There are lots of reasons to keep working beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Even if you don’t need the money, having a steady job supplies an automatic answer to the question, “What is there to do today?” Boredom can be a serious health hazard, so working can not only enhance, but prolong life. There can also be financial reasons to keep working after retirement age. Luckily, no matter what your reason for staying employed, jobs are available, and there numbers are growing.
At the beginning of your job search ask yourself a few questions:
- How much do you want to work?
- How much money do you need?
- What type of work gives you satisfaction?
- Does your job have to be flexible, allowing you to work from home or the office, with flexible hours?
- Are you prepared to retrain and/or go back to school?
- What about starting your own company, or working for yourself?
Here are a few ideas for finding and keeping a job as a senior:
- You can start your own business. Launch a new product; open a bed and breakfast; offer tutoring services; translation services; and many more possibilities.
- Be sure that whatever you do, its something you love. Find a job that is connected to one of your hobbies. Find a job with flexible hours so you have free time to pursue your dreams.
- Do you love to travel? There are lots of jobs that allow you to travel at either reduced cost, or even with paid salaries. You can become a tour guide, a cruise ship dance partner, or some other employment related to travel.
- Now that you have reached retirement age, you are a fountain of knowledge and good advice for the new generation coming of age. Your experience and expertise is valuable, so why not sell it as a consultant.
- Go back to school, retrain, become something else that you want to be. Over half a million people in the USA over the age of 50 are either part-time or full-time students. You can do it, too!
- If money is not an issue, consider giving back to the community through volunteering your unique talents and energy. The Peace Corps reports that about 6% of their participants are 50+ years old. Make inquiries at your local library, hospital, church, school, etc. and see if you can lend a hand where it is most needed.
What you eventually decide to do will be determined by your unique needs and desires. Whatever you choose, know that staying active and engaged in society adds joy and satisfaction to life.