EP26: The Next Chapter: Reinvention, Purpose, and Work After 50

00:00:05 Intro 

What could happen if we take our workforce to new heights? Workforce on the Mic, presented by Naudip, brings you inspirational stories, innovative solutions, and expert insights that are shaping the future of the workforce. Tune in for dynamic conversations that motivate and transform the workforce development community. And now, on to the episode. 

00:00:27 Alexis Franks 

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, all you workforce warriors across the country. My name is Alexis Franks, and I am your Director of Membership with the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. And welcome to another episode of Workforce on the Mic. In today’s episode, we are talking about a very important topic. 

Right now, as we move through 2026, we see a shift in the American labor market that we simply can’t afford to ignore. Right now, there are over 26 million Americans over the age of 55 actively working, whether by choice or necessity, a number that continues to climb. But here’s the disconnect, despite decades of experience and knowledge, 

Many workers are experiencing some form of age discrimination, and now we want to address and fix that. So we have with us today two incredible experts from the University of California at San Diego. We have Rebecca Smith and Ed Abeyta. Please help me if I mispronounced anything, but welcome to you both. 

And we’re so happy that we can have you with us today. We’re going to dig in and explore this topic a little bit further and really help our workforce listeners see how they can address all of the communities and populations of individuals that they work with. So Ed, if I can start with you, can you share exactly where you are in California and what you do in the workforce and education space to address this population? 

00:02:20 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

Sure. So it’s great to hang out with you today and all your listeners. I’m in the specialization of workforce development across the lifespan. I serve as associate dean at the University of California, San Diego Extension. And my work sits at the intersection between workforce development, lifelong learning, and community engagement. And our work really looks at lifelong learning beyond just traditional models, where we are looking all the way from early childhood to retirement, 

or as I’ve written in a book called Moving from Twinkle to Wrinkle. And I look forward to having this conversation today. 

00:02:57 Alexis Franks 

Awesome. And Rebecca, can you share with us a little bit more about your journey in workforce and education? 

00:03:03 Rebecca Smith 

Absolutely, thank you. So I’ve actually had the opportunity to work with UCSD Extension and Dr. Abeyta for many years now, and have also done different career management and human resources and leadership development types of initiatives in places from High Tech High to Qualcomm. I will add, if I may, Alexis, to the statistic that you mentioned earlier, though, this topic about seasoned employees is really critical for us since Ed and I are living this right now, right?  

And a few other data points that I’ve really been paying attention to is that we’re looking at these seasoned employees who are also leaning towards the entrepreneurship space. So 25% of new businesses started by entrepreneurs ages 55 to 64, 25%, a quarter of those businesses are in this age group. And so you start to think about where they are pointed. And then the other thing that also gets to be sometimes really hard is that Harvard Business Review said that 75% of the caregivers for the elderly right now are employees, professionals in the thick of the work, right, over 50. 

00:04:13 Alexis Franks 

Wow. 

00:04:13 Rebecca Smith 

So lots going on. So you’re going to put age discrimination now on the table, and I’m going to put entrepreneurship on the table, as well as caregiving for the elderly. 

So much, so much. So to be here with you. 

00:04:26 Alexis Franks 

Yeah, and there’s, that’s true, Rebecca. There are so many factors to consider when we’re looking at how we can provide services to those seasoned employees, as you mentioned. And really, if you could continue and describe some of the work that UC San Diego is actually doing to help those that are transitioning or they’re in a point in their career where they’re taking those next steps and even considering entrepreneurship or what’s next in their career pathway. And I’ll direct that at either you, Rebecca or Ed. 

00:04:59 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

I’ll jump in right off the bat and just say one of the areas that I’m excited about is the role extension and continuing education is playing in our overall landscape of education. And for UC San Diego, what we have traditionally been known for is this beast of a research university where we produce STEM majors and also integration of arts and sciences all together in what we believe is a very special place in San Diego. But at extension, what we really looked at is not just our profession in a adult learning environment. We realize now there’s inflection points all the way from middle school, high school, it’s getting ready, getting set up. And then even if you get a degree or go into the workplace, what we realize is that sustainability and being able to be adaptable through massive changes that keep coming in the workplace.  

