An AARP retirement planning report found that 16% of workers over aged 50 are self-employed – 5.6 million. Approximately a third started their business planning after the age of 50. In greater numbers, retirees are enjoying the rewards of becoming business entrepreneurs — whether it is the rewards of developing a business idea into a business concern or turning a favorite hobby into extra income.
Self-Employment During Retirement
Retirement is the time to enjoy more time with loved ones and on choice activities. A self-employment venture during retirement should be one that is personally fulfilling and can be successfully performed. A hobby enjoyed over the years can be developed it into a going business concern. This can include applying talents to the world of art, computers, gardening, merchandising, photography, or writing. The number of service and product trade opportunities is limited only by the imagination.
For the senior who has completed retirement planning but does not have a business idea to start his business planning, in the words of Albert Einstein: “[t]he important thing is not to stop questioning.” What resources are available, e.g., skills, time, network, money?
For instance, create a skills list that includes proven abilities. Cross out any skill whose performance is not satisfying to the business owner. Those remaining are core skills that should be explored to match up with business ventures. A passion for gardening can translate into a starting a plant shop or writing articles or speaking to community groups on how to develop community gardening projects. Local libraries often have small business books that highlight home-based, internet-based, and/or small production businesses. This will be great resource to match your enjoyed skills with a new business.
After Retirement Small Business Financial Feasibility
The tax breaks for self-employed individuals can be generous for seniors. A retiree over age 65 can earn as much money as possible without losing any Social Security benefits. Workers under 65 can earn up to $14,160.00 before Social Security reduces income by $1 for each $2 over the limit that is earned.
Before launching the business consider the retirement income and debts. A good retirement plan would include at the basis a primary residence and good vehicle that is free of the interest of financiers. Many retirees impacted by the 2007 recession, are holding fixed income from low interest bearing (low-risk) financial products, pensions, and/or resources from government-based senior benefits plan. How soon will inflation impact retirement income? After retirement work can help relieve some senior’s money concerns.
Retirement was designed to secure a senior with a time during their life to relax from the demands of the labor markets. This has been earned. While retirement brings the opportunity to pursue business ideas that were only dreamed of before. Work after retirement should be made to be as enjoyable as possible.
How to Find Retirement Jobs
Seniors who choose to return to the workforce during retirement enjoy a wide variety of career paths. However, many earn a living on their own terms rather than working for a large corporation. For example, some seniors choose to run a Bed and Breakfast, sell their arts and crafts, or open a boutique store. Other seniors find retirement jobs as consultants in information technology, science, bookkeeping, and accounting.
Best Retirement Jobs for Seniors Re-Entering the Workforce
Seniors seeking jobs in retirement may want to consider customer-service related positions including store greeters, cashiers, retail sales clerks, and hospitality jobs (e.g., hotel front desk or concierge). Those who held pre-retirement executive and managerial positions may want to consider management jobs and consulting work. Healthcare is a good option for senior jobs and includes pharmacists and nurses. Other senior jobs for retirees include
librarians
customer service representatives
school bus drivers
crossing guards
restaurant and cafeteria workers
Guidelines for Re-Entering the Workforce During Retirement
Starting a new job in retirement can be both emotional and exciting at the same time. However, it is not unlike seeking work before retirement. This includes basic job-searching skills such as a self-examination, networking, updating skills, and searching job listings. Seniors should follow some simple guidelines including:
Preparation. Prepare for work by assessing interests, skills, passions, and career strengths. Try to match a new job opportunity to personality and interests. For example, a former botanist may enjoy working for a local garden center; or an entrepreneur may wish to start a small business.
Networking. Talk to people in the field of interest, and consider online social networking as a means of making new contacts. Linkedin.com is a wise choice for business and employment networking.
Updating skills. If starting in a new career or even simply to brush up on old job skills, it’s a great idea to take advantage of online distance learning and local community colleges who offer adult learning courses. This is especially important for jobs involving computers and information technology, as software programs change all the time.
Search jobs online. Seniors can take advantage of mainstream internet job search engines including Monster and CareerBuilder. However, some specific online job search engines include Workforce50, RetiredBrains.com, and Seniors4Hire.org.
Verdict
Depending on the occupation, finding jobs in retirement can be challenging. Not only must the senior be on the up-and-up when it comes to job skills, but he or she must also learn how to work around occasional age discrimination. However, with careful planning and some good old fashioned entrepreneurial spirit, finding a retirement job can be both financially and emotionally rewarding.
