Five tips for finding your second career
Working at retirement age is "almost a tale of two cities," says Shirley Robinson Pippins, president of Suffolk County (N.Y.) Community College. One group of workers simply can't afford to retire. The other group is looking to stay engaged in society, be creative, or simply have something to do. But no matter how you look at it, working at retirement age is here to stay, and that's exactly how many baby boomers want it.
It turns out that society may need boomers to work longer, too. AARP, which held a recent forum in New York on "Boomers and the Workplace Revolution," is predicting a worker shortage in the coming decade in certain industries. "These industries will need to recruit older workers because there is not a skilled enough workforce ready to replace the retirees," says Nancy Thompson, an AARP spokesperson.
But this time around, many baby boomers want to work on their own terms. Here are some ways to make a successful transition into your retirement-age job or career.
Tailor your search. Look for an employer that values workers ages 50 and older. Scan ads in local and community newspapers for openings, not just the metropolitan press. "If your ad says fast paced or energetic, it's code for we're only looking for young people," says Deborah Russell, director of economic security at AARP. AARP's list of the best employers for workers over age 50 is available at www.aarp.org/bestemployers.
Flexibility is key. Find a job that lets you decide when and how you want to work. Ask about flexible work arrangements–working part time, telecommuting, job sharing, being a consultant–and balancing your work and family life. You should also inquire about on-the-job retraining opportunities. If you ask for more flexibility, you just might get it.
Conquer your fears. Older employees sometimes feel out of the loop in a multigenerational workforce, especially when working for a boss or supervisor who is much younger. This often results from a lack of self-confidence, Pippins says, which she believes training can fix. And, she says, companies can make older workers feel at home in the workplace, by providing better lighting, installing high-contrast colors on computer screens, minimizing background noise, and, above all, training managers to be more understanding of their workers' needs.
Follow the money. Many baby boomers face a real probability that they will run out of assets and need to keep working, Ramani Ayer, chairman and chief executive of the Hartford, told the AARP forum. Just because you need to work, don't sell yourself short. As an older worker, you offer skills and experience that are valuable assets. Find a company whose pay and benefits are commensurate with your experience.
Do what you enjoy. "I find that sometimes freedom is not what people want. Sometimes they want the community of the office setting," says Jane Friedman, president and CEO of HarperCollins. Indeed, the No. 1 reason that those between 66 and 70 gave for continuing to work was to stay active and engaged (72 percent), according to a MetLife online retirement survey. Other top reasons included the opportunity to do meaningful work (47 percent) and to have social interaction with colleagues (42 percent).
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