But then there is this new area, but it’s not new for us. It’s just an awakening of this demographic of 50 plus that is special in a way that they have a new chapter. And before, maybe we had some stereotypes that you would go into retirement and go on cruises or whatever these ideas that we have for retirement. But the fact is, that we’re living longer. We have much more to give. And the challenges we have with that is that you’re not done at retirement. You have so much more to give. And 

The challenges faced with this demographic is there’s still purpose and experience. That doesn’t mean you’re outdated. It means that you’re repurposing and recalibrating your skills. And at our area, what we provide is a new version of education that is not just geared on tests and going to class for evaluation. It’s about creating a sense of community and sharing ideas, experiences, and being able to leverage those talents all across our community in different ways that we can talk about a little bit later. But it’s being able to add purpose and value. And when you wake up in the morning going, I got a lot to do today, because what some of the folks are telling me is that, geez, I don’t know how much, how I got everything done with this work that got in the way. I’m busy. I got a lot of things to do. 

00:07:11 Rebecca Smith 

Well, I’ll just say what I appreciate about UCSD Extension over the years is exactly as Ed said, there is a sense of these inflection points along the way. And years ago, I taught a series for UCSD Extension that was about alternative careers for lawyers, alternative careers for teachers, and alternative careers for nurses. And really looking at people who had come to an inflection point where they were realized that this job that they had trained for really was something different for them and they wanted something else.  

And so we’re finding a similar inflection point when they’re coming to this place in their life, sort of time wise, right? Instead of trying to think about a different sector, different job to move to, but just what do I do with this next season of my life? So about 18 months ago, I brought a book to Ed here and the book was by Joanne Lipman called Next, The Power of Reinvention in Life and work. And really inspired by that book, I said, Ed, there’s something going on here, exactly to everything that he just said, is that people are saying, you know what, yes, no cruises, maybe not even pickleball. We’re really thinking about, do I start a new business? Do I move into more of my artistic career? Do I start to do more in the community as a civic leader? There’s so much more. This is not about going down the backside. This is now about, like, we’re climbing a new mountain, if you will. Paraphrasing David Brooks. 

00:08:39 Alexis Franks 

I love that idea of this new way or different way of learning for those that may be at specific points in their career. And it really is designed to include anyone. So I love the idea of helping everyone to think through what their next step looks like. We appreciate that work that you’re doing there. So for our listeners, we know this is designed actually for two sets of audiences, right? We have a demographic of workforce professionals that are reaching this point in their lives as well, as well as those that we work with in our communities and in our workforce programs that may be at one of those inflection points. So how can our listeners really effectively help those that they’re working with or those that they may be in a position to make this decision themselves to rebrand and rethink how they’re actually approaching the next step in their career? 

00:09:37 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

one of the first things that comes to mind is that when we’re starting to talk about this population, it’s not about aging out. It’s about leveling up. 

00:09:45 Alexis Franks 

Yes. 

00:09:45 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

And that, you know, this whole bill of experience that we have, that’s an asset. And that really what we’re trying to look at, so many people retiring, there was structure day to day. There was identity. And there was a sense of cadence that was just structurally for goals that in many cases, like I got to have the right retirement account. I’ve got to have X, Y, and Z, the right location. Got the kids, if you have kids, got to make sure you got the dogs and cats and everyone working together in the household to move forward. But what I think right now we forget is that this population has three things that I think are really remarkable when we start thinking about reframing kind of the conversation. That’s just that the experience that they have is such an asset that it helps reframe and support and complement to organizations, especially startups.  

And in San Diego, that’s a majority of our workforce is startup companies. And those experiences help guide and help become, in some cases, a council for experiences that help elevate new ideas to adapt in current settings. And also, one of the things is, even if you have all these experiences, one of the things to convey is showcasing your adaptability, that through your lifetime, you’ve been able to say, hey, I’ve been through some stuff. And on the other side is that I’ve learned how to have coping mechanisms, networks, and support. You know, William Bridges, author of Transition, used to talk about moving in, moving through, moving out, and this whole cycle of being able to go through those processes. 

