Helping Retired and Boomers Find Comfortable Work

​What to Expect

The path to retirement is a complex and arduous one, a journey that requires careful planning, diligence, and financial investments. However, once a retiree reaches the brass ring, they may find themselves unfulfilled – perhaps they enjoy tasks, busy work, organization, or routine, aspects that drifted away during their tenure at a full-time job.

In the same vein, some are marching towards their seniority with the wind on their backs, scouting for work to help them prepare financially. 

Whatever the case, some adjust to their golden years by seeking comfortable part time work suited for older individuals. Thanks to technology, the internet, and living assistance, options are abundant and most boomers find themselves a position that is both rewarding and practical.

It’s not an uncommon practice, either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 40 percent of individuals at age 55 or older were seeking employment in 2014 alone. This value is expected to increase as opportunities expand.

What does that mean for you as a retiree – or someone on the way to retire? You’ve got flexible routes to earn consistent income. But the question is, how do you find the right job for you?

There are various resources to help you locate employment that fits your needs, along with tips for elderly individuals to help them get back in the swing of modern jobs. For instance, we have a large cache of tools you can use to assist you in finding work.
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You can also look to your caregiver (if applicable) to help you when seeking employment. This can range from anything – from helping you freshen up your resume and supplying it to the relevant websites – to transportation and physical assistance where necessary.

​Preparing for Employment

Though a retiree may not have worked for several years, the formula for gaining employment is still very much the same. As someone looking to rejoin the workforce in various industries, you should make proper accommodations and preparations, just like anyone would when seeking jobs.

Some of those preparations should include highlighting various skills you’ve gained over the course of your life’s work. Specify them on a resume, integrate them into your cover letter(s), and mix them into the interview process. If relevant, you can ask your caregiver to help you practice.

This is because modern workforces are adaptable and welcoming to older generation workers. According to AARP and Towers Watson research, business owners found that 50+ workers had the skills, motivation, and experience they needed for new work. 
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This doesn’t mean looking for new jobs will be a breeze – all companies and positions have their own requirements, as expected. But in the same vein, you aren’t approaching a job market which is only friendly to the young and newly trained.

​Questions to Ask

If the idea of finding work for retirement still interests you, it’s a good idea to “survey” yourself about the various expectations you have for new jobs. We’ll highlight those questions in just a moment.

While we’ve pointed out the opportunities available, not all of them are a match for individuals. As a retiree (or soon to be retired) you have to consider what matches to make sure your path to new work goes well.

• Do I have a medical condition which limits my ability to work or perform certain tasks?
• What wages/benefits am I seeking?
• What hours work for my schedule?
• Can I reliably get to work myself, or do I need assistance from a caregiver?
• Do I rely on a caregiver for certain daily tasks?
• Do I want to learn about a new industry or rely on previous experience?
  
• How long do I plan to work and what are my savings goals, if any?

These questions will (hopefully) give you an accurate assessment of your current capabilities and goals. We assume that as a retiree you’re looking for fulfilling work, but not something that interferes with the time spent in your golden years. 

Additionally, we understand you may soon plan for retirement, and are looking for avenues to create financial stability, while still minding what you can or cannot do.

Based on these questions, you might want a senior level position with solid benefits and good pay. Or, you’d like a casual part time job that pays around the minimum wage mark – but doesn’t have the same demands.

However, even as an experienced individual, the bigger the fish, the harder it is to fry. AKA, higher level positions are challenging to come by without specific experience. For instance, a Senior Customer Management Specialist might require experience in the relevant industries going on for 5+ years, along with educational requirements like an associate or bachelor’s degree.
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So, while it’s admirable to seek out high-level positions, understand you might face frequent pushback, whereas other forms of work will accommodate you easier.

​The Caregiver’s Role

You and your caregiver are a team, and as such, you can work together to make sure the transition into retirement or retirement work is as smooth as possible.

Even better, family and friends can work as a paid, full time caregiver assistants through the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.  Because the elderly is often impoverished and rely on financial assistance for so many things, having someone they know (and cares for them) is a relieving prospect.

Additionally, compensation for caregivers is often handled on friendlier, positive terms. There are third party resources that pay them, or, you as the elderly can write up freehand contracts to have them compensated.
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As a retiree or someone soon-to-be retired, you’re not alone. Hopefully, our resources give you an idea of what you can expect in a modern-day workplace, along with how your caregiver can help (and benefit) you along this journey.