According to the Pew Research Center, seniors currently make up about 19 percent of the U.S. labor force and that statistic is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at the Senior Workforce:
The number of people who comprise the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) is significant. These seniors are leading longer, healthier lives – with involvement in fewer physically taxing jobs as compared to a generation ago.
Therefore, while the current labor force continues to age, we’re seeing more full time workers in the “55 and older” age category than ever before.
In addition, Baby Boomers tend to be hardworking, highly motivated and goal oriented, and define themselves by their accomplishments. They are more confident and independent than earlier generations, and consider work as an act of self-expression.
So for “Boomers,” working is not just about the money – it’s also about a sense of purpose. In fact, many who retired have rethought their decision. According to the New York Times, economists refer to this return-to-work phenomenon as “unretirement” when it refers to members of the Baby Boomer generation.
These older adults find that retirement doesn’t fill their life as they expected, and therefore choose to return to the workforce. These individuals find purpose in staying active and productive, and enjoy interacting and working with others.
What is the Right Job for You?
If you are a senior and are considering joining (or rejoining) the workforce, here are some questions to ask yourself before beginning your job search:
- Do you need a job to meet expenses, including health benefits?
- How much do you need to earn?
- Can your schedule be flexible? Are you available on nights, weekends or can you be “on-call?”
- Are you willing to learn new skills?
- Do you want to work with the public?
- Are you looking for something full-time, part-time or seasonal?
You should also consider what you like doing, and whether or not you can turn that hobby or interest into an employable skill.
What is Important to You?
If you decide to seek employment, determine under what circumstances you wish to work. This will give you some direction in your job search.
A survey of pre-retirees and seniors at work identified the features found very important from an employer:
- Employee opinions are valued
- A company that lets older employees work as long as they want
- Being able to take time off to care for relatives
- Setting their own hours
- Health benefits
What Jobs are Out There?
Perhaps you are good at fixing things. If so, a local hardware store may be able to use someone with your knowledge and experience.
If you’ve gardened all your life, there might be opportunities as close as your own neighborhood, as you can help your neighbors improve their gardens and lawns.
The AARP also provides a jobs board for seniors to assist with your search. Look for local organizations that help seniors find employment opportunities. The AARP also provides information on many of these organizations.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
You possess a wealth of experience that younger job applicants do not. Turn that into your advantage. Occupations where that experience pays off can include:
- Business management consultant
- Freelance writer
- Fundraiser
- Travel agent
- Coach
- Tour guide
- Tutor
- Library assistant
When speaking with a prospective employer, it’s good to know (and possibly share with an interviewer) that you have some unique contributions to bring to the workplace.
Employers are discovering that Baby Boomer employees are extremely valuable for their personal and professional experience, work ethic, and perspective they bring to the table.
Research has shown that seniors at work are more likely to show up to work on time and are less likely to call in sick. Plus, they don’t switch jobs as often as younger employees – meaning reduced recruitment and training costs for employers.
A major benefit of an age-diverse workforce is that skills, knowledge, and experience can be passed from older employees to younger ones.
Additionally, due to the sheer number of Baby Boomers, seniors at work are part of the largest consumer market and can use their peer understanding to an employer’s advantage.
For more resources for independent seniors, visit our Independent Living blog.