A key part is adaptability and understanding that there’s a shift that occurs. And we joke sometimes, what do you do when shift happens? Will you adapt? And this is the kind of mindset of an adaptation of a new lifestyle of a new chapter of WIN’s life. And the last would be to speak, being able to position individuals in this age and stage, not just as problem solvers, not just job seekers, but problem solvers, that they have the experience that they can go in and say, you know what, I have all these experiences that I mentioned earlier, but let me know that my motivation is not just about a paycheck anymore. It’s about giving back and using all this knowledge that it can be put for a good cause or a good focus because I’ve built my identity, and I may have had some experiences, successes. How do you translate that into being a catalyst for others to grow and evolve and demonstrate the most amazing, beautiful thing? And that’s elevating our entire community. But that’s nothing new for Rebecca, who’s been doing this for a long time with me. 

00:12:19 Rebecca Smith 

I feel like I want to say amen again. Thank you. So I’m hearing you say leveling up, adaptability for sure. 

And then Alexis, he said an interesting word that I want to pick up on. He said the word cycling, that we’re going through that this is not a linear path. And we are cycling through with whether it’s the workforce development professional or the individual in front of them that is looking for transformation. So I was looking at three things that I wanted to share if you were talking to somebody here. And I realized as I’m about to share these three things, these are very similar to the three things I used to share with college students right? As they are thinking, oh no, I’m going to graduate. Where am I going to go? What am I going to do? Right?  

And so here you come to this inflection point. And the first aspect is really in a sense figuring out what your purpose is. As Ed was just saying, there’s a community out here that needs you, needs us. So what is your purpose in that? Maybe you are a builder, maybe you are someone who starts up, but maybe you’re a sustainer, maybe you’re a connector or an influencer, maybe you’re a healer or an encourager, but whatever that is, that purpose, figuring that out. And that purpose is really linked to your interests. 

How are you wired? What lights you up? Where do you pay attention? What are you attuned to? And again, people have different interests. And when they work together, there it is. That makes it really magical, right? So what’s your purpose? What’s your interest? That, for us, is really like number one. And then secondly, making sure that you’re taking care of your well-being and your health, especially since there’s so much going on. 

And I think for us, as we were kind of going through our early stages of the workforce, maybe that was something we didn’t pay attention to as much. It’s definitely something that I know our emerging employees are very much considering well-being and mental health. And then I also realize it’s something that we need to be at this stage in life too, especially if you are raising children or caring for elderly adults or even just caring for your own health too. So interest and purpose, your own well-being and health.  

And then finally, this last part of the cycle is exactly as Ed was saying. Think about your community, think about your networks. We cannot get by. We can’t go to our next step without figuring out who’s already there, who has opened a door for us, who has mentored us through, and then who are we mentoring? Who are we opening the doors for? I’m a fan of not just talking about mentorship, but talking about sponsorship. Can I make a call for someone? 

Because I can tell you somebody just made a call for me last week, right? And how do we make sure that we are doing that all day in really in service to our community? So interest and purpose, well-being and health, and then figuring out your networks in the community. 

00:15:00 Alexis Franks 

Those were some really big key pieces. And we just recently had a conversation with new professionals and workforce development and what their career pathways look like. And this idea of there being a cycle, that was one of the big things that was a takeaway. So I really, you drove it home for us today that your career pathway and your journey is not, it does not have to be linear. That cycle of how you move through your career journey is really what can make it impactful and successful and how you give back to yourself and your community.  

So I love this idea of thinking for our workforce listeners in that cycle instead of a linear pathway. That is a big piece that we can all take away from today’s episode. I really appreciate that. And it is a mental shift of how we really think about one, how we’re providing services and then how we think about our own futures. You know, I’ve always remember hearing my parents or others say, it’s very important for you to have a job that you can stay at and for 30 years and you build up exactly as you said, Ed, the right retirement plans and the right future for yourself. So you’re taking care of and the fact that that has shifted so much means that our approach has to shift as well and how we’re providing our services and working with individuals at any stage in their career. So that’s huge for me. So I have just one more question for you all. I know we’re wrapping up our time together today, but for our workforce listeners that are joining us today, 

What is a practical and tactical first step that they can take when they’re sitting with someone or they’re deciding on their own career and their own next steps? What is something that they can do as they continue along those pathways and provide those services? 

00:17:02 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

Well, I would just jump in and say the very first step is not tactical, it’s psychological. It’s about having a mind shift about individuals walking into a conversation. The first thing is, some people are coming into this new area of their age and stage with doubt, frustration, and even fear sometimes. And so the responsibility to establish confidence is a huge boost for confidence and also possibility. And I would actually suggest that we, individuals that are listening to this might think about maybe a framework, the ITA framework, which is essentially inventoring, understanding your inventory skills and experiences and networks and interests.  

