Most Americans envision their years after retirement spent traveling, reading, relaxing, and picking up new hobbies, but that may not be the case for everyone. Some seniors may find themselves experiencing boredom, cognitive decline, or discovering that they need to make extra money to supplement their fixed income. Regardless of the reason, more and more retirees are choosing to continue working in some capacity. Approximately fifty percent of retirees have worked, or plan to after retiring from their full-time careers.
For those seniors who are willing and able, the benefits gained from continuing to work are numerous. Working offers up opportunities for socialization and combats loneliness, provides mental stimulation to keep the brain healthy, and keeps the body moving and active. Plus, the extra money earned can be put away for a rainy day or used for daily incidentals like groceries and gas, allowing for more savings over time. Just keep in mind, though, that making over a certain amount annually may affect Social Security benefits.
Not sure how to find a job after retirement? Read on for some tips on how to get started:
Volunteer. Maybe your loved one wants to work but isn’t quite sure what will spark their interest. Starting with volunteer work will allow them to experience different lines of work and may even lead to something paid. Call local organizations or use a site like VolunteerMatch.
Network. Have your loved one reach out to former employers, colleagues, or friends to inquire about part-time work. Encourage them to chat with acquaintances from the golf course or health club about what they’re looking for.
Look Online. Head to the internet to begin a search. Traditional sites such as Indeed and CareerBuilder are great places to start. We also suggest using sites geared towards the fifty and older crowd like AARP and Retired Brains.
Consider Abilities, Limitations, and Availability. Before taking any of the steps above, think seriously about what your loved one can and cannot do as well as what they’re willing or unwilling to do. Also, consider how many hours per week and specific days of the week they are willing to commit to. Creating some parameters will help to narrow the search and hone in on the types of jobs that would be suitable.
For part-time work after retirement, consider some of the following options:
- Child Care. Taking care of children has been shown to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and prolong lifespan.
- Driving. Consider becoming an Uber driver, driving a local shuttle or van, or providing deliveries for local grocery stores.
- Retail. Retail schedules are flexible and are in high demand around the holidays.
- Teaching. Look into local community colleges for adjunct positions or community centers looking for people to teach adult programming.
There are plenty of other job options for retirees in addition to the ones we’ve suggested. Working after retirement should be fun and fulfilling, and we hope your senior finds the perfect fit!
