Baby boomers approaching their mid fifties tend to take stock, with a view to planning as comfortable a retirement as possible in circumstances that may not be financially rosy. The average baby boomer comes from a generation accustomed to getting the best that money can buy and a retirement spent economizing on groceries is hardly ideal.
Typically, baby boomers spend only a little time cursing the government and the banks and the oh-so-clever money men who got them into this mess, choosing instead to focus on a solution to subsidize their income in later years.
Baby boomer professionals are firm believers in getting things done the right way and paying the right man for the right job. This does not mean, however, that older operatives cannot learn new skills – or that picking up a pension following a successful career means enforced retirement. Many energetic and super motivated over fifties choose to take up a second career out of a desire to remain active but the truth is that the majority seek work to sponsor their ‘retirement’.
An augmented income for seniors can be a big financial help and make all the difference to enjoying retirement to the full. Find more information about second careers online. That second income might be used for grocery treats; for taking foreign holidays and exploring Rome and the Far East instead of being confined to vacations nearer to home by budget limitations; or it might simply cover membership of the golf club, which might otherwise be unaffordable. Whatever the reason for re-applying the nose to the grindstone, the choices are vast and varied:
• Medical professionals such as trained and well qualified nurses might consider a new career in child minding or home nursing, either professionally or privately, both of which require formal checks. ‘Attending’ as a supervisor for first aid training is a job traditionally reserved for qualified personnel but the role carries none of the pressures of a full time hospital position. Company nurses are sometimes recruited from retired medical staff and happily spend their time mostly in administration on a smaller but nonetheless welcome salary.
• The real estate business can sometimes provide employment for retired quantity or chartered surveyors; builders; decorators and ex employees of land offices. Experience is valuable and potential employers are delighted to pay a lower premium for someone with know-how.
• The internet has brought the era of the home based worker to the attention of prospective retirees with a cash flow problem. Outsourcing is a great way to start up a company or work for someone who is willing to pay an agreed rate. Outsourced jobs include engineering design; web work; writing and translation services; graphic design; illustration services and even ‘virtual’ assistance and secretarial duties. The advantages are obvious: there are few overheads; you can pick and choose your contracts without the conventional restrictions of the workplace and you can go to work in your pyjamas if you feel like it.
Freelancing
Freelance contracting offers so many obvious advantages for baby boomers: there is nobody to tell you how to run your job; you can cut off a relationship with any client whom you feel does not offer a satisfying work experience (although good commercial manners should always govern behavior in that direction); there is total freedom of enterprise, allowing clever contractors to charge what the market will allow and there are no restrictions to branching into other areas of expertise.
No corporate ladder! How great is that!
There are some reputable outsourcing websites to explore but remember to exercise caution when trawling the internet for work: never part with personal information and read terms and conditions carefully before entering into contracts.
The Psychological Article on Second Careers and How to Deal With Them is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.
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