But also, and then looking at the translate and being able to say, okay, let me take all these portfolio, who I am, and be able to translate that into the market in today. Being able to adjust and calibrate that into the workforce today, and then activating, being able to say, okay, let’s start with a couple steps. It doesn’t help, by the way, have to be done overnight. This is not building Rome in one day. It’s about taking, minor micro steps, whether it’s LinkedIn or looking at that engagement with people you haven’t connected in the past with a mindset saying, I’m ready to do something new. And I’m going to, I welcome you to be part of my personal advisory committee.  

And one of the things we’ve been talking about more and more is about this notion about me incorporated, you as a brand. And if you were to look at yourself about, if I was an investor, would they look at me and invest in me with a high confidence of return because of my health, education, adaptability, and those things that have helped me translate into making an impact no matter what I’m doing? So for myself, I would again maybe conclude kind of some of the statements that, your career is not defined by your age. It’s really defined by your relevance and your willingness to continue evolving. 

00:18:49 Rebecca Smith 

I would say amen again, right? 

So one of the things that I said earlier is when your interests and then you get to work with people who are wired differently and yet you are pointed in the same direction, then you can build some really cool things together. So Alexis, I think I’m going to take my final answer in a really different direction. 

One of the things that I found in this research is out there now that says that one of the things that can actually help you age more successfully is to start pursuing creative endeavors. And actually, thanks to Dr. Abeyta, which is a whole different podcast, I’ve been able to really start to see some community artistic endeavors of my own that have really helped me, I feel, be a better professional in helping the workforce. And so if I may land the plane, drop the mic, if you will, with a very, very brief poem that goes like this. The time will come when with elation you will greet yourself, arriving at your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at each other’s welcome and say, sit here. Eat. Sit. Feast on your life. Derek Walcott, feast on your life. And that’s my message to our experienced employees. Wow, that’s beautiful. 

00:20:09 Alexis Franks 

That is, it is absolutely beautiful. And thank you for those thoughts. 

And Rebecca, you must be very familiar with workforce on the mic because we do have mic drop moments. And so you have given us one of our mic drop moments from today’s episode. And you’ve given us so much throughout our conversation today. 

We really want to take the time as workforce professionals to think it’s a career of the career journey as a cycle. 

I love Ed what you said that your career is not defined by your age. 

And Rebecca, that beautiful poem that you shared with us, it’s really a time for us to reflect and see where we are going and what our next step might be and to enjoy the career path and journey just as it is. It’s truthfully a journey. 

So we appreciate you both so much for joining us today. If anyone would like to connect or engage with you further after this episode, what would be the best way to do that with you both? 

00:21:10 Rebecca Smith 

LinkedIn. 

00:21:11 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

I think LinkedIn is great. Or if you want to look up Rebecca, you’re going to have about 18 different numbers to go down and dig deep at her background because she’s pretty kind of a big deal. 

00:21:23 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

But I also encourage you to also reach out through some of the areas where we work at UC San Diego.mIf I didn’t tell you earlier, she’s one of our esteemed alums from UC San Diego that we look to as one of the big impact players that graduated from UC San Diego and really making a difference in our community. 

00:21:41 Alexis Franks 

Awesome, awesome. Well, thank you both so much again for joining us. I know we barely got to scratch the surface of how deep this conversation can really go. 

So we appreciate your engagement. We hope to continue to engage you through NAWDP, and thank you again for joining us. 

00:21:59 Ed Abeyta, Ph.D. 

Thank you. 

00:21:59 Rebecca Smith 

Thank you, Alexis. 

00:22:01 Alexis Franks 

Before we wrap up, make sure to register for the upcoming NAWDP Business Services Academy. This event is specifically designed to equip workforce professionals with the advanced tools, business engagement strategies, and pipeline development skills needed to better serve local employers. 

Spaces fill up fast, so head over to www.nawdp.org today to secure your spot. 

00:22:36 Conclusion 

Thank you for listening to Workforce on the Mic, presented by NAWDP. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

To learn more about NAWDP and to become a member, visit www.nawdp.org. That’s www.nawdp.org.