Last updated on Mar 15, 2024

What do you do if you're a digital strategist approaching retirement and unsure of your career options?

As a digital strategist, you have spent years developing and implementing online marketing campaigns, analyzing data, and optimizing user experience. But what happens when you reach the age of retirement and want to explore new opportunities or challenges? How do you leverage your skills and experience to transition to a different role or sector? In this article, we will look at some of the options and considerations for digital strategists approaching retirement and how to prepare for the next phase of your career.

1 Assess your goals and preferences

The first step is to reflect on your personal and professional goals and preferences. Do you want to continue working full-time or part-time, or do you want to retire completely? Do you want to stay in the same industry or sector, or do you want to switch to a different one? Do you want to use your existing skills or learn new ones? Do you want to work for an employer or start your own business? These questions will help you narrow down your options and identify your priorities.

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Alessandro L.

I help you bootstrap marketing at scale | Digital Marketing
As a digital strategist nearing retirement, it’s crucial to reflect on your career goals and personal preferences. Consider whether you wish to continue working in a full-time, part-time, or consultancy capacity. Evaluate your passion for mentoring, teaching, or perhaps writing about your experiences and knowledge in digital strategy. This introspection will guide you towards a path that not only leverages your vast experience but also aligns with your current lifestyle preferences and aspirations.
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Jinal Pandya
My father is curious about AI & chatgpt and AI tools & its applications at the age of 60. So follow I’d curiosity, whatever would excite me. Also, who said it has to be just one thing, one can teach, consult, volunteer, open a business or do multiple things planned across the week whenever it feels right! I would love to keep my options open depending on what I would enjoy the most while also enjoying a balanced life.
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Emre Arisoy

Digital Director at Concept Istanbul
Contemplate your ideal future! Full-time or part-time work? Remain in digital strategy or explore new paths? Leverage existing skills or learn afresh? Consider freelancing, consulting, or entrepreneurship. Answering these questions will guide your next chapter.
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2 Update your skills and portfolio

The second step is to update your skills and portfolio to showcase your value and relevance. As a digital strategist, you have a lot of transferable skills that can be applied to different contexts and projects. However, you also need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the digital world. You can do this by taking online courses, attending webinars, reading blogs, or joining professional networks. You should also update your resume, portfolio, and online presence to highlight your achievements and showcase your expertise.

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Emre Arisoy

Digital Director at Concept Istanbul
Sharpen your digital edge! Leverage transferable skills, but bridge gaps with online courses or industry events. Refresh your resume, portfolio, and online presence to showcase expertise and remain relevant for your next chapter.
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3 Explore your options

Exploring your options and seeing what opportunities are available for digital strategists approaching retirement is the third step. Consulting can give you flexibility, variety, and autonomy, as well as a chance to share your knowledge and experience. Teaching can give you satisfaction, recognition, and income, as well as a way to stay connected and updated. Volunteering can provide purpose, fulfillment, and impact, as well as a chance to make a difference. You can offer your services as a consultant, teach at a college or university, or volunteer your skills and time to support a cause or community that you care about. All of these options provide unique benefits that can help you transition into retirement.

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Ram Prabhakar

Head of Solutions & Content at Xerago | Delivering Digital Impact to Global Brands
As a professional who has strategic experience that is approaching retirement, I would consider two options. 1. Identify a startup where you truly believe you can help them grow with the help of digital and apply for a consultant role. 2. Apply for a consultant role with an agency that is currently small but have aggressive plans for growth. Getting landed on any of these two options will make me feel gratified and financially secure myself.
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Emre Arisoy

Digital Director at Concept Istanbul
Explore diverse paths! Consulting offers flexibility and knowledge sharing. Teaching provides intellectual stimulation and connection. Volunteering fosters purpose and social impact. Consider these options (consultant, lecturer, volunteer) to find the perfect fit for your next chapter.
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4 Plan your transition

The fourth step is to plan your transition and prepare for the changes and challenges that come with it. You should consider the financial, legal, and practical aspects of your retirement and your new role or sector. You should also consider the emotional and psychological aspects of leaving your current job and starting a new one. You should seek advice from experts, mentors, or peers who have gone through a similar transition. You should also communicate your plans and expectations with your employer, colleagues, clients, and family.

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Emre Arisoy

Digital Director at Concept Istanbul
Plan your smooth landing! Consider financial, legal, and emotional aspects of your shift. Seek guidance from mentors or peers who've transitioned. Communicate plans with employer, colleagues, clients, and family for a seamless transition into your next chapter.
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5 Enjoy your retirement

The final step is to enjoy your retirement and the new opportunities and challenges that it brings. You should celebrate your achievements and contributions as a digital strategist and be proud of your career. You should also embrace your new role or sector and be open to learning and growing. You should also balance your work and life and take care of your health and well-being. You should also keep in touch with your network and community and seek support and feedback when needed.

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Emre Arisoy

Digital Director at Concept Istanbul
Savor your well-earned freedom! Celebrate your digital strategy legacy and embrace the unknown. Balance work and personal pursuits, prioritizing health and well-being. Maintain your network, seek support, and enjoy the next chapter filled with exciting possibilities.
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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you're a digital strategist approaching retirement and unsure of your career options?

1

2

3

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5

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1 Assess your goals and preferences

2 Update your skills and portfolio

3 Explore your options

4 Plan your transition

5 Enjoy your retirement

6 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Strategy

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What do you do if you're a digital strategist approaching retirement and unsure of your career options?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your goals and preferences

2 Update your skills and portfolio

3 Explore your options

4 Plan your transition

5 Enjoy your retirement

6 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Strategy

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