Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
When you’re a retiree and looking for a new career, finding career resources can be tricky.
The challenges you’re facing are unique, and they generally require a different approach than those of younger job seekers.
Whether you’re looking for a complete career change or just a metamorphosis of your current career, the following resources can help you find the support you need to find work in retirement.
1. AARP Life Reimagined
AARP is a name synonymous with retirement. Beyond excellent discounts and travel advice, the site is full of inspiration and tips on how to thrive after 50.
And that includes information on creating a new professional focus once you’re ready to move on from your first career.
2. AmeriCorps Seniors
Are you financially stable in retirement but looking for a way to fulfill your passion for giving back?
Consider AmeriCorps Seniors, a national volunteer organization that helps older workers share the wealth of knowledge and joy they’ve found with the communities they live in.
3. Career Pivot
Now that you’re retiring from your first career, you might be looking to pivot into a new field.
Career Pivot is a site focused on helping workers over 50 understand and intentionally take steps toward a career pivot in the second half of their working years.
4. FlexJobs
If you’ve been longing for a flexible job in retirement that can help you balance a bit of your newfound freedom and interests with a meaningful second career, we’re here to help you.
With an entire team that screens every job to ensure it’s legitimate and scam-free, you can feel safe launching your job search on FlexJobs.
5. NEW Solutions
NEW Solutions specializes in connecting retirees with jobs in federal government.
If your goal in this season of your life is to take on a role focused on serving others, this site might be the exact resource you’ve been seeking.
6. Next Avenue
An all-encompassing site, Next Avenue has multiple sections that cater to all facets of a retiree’s life, from money to work, well-being, and caregiving.
With a focus on thinking outside the box, the journalistic tone of this site offers insights and facts for your research, enabling you to build your retirement dream.
7. Retired Brains
If you are looking for a job in retirement focused on continuing to supplement your wealth, the independent research on this site will help you plan a happy and healthy retirement.
8. RetireeWorkforce.com
RetireeWorkforce.com takes a slightly different approach from the other resources on this site, as a retiree started it with firsthand knowledge of the challenges many older workers face.
The site has evolved into a resource center focused on helping retirees find balance and meaningful employment.
9. RetirementJobs.com
Are you looking for a resource that can offer comprehensive career advice on beating age bias and finding meaningful work on your terms?
This site is dedicated to bridging the gap between workers over 50 and offers a list of certified Age-Friendly Employers.
10. Workforce50.com
Workforce50.com offers an entire suite of resources for retirees looking to balance a second career and growing personal interests.
Connect with employers who have committed to hiring experienced members of the workforce.
Finding Your Perfect Career Fit After 50
If you’re looking for a new career, you might discover that your options are almost limitless for the first time in many years.
You’re no longer in the middle of a career path, and you can build a career that fits this new season of your life. But to do so, you’ll need to take some time to map out the best path for your next stage.
Map Out Your Reasons for a Second Career
With many retirees being healthier and more active, finances aren’t always the motivating factor for pursuing a new role. Often, older workers are seeking a fun career option now that they’ve completed their years in a more focused industry.
Even if you’re in a financial position that requires you to continue working, there’s no reason you can’t focus on a second career that fulfills a passion and gives you the freedom to balance your interests.
Before you start researching your options, ensure that you are clear on why you’re looking for a new role. That way, you can target positions and industries that are likely to check those boxes.
Understand Your Work-Life Balance Needs in Retirement
Are you hoping to spend more time on some of your favorite hobbies? Would you love to devote more time to personal relationships?
Even if you need to work to meet specific financial goals, you can focus on finding a flexible job that can help you create a better balance.
Your retirement is coming at an excellent time, as more businesses support flexible work options. You can investigate remote work options or shorter work weeks.
You’ll have more time for personal pursuits by working a compressed work week that is only three or four days a week instead of the traditional five-day work week.
There are also many opportunities to continue in the field that you’ve enjoyed while creating a better balance. For example, you can use your business acumen to become a consultant, or you could put your teaching skills to use as a freelance writer.
Creating Career Goals After 50
Even if you’ve had a very successful career up to this point, you should put yourself in a growth mindset and embrace learning. One of the best ways to do that is to map goals for your new career to ensure you’re creating the best chance for success.
Ask yourself some of the following questions to help you start to create milestones to work toward:
- What do I hope to achieve in my next career?
- What kind of impact do I want to have?
- What are some specific things I’ve always wanted to learn?
- How can my skills and experience benefit my career and others simultaneously?
Once you’ve got your goals in mind, you can begin to identify roles that will help you get there.
For example, you might discover that you want to have a more significant impact, so you’re looking at leadership opportunities. Or, perhaps you had a high-stress career, and you’re looking for a more flexible job that allows you to build relationships.
Whatever the case may be, with a plan in mind, you can launch your search.
Launching Your Second Career
One of the best ways that technology has changed work for those approaching retirement is the ability to open up second career opportunities that weren’t there before.
You might be pleasantly surprised to discover all of the ways that flexible and remote roles can provide the perfect work-life balance for your needs in retirement.
