56: Temping your way to a new career (over age 60)

When her longtime boss passed away in 2022, Lisa Pollione found herself at a crossroads with her career—in her 60s. 

In this episode, Lisa shares how she reinvented her professional life after two decades as a trusted chief of staff and executive assistant to a pharmaceutical advertising executive.

Lisa recalls the actions she took: signing up with temp agencies, exploring new paths, and staying open to opportunities. After trying out a few different roles as a temp, she’s now thriving in a new career as a compliance officer.

If you're wondering, "what's next for me?", maybe temping is the way to go. Lisa offers honesty, humor, and practical advice for all career changers, especially those over 60.

Episode Highlights:

• Having a stressful job as the right hand to a busy executive

• Facing a crossroads after losing a longtime employer

• Why temp agencies can help you explore different paths

• Learning new skills while working as a temp

• Taking on responsibilities beyond the job description 

• Why being proactive and flexible wins out over credentials  

• What to look for in company culture before committing full-time

• What to tell temp agencies when you’re not sure what you want

Resources:

Top 10 U.S. Temp Staffing Firms:

Manpower: https://www.manpower.com/

Kelly: https://www.kellyservices.com/

Robert Half: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en

Adecco: https://www.adecco.com/en-us

Randstad: https://www.randstadusa.com/

Express Employment Professionals: https://www.expresspros.com/

Aerotek: https://www.aerotek.com/en

PeopleReady: https://www.peopleready.com/

MRINetwork: https://mrinetwork.com/

Staffmark: https://staffmark.com/

More temp agencies:

2025 America's Best Temp Staffing Firms by Forbes Magazine

Want more advice? Check out these additional episodes: 

Ep 4: Aged out: Making a career switch at over 50

Ep 16: Breaking into a new industry in your 50s

Ep 18: The pros and cons of being a full-time author

Ep 21: From side hustle to a new career

Ep 23: How being bilingual helps your new career

Ep 32: How to make a career change after 50

Ep 41: Pursuing your passion at any age

Ep 48: Tuning into your younger self

Music credit: TimMoor from Pixabay

Podcast info:
What's your career switch? What do you think about this episode and the show? Tell us at careerswitchpod.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.