Learn how to stay connected to the profession even after your retirement.
Published March 2026
Many school business administrators and offices are working at capacity to meet the challenges of each day, leaving little time to tackle desired projects or apply creative problem-solving. Here is where an experienced school business leader can use their knowledge and skills to fill the gap. How can you find these post-retirement opportunities?
Identify the areas of school business that are your realm of expertise and interest.
Reach out to active SBOs to let them know you are available to help. Leverage your own contacts, affiliate networks, and online websites to find new opportunities. Don’t neglect to reach out to vendors with whom you have worked, as well.
Plan to offer some free advice as you develop a reputation. Speaking at a school business meeting or vendor conference is a great way to let people know that you are an available expert in your field.
Create new business cards and social media profiles that make it clear what you have to offer and how you can be reached.
Revise your resume and create a new bio to focus on areas of expertise and ways you can help school business professionals.
Stay current on evolving school business issues through your state affiliate, ASBO International, and local and national news sources.
Unless you already have a direct connection to consulting work, know that it may take some time to get the word out about your expertise and availability.
For early and mid-career SBOs: Consider the resources you have available for senior colleagues with more flexible schedules. Find the time to identify what stand-alone efforts could help your team the most and outline them in clear terms. If you don’t already know a retired school business expert, reach out to your ASBO affiliate organization or ASBO International to help you connect with someone who understands your issue. All you might need is just one conversation or email exchange with an experienced colleague to uncover an innovative solution to address a pressing issue, or to at least get some sympathy and useful advice!
About the Author:
Adapted from, “De-tirement: Stay Involved on Your Terms,” by Gail M. Zeman, ASBO International School Business Affairs Magazine, March 2013, pp. 18-19.
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