There are a lot of different reasons people may decide to go back to work after retirement. It could be because they didn’t save enough. Or it could be that their financial situation changed. Perhaps it’s due to sheer boredom.
No matter what the reason, though, many people do find they must return to the workforce even though they have already retired. If you are one of them, here is how to go back to work after retirement.
1. Accept It
If you retired but need to go back to work for whatever reason, you may be feeling robbed. You may have thought you would be able to relax and enjoy life now that you are getting older but find you must go back to the grind of employment instead.
Older workers who re-enter the workforce can feel depressed, frustrated, angry and, as if that is not enough already, discriminated against due to their age.
But accepting what must be and looking at it from a positive angle helps. For instance, consider entering a line of work you always wanted to do but never pursued in the past. Don’t just look for a job, but a career that you are passionate about and will make you happy.
2. Get Inspired
Being a retired worker can leave you feeling insignificant and unmotivated. However, you should keep in mind that going back to work now that you are older allows you to keep your mind and skills sharp and your body active.
To combat feelings of being unappreciated, look for a meaningful job that allows you to contribute in a way that makes you feel good about coming out of retirement. Look for work that plays to your strengths or helps you feel inspired about getting up and going to a job each day.
Changing how you feel about going back to work allows you to be open to what could be a new and exciting career.
3. Update Your Image
These days, just updating your resume is not enough when you go back to work after retirement. You must also keep your skills up to date, create an online presence and maybe even a personal brand.
To do this you should polish your resume which may mean having an expert rework it to make it more modern. Furthermore, you could utilize a professional networking site to help you connect with other business people and expand your options.
Your personal image is also important. Dress modern and in current styles. Get physically fit and take care of your appearance. All of these things can help you appear more desirable to potential employers.
4. Begin Your Job Search
Did you know that older workers are often actually more productive than younger ones? Although some employers do tend to hire younger workers, this is not the case will all of them. There are some vocations where having more experience is helpful and employers will appreciate your knowledge, age, and skill set.
Other areas you may excel in and should showcase to potential employers are leadership skills, management, organization, writing skills, and problem-solving. Believe it or not, it can actually be an asset for you to understand both old and new technology when you are an older worker in a tech job.
As an older worker, you must sell these strengths and abilities when you are applying and interviewing for a potential job. Your talent and experience may just land you the job of your dreams as you go back to work after retirement.
5. Consider Your Options
Figuring out where you fit in as you consider re-employment is not always easy. But with age comes the experience and wisdom some employers may find desirable.
Customer service, retail, and elder care are a couple of areas where being an older worker can be an asset. A few other choices include working for a non-profit organization, substitute teaching, becoming a consultant, or running a rental business of your own.
If you are great at multitasking and handling interruptions, a busy medical office or other fast-paced occupation might be a good fit for you.
Depending on your skills and interests, there are lots of different jobs you could do well at as an older worker going back to work after retirement.
It is possible to go back to work after retirement and be happy and productive as well. Use some of these tips to help you re-enter the workforce and enjoy this stage in life to its fullest.
Have you left the workforce to retire and found the need to go back to work?
Jeanne is a married mother of 2 grown children who works a full-time job, has two side hustles, and also helps out occasionally on the farm she and her husband own together. Her background is finance and medical office management, and she hopes to help others improve their finances and change their futures.