Retired? Could it be time to consider…work?!

For many people, retirement couldn’t come sooner – no more setting the alarm for Stupid O’Clock, no more commuting, no more office politics/tiresome Christmas parties where Timkins from Accounts performs his party piece with a prawn Vol au Vent, or no more freezing yourself solid if your work was outdoors! Time to enjoy your hobbies and pastimes; a bit of travel perhaps, or time to just put your feet up with a cup of tea and a packet of Hob Nobs binge-watching Judge Judy!

The rewards of work

For some, however – and not just those who don’t benefit from a gold-plated pension – a return to work can bring some very clear advantages:

– Social interaction: Many older people feel isolated and lonely when they retire – so working provides the opportunity to interact with others on a regular basis.

– Mental stimulation: Taking on new challenges and learning new skills can really help keep our brains active and healthy.

– Financial benefits: Brass tacks here, working provides a source of income, which of course, can help us live more comfortably in our later years.

– Sense of purpose: Having a paid job – or volunteering – can give us a real sense of purpose and reason for getting out of bed in the morning. This can be particularly important as we get older with more free time and fewer responsibilities on our hands.

– Improved physical health: Working can help older people maintain an active lifestyle and improve their physical health – leading to a better quality of life overall.

– Contribution to society: Through work – particularly voluntary work – older people can continue to contribute to their communities and to society as a whole. This in itself can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

So who’d want to hire me?

It’s worth bearing in mind that many sectors will want to take you on because of your age and experience, not in spite of it. Sectors such as education, training, tutoring and mentoring – you’ve acquired these skills, now could be the time to pass them on.

The healthcare sector has also seen a growing demand for skilled and experienced professionals, including nurses, care workers and therapists. And many of the roles here can be on a part-time or flexible basis, making it attractive for those looking for a more flexible work/life balance.

Retail is another area where there is a healthy demand for older people – in jobs such as customer service or sales. Here, more important than any specific qualifications or experience will be your ability to pick up new skills and your maturity to deal with the customer. Oh, and to show up for work on time! Also, many retailers offer part-time and flexible work arrangements.

Consulting roles are particularly well-suited for the older applicant as they often require direct experience and in-depth knowledge of a specific area of business or commerce. These roles can also offer a high level of flexibility – and often, the chance to work remotely.

Not-for-profit and charity work: Many not-for-profit and charitable organisations value the skills and experience that older people bring to the party. In this sector, jobs can range from fund-raising and development to programme management and community outreach.

Where to start

Paid or voluntary, here are some suggestions on finding the work that best suits you:

– Government websites: The UK government has a job search website called Find a job (www.gov.uk/find-a-job) . Here, you can search for jobs based on location, job title and other criteria. You can also seek out voluntary opportunities on the government’s Volunteering website (www.gov.uk/volunteering).

– Charity job search websites: Many charities and non-profit organisations here in the UK post paid and voluntary opportunities on specialised sites such as CharityJob (www.charityjob.co.uk). Also worth taking a look at is Voluntary Action Network (www.voluntaryaction.net).

– Local job centres: Your local job centre can be the perfect place to help you find a job close to where you live, plus they can advise on training and job-seeking support.

– Social media and networking: Platforms such as LinkedIn can be incredibly useful for networking and finding work. Consider also joining online communities and groups related to your interests or industry where you can connect with potential employers.

– Job search websites: There are many job search websites just a few clicks away such as Indeed, Reed, and Monster. Here, they allow you to search for jobs by location and the type of work you’re looking for. You can also upload your CV and set up alerts so that you can be notified of new openings that could be right for you as soon as they are posted.

– Recruitment agencies: A good “old fashioned” recruitment agency can help you match your skills and experience with suitable openings in your sector. They can also provide advice on career development and training opportunities.

Overall, there are loads of great opportunities out there that are just right for the older person.