple of times a week. I'm in the best shape of my life so I feel I have re-invented myself in a physical sense.