Job Search After Age 50: Want to remain in the workforce?
I love the term retirement career. It’s a positive description for new career adventures in life phases long stereotyped as the time to step aside and “relax”. This post examines moving into retirement—or second careers after age 50.
Job Search After Age 50: Why?
There are numerous reasons you might want to work for pay after you retire.
Maybe you were offered an early retirement package that you couldn’t resist; but you really preferred to remain in the workforce. Perhaps it wasn’t even your choice (not uncommon in this economy and job market). Your company may have downsized, relocated or even closed its doors. You’re 50ish, 60ish or even older and thinking, “This is not what I want; I’m not ready.”
My client Greg found himself in this position. At age 59, he lost his job of 31 years due to cutbacks. He was furious when people called him “retired”. He said, “Okay; they took away my job and gave me some severance. I just feel like I’ve lost my job and have no options.”
Greg in reality did have options. After a few coaching sessions, he realized he could channel his anger and redirect that energy into his job search. He created a job search strategy and plan, and began reconnecting with people in his network. Within six months, he was offered a position at a manufacturing company through connections he had made in a local service club.
For my client, Mark, it was not about the money. Mark, at age 65, was financially secure, but wanted to keep busy, productive and stay connected. His mantra was, “Continue working; continue to enjoy it.” He simply saw working as his ability to continue contributing to an employer’s needs—and in return, a validation of his abilities and worth. It was important to him to stay out there.
Job Search After Age 50: Reconsidering our views
If you are 50 or older, want to keep working and are in a job search, you may feel disheartened. “There’s nothing for me at my age.” While in reality, some industries may court younger workers, overall age discrimination may be a flawed view. Middle-aged and older people today are in better health and are planning to work longer. Additionally, according to AARP, some fields are finding it hard to attract qualified younger workers to fill their openings. They will likely have to rely on older workers. Studies suggest they will start offering incentives, such as flexible hours, telecommuting and reduced workloads.
Job Search After Age 50: A few clients’ success stories
Decide how many more years you want to work. If it’s five years, you might stay in your current field. If you’re thinking that 10, 15 or even 20 years is practical, develop a plan. Some of my clients did so, with wonderful results.
- Tricia, at age 54, wanted to transition from customer service to the medical field. She got an assignment through a temp agency as a chemo patient scheduler. She was soon hired on full time.
- Perry, at age 58, moved from corporate to private banking—a growth field. He became certified as a Financial Planner. He had six offers to choose from.
- Mike, at age 63, was a corporate software director. He started his own consulting business. It was a perfect fit with his life: flexible hours, more time with his grandchildren, and a schedule that allowed him to pursue his love of woodworking.
Job Search After Age 50: Will it happen overnight?
Realistically, you shouldn’t decide today that you want to retire in the next month or two and expect that to happen with great results. Give yourself time to conduct the necessary research, do appropriate networking, figure out the milestones and timetables, and accomplish the goals that you’ve set for yourself.
In my next post, I’ll share some tips on strategies for tapping into your retirement career.
Job Search After Age 50:
More Job Search Tips . . .
Photo: Crystl
