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How to Go Back to Work if You’re Already Retired

How to Go Back to Work if You’re Already Retired

Many people are discovering, in retirement, that they aren’t actually ready for this new phase of life. Whether you are worried about running out of money in retirement, or whether you just want something productive to do, you might need a part-time or full-time job.

Finding that job once you have retired, though, can be a little tricky. If you are looking for a new career in your post-career life, here are some things that might be able to give you an edge to go back to work.

1. Don’t Say You’re Retired

While there’s nothing wrong with being retired, it gives the impression that your best working days are behind you. The recent troubles in the global economy, as well as the fact that many people are living different lifestyles, can work to your advantage. You can simply say that you took a break for a while, or that you have been studying new opportunities.

2. Check Community Resources

See what kinds of job resources are available in your community. Many towns and provinces offer some sort of database, as well as resources to help you update your resume, practice interviewing, or find a job that suits you. Take advantage of the resources available to you.

3. Networking and Social Media

Hopefully, you’ve kept up-to-date with contacts. If you haven’t, try to renew connections, or join a local group that can help you meet new connections. Community organizations can be great places to start building your network. And don’t forget about social media. While you don’t need to wow hundreds of friends and followers, you should be able to show that you are up-to-date. At the very least, you need a LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience. Get involved in meeting new people, and you will be more likely to find a new job.

4. Update Your Skills

In some cases, you may need to update your skills. Find out about the latest technology and best practices in your field. Or, if you are embarking on a new career, find out how your current skills can translate, and what new skills you should develop. Show that you are developing yourself, and that you are adaptable, and you will be seen as an asset, rather than a hindrance. Age isn’t as important as flexibility, and a willingness to learn and stay on top of things. Add these qualities to experience, and you could be very valuable indeed.

5. Consider Temporary, Consulting and Seasonable Positions

A temporary position can work into a full-time position down the road. These positions are ideal for proving yourself, and showing how you can be a solid asset. As someone with experience, you can also offer your services as a consultant. Set your own hours and rates, and if you are truly expert, you can line up projects that are challenging and financially rewarding. You can also look at seasonable positions. If you aren’t interested in full-time work year-round, you can get a boost to your finances, and enjoy social interactions, by taking on seasonal work. Seniors make great tour guides, and hospitality workers. Find out about this type of work, and you might discover that it’s fulfilling.

In the end, there are many opportunities, if you know where to look.

Comments

  1. Virata Gamany

    Consider real estate. It can be a passive investment if you want it to be, with the potential for real monthly income when you work with the right investment firms. There are companies that will help you find a property, do all the work for you to get approved, and will even assure monthly income for given periods of time. Passive to say the least.

  2. Tom Napiontek

    Agree with Virata. Even if you’re at retirement now, you can still be earning every month with a smart real estate investment. I find that many are hesitant because they think they will need to be involved in managing tenants, making repairs, etc. But with a passive real estate investment, you need to look for the companies that will do all the work for you while you benefit from the monthly revenue.

  3. Bill Birnbaum

    After three years in retirement, I discovered that I required an intellectual challenge. So I returned to do a bit of part-time consulting. I now refer to myself as being “sort of semi-retired.” Bill

  4. Canadianbudgetbinder

    Our Neighbourhood is full of retired folks whom I chat to from time to time. It’s amazing how many of them would love to do something just to fill their day. The number one thing they miss is interaction with the people and would like that back even if for a day or so a week.
    Networking is a great way like you mention as you never know who you will meet.
    Cheers,
    Mr.CBB

  5. Sheryl Smolkin

    I retired at 54 as a lawyer with a benefits consulting firm over nine years ago. I started work the following Monday as editor of a benefits magazine. Since then I’ve built a whole new very flexible career as a freelance journalist writing about workplace issues. I have 4 major clients and a steady income. Leveraging my previous career contacts was definitely the way to go for me.

  6. Alexis

    Another great way to earn an income is by signing up through beachbody as a coach or another health/fitness site. Obviously you have to be somewhat into health/fitness to do this though. =)

  7. The Wallet Doctor

    Updating your skills is a great way to go. Sometimes its as simple as repacking your standard skills into something which better resonates with the current work scene. I might add that you could talk to young people currently working in your field of interest. Even if they are just family members. Using whatever resources you have is valuable.

  8. debs

    I prefer to think of retiring as slowing down. It would be hard to go from full speed to stop, but it would be nice to be able to work but with less pressure. Maybe moving towards a 3 or 4 day week, doing periodic consulting engagements, with breaks in between. Change is as good as a rest, at least that’s how I’m going to approach it.

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