Considering a second career in your golden years? You are in good company. Whether it is doing something that is more enjoyable while paying the bills or work that offers more flexibility and satisfaction, many retirees do think about it. In fact, an annual retirement expectations survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows that 74 percent of workers plan to get a new job after they retire. Duncan Hines started licensing his name to baked goods and mixes, his third career, when he was in his early 70s. And Colonel Sanders become a KFC mogul at the age of 65. Even Ronald Reagan began his political career when he was 55. Let’s look at some other others who made it big after 50. People Who Switched Careers After 50  
  • Duncan Hines: Best known for the brand of cake mixes that bear his name, Duncan Hines began as a travelling salesman for a printing business. Having eaten many meals on the road by the time he was 55, Hines went on to establish a successful second career, writing restaurant and hotel guides for American road-trippers. His work as an author and critic made him famous enough to start the cake-mix business when he was in his 70s.
  • Colonel Sanders: Sanders held a number of jobs as a steam engine stoker, insurance salesman and filling station operator in his early life. Records show that he only became the KFC mogul when he was 65. When competition affected his relatively successful restaurant and motel in Corbin, KY, he turned to perfecting his spice blend and quick-cooking technique for making fried chicken. He toured the country selling Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises and had over 900 of them by the time he sold the business for $2 million in 1964.
  • Judge Judy: Did you know that Judge Judy’s courtroom show debuted when she was 53? As per biographical reports, when Judith Blum (now Judy Scheindlin) started law school in the early 60s, she was the only woman in her class. Her career change to prosecution and then family court judge is what paved the way for her hugely-successful TV show. “Judge Judy” was launched in 1996, the same year she retired from the bench. In 2013, she became the highest-paid star on television, earning $47 million per year. Her contract runs through 2020.
  • Julia Child: American author, chef and TV personality, Julia Child started to achieve fame only after 40. She was in her late 40s when her book “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” was published and 50 when her PBS show, The French Chef, debuted. Child, who died in 2004 at age 91, continued writing and a television career well into her 80s.
  • Ronald Reagan: The 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan was elected to his first public office at the age of 55 years. A famous actor and union leader, nothing in his career suggested he would enjoy two terms as president. However, when leaving office in 1989, Reagan held an approval rating of 68 percent, matching that of Franklin D. Roosevelt and later Bill Clinton, as the highest ratings for departing presidents in the modern era.
At Wesley Enhanced Living, we aim to help our seniors reconnect with their lifelong passion and pursuits. High-quality accommodations, programming, cuisine and care make them feel at home and provide them with opportunities to engage in their interests. We find innovative solutions to make our communities more value-driven and purpose-filled for our residents. Come and tour our independent living options to see how we operate. One of our Sales Managers will be happy to show you around, educate you on our services and discuss your requirements. Wesley Enhanced Living provides high-quality care for you and your loved ones. Please visit our independent living communities to know more or click here to request more information today.