How to Navigate Your Post-Retirement Job Search

Many retirees pursue a new job after leaving their previous one for financial reasons, personal fulfillment, or both. However, finding a job after retirement can be challenging, especially in a competitive market. In this article, we share some tips on navigating your post-retirement job search and landing the position that suits your skills, interests, and goals.

Are you planning an unconventional retirement by planning to work? If so, you should know that you’re not alone! More and more seniors are choosing to continue working during their golden years. Whether it’s for added income or added activity, working in retirement can have some real perks, but you need to find a job that will work for you. Not sure where to start when it comes to finding the perfect post-retirement position? Consider one of these moves to earn extra cash and still enjoy your golden years. 

You Could Sell Life Insurance

If you have a knack for talking to people and helping them solve problems, you could be well-suited for a second career in the insurance sector. This type of position offers a great opportunity to pad your bank account while working part-time. If this sounds like something worth pursuing, research life insurance options to get an idea of the types of products available. Once you get an idea of which direction to go and you start scouting for positions, research companies to see which one will be the best fit for your job needs and retirement plans. Sites like Indeed provide insight into companies so you can get a bigger picture of what you’re walking into. For example, you can find reviews from actual employees and average salaries for various positions at reputable insurance companies like Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance. 

You Could Become a Consultant

If you’ve recently retired from a successful career, why not continue to put all of that experience to work? You can turn those skills and years of experience into a lucrative consulting business, where you can still do what you love without having to sacrifice as much of your time. Consulting in retirement can provide you with additional income, Social Security benefits, and even tax deductions, all while giving you something productive and satisfying to do with your time.

It’s true that as a consultant, you’ll be sacrificing some of your freedom in retirement, but the rewards can often outweigh the risks. If you are worried about having too busy of a schedule or dealing with too much stress, you can also think about working as a freelancer instead of a full-time consultant. When you offer your professional skills and services as a freelancer, you typically commit to shorter-term projects than you would as a full-time consultant. Plus, the demand for skilled freelancers is always growing, so you won’t need to worry about finding new jobs or landing new contracts.

You Could Start Your Own Business

Technically, becoming a consultant is a lot like starting your own business. However, this isn’t the only small business opportunity you should consider in retirement. With so many ways to earn added income and maintain your sense of freedom in retirement, you just need to find a business that fits your skills and passions.

If you prefer to work from home or even with other seniors, there are several home-based business sectors that tend to cater to older customers. For example, you could work as a financial planner, a seamstress, or a lawn care specialist. Aside from these lucrative small business ideas, you can also consider starting a side gig that can help increase your retirement income. Some of the most popular side gigs for older adults include driving for rideshare companies, substitute teaching or seasonal retail work, all of which offer the flexibility you need to enjoy your retirement while also providing the income necessary for a better quality of life. 

Conclusion

There’s nothing wrong with working in retirement, as long as you find something you enjoy doing. Because these really are the golden years of your life, don’t waste time on a job that won’t be fulfilling or enjoyable. Consider one of the top choices above for your second career in retirement.

Written by Courtney Rosenfeld

Courtney started gigspark.biz to be a resource and the first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

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