Part-Time Jobs Over 55
Working a part-time job in your retirement is not an unusual option these days, as more and more companies are open to the benefits of hiring ‘mature’ workers to their staff. Several fast food chains have been doing this for years and many small, independent business owners know the deal they get from hiring a Baby Boomer – loyalty, reliability and flexibility.
The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies released a report titled ‘Retirement Through The Ages: Expectations and Preparations of American Workers.’ In it they revealed that 82-percent of seniors aged 60 and older indicated they expect to continue working past their mid-60’s or have not considered full-time retirement.
The main thrust behind the desire to keep working into what has been traditionally retirement years is a wish to fill in the shortfalls of retirement savings. Plus, as the high volume of Baby Boomers enter retirement age, and are living longer, they are longing for something to keep them busy but also earning a few extra bucks at the same time.
An online source identified as RetirementJobs.com has a wealth of information which includes their top picks for employment for workers aged 50 and older. In fact, they have a Certified Age-Friendly Employer Program that contains 5,500 postings from these types of employers.
But before you jump into the pool of part-time work – and let’s face it, there is no shortage of part-time jobs so you will find work – you need to actually determine why you need to work. If your desire comes from a financial need, then you have a valid reason for entering the job search. If you happen to be a semi-retired or soon-to-retire member of society, ask yourself why you want to keep working.
If your answer has to do with wanting to stay connected, active and to contribute something from your vast collection of experiences and skill knowledge, those are also good reasons to keep working. At least in this case your focus will be more on giving back than having to survive. It also means you can shift your work style to something more casual than a rigid five or six day work week. Ultimately you will find yourself looking at your life differently. If working part-time will still fit into your relaxing Golden Years, then by all means, find a part-time opportunity you like, sounds fun and won’t keep you from doing those things you haven’t had time for until now.
How To Get A Great Part-Time Job Over 55 – The Steps
1 – Target Your Efforts
Once you’ve determined your incentive for wanting to keep working, it’s time to look for a job. The best way to do this is to target those employers who are open to hiring mature workers and have a need for the skills you have.
Even if you have to make a list of potential employers and of your skills, do it. This will help you to focus on what you are doing and it will keep in your mind that you have marketable potential.
2 – Be Creative In Your Search
Sometimes you may just have to look for work in a non-traditional way. This means reaching out to your personal network. It can be friends, neighbors, acquaintances, casual friends at social clubs or that you frequently see out and about.
You may also find success by expanding your network by getting involved in different social groups, attending various training and upgrading programs and generally becoming someone who is seen rather than someone who is not.
3 – Don’t Forget What You Already Know
Are you a pet lover? Try looking for a part-time job helping at a pet store or offer services as a dog walker. Do you like working with your hands? Try looking for work as a maintenance worker at a senior’s complex. Do you like to golf? Maybe you can work part-time at a pro shop or a sports store.
You have many talents along with skills picked up from years of working. Take a hard look at what you already know to see if something exists that can open a door or two.
It really isn’t that hard once you know how to get a great part-time job over 55 because there is a strong demand for the kind of worker from the Baby Boomer generation. All you need to do is figure out exactly what you can offer and find the right match. Once that happens, you will be on your way to a happy and fulfilling retirement with purpose and some extra cash.