by Mary Shannon (Guest Author) | SeniorsMeet.org |
Photo via Pixabay
Many seniors find that after retirement, they need to return to the workforce in a part-time capacity. Sometimes, the reasons are financially driven, but other times it’s simply to find a purpose, to keep their minds sharp and engaged, or to stay active. There are many reasons to go back to work after retirement, but it can often be challenging or stressful in the beginning. You may feel unprepared for the change, or you may be intimidated by new technologies that are unfamiliar to you. The good news is that there are several jobs that are well-suited to seniors, and you’ll likely have many options to choose from.
The key is to think about where your strengths lie, as well as how you’d most like to spend your time. If you have mobility issues, you might look for a job that will allow you to sit or take breaks when you need them. If you’re a skilled typist, you can find a job that will allow you to work remotely, from the comfort of your own home. Seniors who have a lot of knowledge about history or science are often well-suited for jobs as tour guides at museums or educational centers. There’s something for everyone; it’s just a matter of finding the job that’s right for you.
Here are a few tips from finance and retirement planning expert Dion J. Jayakoddy on how to get back into the workforce with a part-time job.
Narrow Down the Field
There are many jobs out there, but only a few that might be right for your specific needs. Narrow down the field by looking for part-time employment opportunities in areas that interest you, such as substitute teaching, customer service, or seasonal work, and think about the type of schedule you want. Even if the work is part-time, they may need employees several days a week during their busiest time, or they may require mandatory weekends.
Work from Home
These days, technology has made it easier than ever for people to work remotely from the comfort of their own homes. If you’re skilled at typing, look for a blogging or freelance writing gig that you can do from your own computer. If you are interested in this type of work but aren’t familiar with the required technology — such as using a platform like WordPress — consider taking a class or watching online tutorials to get familiar with the requirements.
Use Your Expertise
Depending on what kinds of jobs you’ve had before, you may want to think about consulting. It’s a great way to earn extra money by doing something you’re already familiar with, and you may even be able to snag a freelance job from your former employer. This is a wonderful part-time job for accountants or those who worked in human resources or management, and it will allow you to use some of your past networking skills to build up a client base.
Help Others
While many nursing jobs can be physically demanding, you might be interested in enrolling in a program that will teach you how to become a home health aide or a licensed nursing assistant. These programs are often available at community colleges or through private programs and will teach you how to care for seniors who need help with daily activities. Not only is it rewarding, but it also requires you to stay sharp and engaged, which keeps you vital and active.
Start a Business
Although this will require a bit more work than a typical part-time job, starting a business during retirement is something that many seniors choose to do. This way, they can put in as many hours as they wish. Of course, running a business takes dedication and lots of work, especially if you decide to bring any employees along for the ride. For example, you’ll need to think about payroll, which can get a little complicated. What is payroll? It involves the act of paying your employees what they’re owed and making sure all taxes and withholdings are properly addressed. Again, starting a business takes a lot of hard work, but it could be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.
Returning to the workforce after retirement can be intimidating, frustrating, or overwhelming for many seniors. In order to make it easier on yourself, take some time to research your options and think about your goals. With a little planning, you can find the right part-time job for your needs.
Looking for more information on obtaining financial stability? Work with Dion J. Jayakoddy to explore your options, including ways to protect your assets (e.g., fixed retirement accounts vs. tying an annuity to the stock market to gain interest).
About the Author: Mary Shannon
Mary Shannon created SeniorsMeet.org, along with her husband, Bob, to have a website that allows seniors to meet up and talk about topics that are relevant to their daily lives. They hope to build SeniorsMeet into a supportive community of like-minded seniors.