The idea of retiring and giving up that day job seems great, but for many people the desire to keep working remains, why is this?
The benefits of working
Of course, one of the primary benefits of working is the ability to earn a steady income to give you financial stability and security, helping you to pay for your living expenses, save for the future, and ideally enjoy a comfortable retirement. But regular work brings so much more than money. Here are some of the key things it brings:
- A Sense of Purpose: Working can give you a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. It allows you to contribute to society and feel like you are making a positive impact. This can be especially important for older individuals who may feel disconnected from their communities, especially those that might have recently retired, who face a unique and immediate vulnerability in this respect.
- Social Connection: Work allows us to connect socially, to interact with other people. Even if it is with people that irritate and annoy you!! It can help us to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Mental Stimulation: Working can provide mental stimulation and help to keep your mind sharp. It can challenge you to learn new skills and stay up-to-date with current events and technologies. This is why I have advocated the world of digital marketing, which not only provides that important mental stimulation and keeps you in touch with current events, but can provide an excellent additional income as well.
- Physical Health: Some types of work can also provide physical benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health or increased physical activity. Even the boring desk jobs can provide opportunities for exercise and movement during breaks.
- Self-Esteem: To me this is the big one. Having an occupation and being able to contribute to society boosts your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment. This can be especially important for older individuals who may feel undervalued or marginalized.
A bit more about Self Esteem for us Silver Ambitioners
It's not uncommon for people to feel marginalized after retiring from their jobs. It can also affect those that have found success in the world of digital marketing (like me) and chosen to leave their rat race job, because that job turns out to be so much more than financial security. It can be a significant life transition that involves a loss of identity, social connections, and daily routines. It's natural to feel a sense of loss or disconnection.
There are many things you can do to combat these feelings that do overlap to a certain extent with still wanting to work. These include volunteering which can really provide a sense of purpose and help you feel like you're making a positive impact in your community. Joining a club or group can be a great way to meet new people and pursue those interests you said you would when you gave up the day job. Or maybe learn new skills and stay engaged with the world around you, through all sorts of adult education programs or private training courses on a wide range of topics. And don’t forget about keeping fit and active – this can help boost your mood and improve your overall health.
But I don’t know what I want to do!!!
Identifying your skills and experience is an important first step in finding that next occupation. Here are some suggestions for how to do this:
- Review your CV/resume: This is a good starting point for identifying your skills and experience. Look at your work history and make a list of the tasks and responsibilities you had in each job, in particular make a mental note of those that you particularly enjoyed.
- Conduct a self-assessment: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Think about the skills you have developed over the course of your life, including those you have gained through work, education, and hobbies.
- Ask for feedback! Ask friends, family members, or former colleagues for feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement. They may be able to provide insights into your skills and experience that you hadn't considered.
- Examine your hobbies and interests: They can provide valuable insights into your skills and experience. Think about the activities you enjoy and the skills they require, such as problem-solving, creativity, or teamwork.
- Keep a journal for a couple of weeks: Note down your daily activities and reflect on the skills and experiences you use in each one. This can help you identify patterns and strengths that you may not have noticed otherwise.
Identifying your skills and experience is an ongoing process that requires reflection and self-awareness. By taking the time to reflect on your strengths and interests, and by seeking feedback from others, you can develop a better understanding of your skills and find a job that is a good fit for you. Also remember that this will change over time – your strongest skills ten years ago may be different to those that you are most prominent now, so don’t assume that you know them, spend some time to complete the exercise and give yourself some serious reflection time!
So how do I use these skills and experience?
- Review your accomplishments: Take some time to review your past work experiences and make a list of your accomplishments. Consider the impact that you had on the organization, the skills that you used, and the outcomes that you achieved.
- Ask someone: Again, turn to past colleagues, managers, or other professionals for feedback on the value that you bring. Ask them what they think your strengths are and how they think you have contributed to your past projects or organizations. Ask them to be candid – people can try to be nice and tell you what you want to hear, but you need to hear the truth! Sometimes this can be a real revelation, unearthing some great values that you had never considered before.
- What makes you different? Consider the skills and experiences that set you apart from others. Think about the skills that you have that are in high demand, the experiences that have given you a unique perspective, and the qualities that make you stand out.
- Look for patterns: Look for patterns in your work experiences, accomplishments, and feedback. Identify the skills and experiences that come up again and again, and consider how they have contributed to your success.
- Consider your own goals and values: Think about your personal and professional goals, and the values that are important to you. Consider how your skills and experiences align with these goals and values, and how they can help you make a meaningful contribution to your work and your community. Remember that passion and belief can be more powerful and valuable than just a “vanilla” skillset.
Finding jobs
There are a variety of places to look to find jobs or occupations. Don’t just start randomly searching on Google, but consider some of these:
- Career Centres: Many cities and towns have career centres or job training centres that provide resources and assistance. These centres can help with everything from resume writing and job search strategies to training and certification programs. And remember, they are not just focused on the younger individuals searching for an occupation. Even people at 60 have at least one more full “career cycle” before reaching the official retirement age.
- Job Fairs: Job fairs can be a great way to meet with potential businesses and learn about job openings in your area. Many are specifically geared toward older workers, and they can provide a valuable networking opportunity.
- Employment Agencies: Employment agencies can help match you with job opportunities that fit your skills and experience. They can also provide guidance and advice throughout the job search process. Online agencies now use powerful search functions that can really help you find something that may be quite unique.
- Senior Employment Programs: There are government-funded programs that provide job training and placement services for older workers. These programs may also provide financial assistance and other support services.
- Online Job Boards: There are online job boards that cater specifically to older workers. Just search for retirement jobs and see what pops up in your country. These sites can help you find job opportunities that are age-friendly and suited to your skills and experience.
- Professional Associations: Professional associations can be a great resource for networking and job opportunities. They often have job boards and career centres that are specifically geared toward their members.
- Social Media: Social media platforms such as LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for networking and job searching. You can connect with potential employers and colleagues, and you can also search for job opportunities that match your skills and experience.
So if you still want to work, get to the bottom of why, identify those skills and passions that you have that can bring the biggest value, and get out there checking out the many resources available to help people like us!
Good luck in your search.