Gordon taught elementary school for a short time and left that profession for a position in insurance sales and management with Atlanta Life. After completion of his certification he was assigned to set up and organize their Michigan Division Detroit Office. He and his family moved to Ypsilanti in 1949. In 1966 Gordon made another career change. On February 21, 1966 on the recommendation of Circuit Court Judges James R. Brakey Jr., William F. Ager Jr., Gov. George Romney and Chief Probation Officer Max Peet Jr., Gordon received a Certificate of Appointment as a Probation Officer for the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court. From 1969 - 1971 Gordon participated in the police department's Counselor program. In conjunction with his duties as a probation officer, Gordon often volunteered to assist in many other areas. For example, he volunteered in the non-profit Legal Aid Office that was funded by the University of Michigan Law School that represented battered spouses in legal proceedings involving children custody, domestic injunctions and divorces among others. Gordon officially retired on January 1, 1996.