Whether seniors are heading back to work because of financial reasons or retirement is too much of a bore, greater amounts of older citizens are working well into their sixties and seventies. Eighty-seven percent of pre-retirees who plan to work desire to stay mentally active, according to an AARP survey. Seventy-three percent of working retirees desire to remain productive or useful. Whatever your reasons for reentering the working class, the right “recareering” strategy makes the transition into the new chapter of your life exponentially easier.
Previous Employment
Staying in touch with former employers and co-workers will greatly pay off for retirees seeking work. If you've lost touch with former professional connections, seek them out on Facebook or create an account for LinkedIn, a social networking site for professionals. Reentering a career, new or old, isn't as easy as in your younger days, and consequently, you'll need to solicit the assistance of past colleagues to find work. “The team is always stronger than the individual,” Mark Weinberger, CEO-elect of Ernst & Young, has stated according to WashingtonPost.com. “If you don’t have different perspectives, you are going to probably make the wrong decision.” Factor in the opinions and advice from people like Mr. Weinberger and take any help that is offered.
Part-Time & Contract Work
A survey of more than 3,000 human resource professionals and hiring managers found that approximately one-third of companies hire contract or temporary workers, according to AARP.org. This is an ideal “back door” for retired persons to slip into. Employers may be more willing to take a chance on older, “overqualified” individuals for temporary work. Part-time and contract work will provide a steady stream of income while keeping your mind sharp. Freelance work is another option for senior wordsmiths. Web site content creation is booming. Seniors with a passion for writing are encouraged to uncover contract jobs on CraigsList.org, suggests SeniorLiving.org.
At-Home Hobbies
Think about the monetary possibilities of your hobbies. You're unlikely to feel as reluctant to go back to work after retirement if it doesn't feel like work at all. Perhaps you have a background in education and teaching. Creating a tutoring service could be a great way to continue your passion for teaching while making money from home. Or are you adept at a musical instrument? Provide music lessons. If you're more of an arts and crafts type, take advantage of Etsy.com where you can sell your handmade art, jewelry, accessories and other supplies.
Telecommuting
Telecommuting or working from home is an attractive and advantageous option for senior workers. It's often very flexible and provides the at-home relaxation of retirement while earning a paycheck. The Internet has enabled anyone with a computer to work anywhere and anytime. Let's say that the travel bug has bitten you in your senior years. With telecommuting, you can still see the world and live wherever your heart desires without being chained to a single geographic location. There are an abundance of jobs for retirees that offer online commuting work. Writing and editing, teaching and tutoring, nonprofit organizations, consultancy work and a slew of others are all viable options for retirees.
