According to a recent survey by Career Builder, a quarter of the 2,600 companies they surveyed plan to hire more seasoned workers. Why? Because employers have found mature workers are more dependable and customer-friendly.
Here are 5 of the best part-time jobs if you’re a mature job-seeker:
Retail –
That Career Builder survey also found 30 percent of retail employers plan to hire more retirees this year. Larger firms like Home Depot have a formal hiring process, but smaller retailers are often more casual, so a personal approach may be better for you. For example, stop by a few of your favorite local retail stores and let the manager know you’re available to pick up shifts when they need extra help. This gets your foot in the door, and can often lead to steady work.
Health Care –
One of the fastest growing fields (we’re all getting older!), health care offers a wide range of job options. There is an abundance of work available from “private pay” families to help out with home care, and care facilities use many part-timers. Non-medical home care is a fast-growing source of part-time jobs, with three-quarters of the hiring done by seniors in need or their families. If the job involves actual medical care, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate is useful, and the training is short.
Being over 55 is a plus in this field, as seniors need to trust their caregivers. Your years of work and life experience are essential in building that trust and confidence.
Personal Assistant –
This is an ideal part-time job, as there are a wide range of potential employers, from seniors to entrepreneurs to busy moms. You’ll need to be a self-starter and a good multi-tasker to do well as as personal assistant.
Tour Guide –
If you’re a people person, why not put those skills to work sharing those skills with visitors to your area? Some tour guides are just seasonal, but others are year-round. Look around your area to find opportunities at historical sites, museums, wineries and factories.
Drivers –
There are plenty of part-time jobs as drivers in most areas. Check with shuttle services, limo services and companies that put on special events. Local school districts have a regular need for school bus drivers.
The key to finding the right part-time job is persistence. Let everyone know you are looking for work, and be sure to have an up-to-date one-page resume. There will always be a demand for capable, dependable workers, and if you are both, your age should not be an issue with reputable employers.