The Music of the Second Act: Why I Traded Actuarial Tables for Financial Tables (and a Trumpet)

Starting a new chapter after decades in one profession can feel daunting. Yet, it can also bring fresh purpose and joy. After more than 40 years as an actuary, I found myself drawn to an encore career in financial planning. Alongside this, I revived a long-held passion for playing the trumpet in my church orchestra. These experiences taught me how encore careers and avocations can enrich life beyond traditional retirement.

Trumpet resting on sheet music in church orchestra

Why the "Encore" is Better Than the First Act

We often treat retirement like a finish line, but I’ve come to see it as a stage door. An encore career isn't just about "staying busy." For me, it’s been about:

• Fresh Purpose: Swapping corporate models for individual dreams.

• Sharpening the Mind: There is nothing like a new certification or a tricky piece of sheet music to keep you on your toes.

• The Power of Connection: Whether it’s a client reaching their goals or a harmony clicking in the orchestra, these moments are what make the second act so rich.

  
  

For me, after decades of analyzing risks and numbers as an actuary, I wanted to apply my expertise more directly to help individuals and families plan their financial futures. This desire led me to financial planning.

Transitioning from Actuary to Financial Planner

The shift from actuary to financial planner was both natural and challenging. Actuaries focus on assessing risk and uncertainty, often for insurance companies or large organizations. Financial planners work closely with clients to create personalized strategies for managing money, investments, and retirement.

Here’s how I approached the transition:

• Leveraging existing skills: My background in risk analysis and statistics gave me a strong foundation for financial planning.

• I realized that passion alone wasn't enough; I wanted to back it with the best tools available. That’s why I pursued the Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) designation—to bridge the gap between complex math and real-world retirement security.

• Building client relationships: Unlike actuarial work, financial planning requires direct communication and trust-building with clients.

• Adapting mindset: I shifted from focusing on large-scale models to individual goals and emotions around money.

  
  

This transition took time and effort, but it was rewarding to see how my work could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

But if financial planning is my new 'work,' I needed something that felt like pure play.

Finding the Harmony: Why Every Career Needs a Soundtrack

While financial planning became my encore career, I also rediscovered my passion for playing the trumpet. Music has always been a source of joy and relaxation for me, but I had set it aside during my busy actuarial career.

Joining the Calvary Church Orchestra allowed me to:

• Reconnect with creativity: Playing music engages a different part of the brain and spirit.

• Build community: The orchestra is a supportive group that shares a love of music and fellowship.

• Balance work and leisure: Music provides a healthy outlet and counterbalance to professional responsibilities.

  
  

This avocation complements my encore career by enriching my life outside of work and keeping me energized.

A Few Notes for Your Own Journey

If you’re standing at that stage door wondering if there’s a second act for you, here is what I’ve learned:

• Look for the "Leftover" Passions: What did you set aside thirty years ago to build your career? Pick it back up.

• Start Small, But Start: You don't have to launch a firm on day one. Take a class, volunteer, or join a local group.

• Give Yourself Grace: Transitions take time. Some days the notes will be flat, and that’s okay.

How Encore Careers Benefit Society

It turns out, I’m not alone. I’m seeing more people in our community trading the 'gold watch' for a new set of goals. When we bring decades of experience into new fields like financial services or education, we aren't just staying busy—we're offering a kind of mentorship and reliability that only comes with time.

By choosing an encore career, you contribute to a culture that values lifelong learning and active aging. This mindset can inspire others to pursue meaningful work at any stage of life.

The Best is Yet to Play

Today, my life feels more balanced than it ever did during my "standard" career years. I’m still growing, still practicing, and still learning. If you’re considering an encore career or rekindling an old flame, remember: the skills and passions you’ve spent a lifetime building aren't expiring—they’re just getting ready for the best part of the show.