A Basic Guide to Seeking Work in Retirement

Today’s post is a guest post from Sharon Wagner. Her website is https://seniorfriendly.info and I’d love for you to check it out!

Working as a senior can seem taboo, especially if you’ve just reached your much-awaited retirement. However, there are many reasons why a senior may want to go back to work. They may want some extra money to enjoy their hobbies, or they want to make new connections. Whether you want to continue your existing career or are seeking a new industry, figuring out a strategy for post-retirement work can be made easier with the help of technology and the following tips.

Best Sectors for Seniors

 Some seniors want to continue working in the industry they built a career in, while others want to switch things up completely. A few great sectors for seniors to get started in include:

Retail

Customer-facing roles tend to be flexible and perfect for part-time working. This kind of job can also be a wonderful opportunity if you are among the one in three seniors who are dealing with loneliness, since you get the chance to speak to people all the time.

Insurance

The insurance market is one of many that are facing an aging workforce, most of which will leave the job market. If you have already built a career in this industry, there is a demand for your expertise. Job search engines allow you to check for reviews written by employees of major companies, so you can select the best possible employer. You’ll also discover current salaries and benefits.

Tutoring

Tutoring is an excellent part-time role for a senior with strong academic credentials. Since much of your competition is made up of young students, you can charge more due to your expertise. Just remember to catch up on any changes in learning methods, including Common Core

Full-time, Part-Time, or Freelance?

 Few seniors actively want to work full-time. After all, you have worked your entire career in order to be able to enjoy your retirement, so more flexible work arrangements tend to be the norm.

This leaves the choice between part-time and freelance work. Part-time employment is useful for seniors who want a sense of stability and routine, and for those for whom socialization is an important feature. However, freelance work also has its appeal. You can set your own hours, decide exactly how much you want to work, and usually charge higher rates. Generally speaking, freelancers make more money than average workers.

However, freelancing also comes with more costs. For example, a top-of-the-line smartphone will allow you to make the most of the myriad apps designed to make freelancing easier, covering everything from email to invoicing, taxes, proposals, and even focus.

Applying for Jobs as a Senior

 The idea of heading back into the job market is intimidating for many, especially if it has been a long while since you last looked for work. However, you’ll be glad to know that thanks to simple tech tools, job hunting has gotten a lot easier. It may even be a good idea to ask your children or grandchildren for advice. Chances are they will have a firm grasp on the current job market.

Start by creating (or brushing up) your LinkedIn profile so that prospective employers can easily find you. Then, set alerts on several job boards for your ideal roles. You can find freelance work through online staffing agencies where you can connect with a variety of businesses or individuals looking to hire freelancers. When it comes to your resume, The Balance recommends only including relevant experience within the last 10 to 15 years, and avoiding mentioning dates. Your resume should be ready to be submitted electronically, preferably in PDF format.

Working in retirement can make you happier, more fulfilled, and more financially stable. Selecting a new career path and pursuing it is challenging at any age, but there is no reason why you can’t achieve it. Just take some time to consider what it is you want from your job and don’t be afraid to be picky. Your retirement is precious, so if you are going to work during it, make sure you can enjoy it.