A New Career Later in Life?

You've worked for 30 or 40 years, maybe for the same company in all that time, or have had a few career changes over the course of the years. At times it became mundane but you kept plugging along because, of course, you needed the paycheque. Oh but how you had dreamt for years about retirement, living out the rest of your days in leisure or to now have the chance to do some traveling. However, you might not actually be ready to put away those business suits and brief cases just yet. Although, the idea of no longer being tied to the constraints of a job, getting up every morning at 5 or 6am, fighting rush hour traffic, may sound alluring, you might actually enjoy the idea of still being productive throughout your day. Maybe sitting around all day from sun up to sun down just doesn't have the same appeal it once did years ago.

Retirement usually begins at the age of 65 for most companies. Depending on the company you've worked for and the length of time you had been there, you might also have the choice of an early retirement, usually between the ages of 55 to 60. However, some people either aren't quite ready to retire or, due to financial circumstances, they can't afford to. If your company has a mandatory policy of kicking you out the door as soon as you turn 65, what better time to think about a possible second career, even at this stage of your life?

Today's senior citizens have a lot more stamina and energy than the seniors of the past. People seemed to age so much quicker decades ago, probably due to the hardships they endured. One has to admit, life has gotten so much easier for the average North American over the past generation or two, mainly in part because of technology and being better educated towards living healthier life styles. A century ago, people seemed old at 55 or 60 and were more than ready to sit out their remaining days in a rocking chair on the front porch. However, in this day and age, they're ready to finally start living. In fact, we might possibly have to move up the age of senior citizen to 70 or 75 (or 80 even) in this new millennium, being that people are living so much longer now.

Rather than sitting around and feeling old and unproductive, why not seek out that new career? A new line of work might actually make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. As a matter of fact, a second career during your senior years can be even better than your first. During your more youthful days, you might have taken a job you that didn't particularly like or enjoy, but stayed due to obligations, a family to raise and a mortgage to pay. Now that those pressures may have lessened over the years, you can relax, doing something you enjoy this time around. There are so many more options these days.

Why not consider turning your hobby into your new line of work? Implement your own talents into a money making venture. If you happen to have a green thumb and enjoy gardening, open up your own little green house nursery. Selling flowers locally can add that bit of extra spending money. If your talents lie towards woodworking, you're handy with a sewing machine, or if you're artistically inclined, turn artisan craft making into a profitable business. Devote your time to making items that you can sell at flea markets or consignment shops. People are always looking for unique, home made items as gift ideas. These are things you can do at a more leisurely pace, yet still maintain a comfortable income.

If your preference is to get out of the house and you miss being amongst the public, working in a department store might be more to your liking. Certain stores prefer to hire more mature people either as greeters or even behind the counter. They find that the older worker is more dependable, reliable and trustworthy. The work isn't very strenuous and might be something you could enjoy doing.

Other ideas to consider might be to do freelance consultation work. This is something you can do at your own leisure and continue to use the knowledge you've built up over the years working for somebody else. You might also find that doing some online freelance writing may keep those brain cells exercised while making a bit of cash at the same time.

These are just some ideas to ponder. The possibilities are endless, depending upon your own likes, talents and abilities. Just knowing that turning 65 doesn't have to mean an end to your life, a comfortable income or your own self-worth, can make all the difference. Retirement doesn't have to be feared or met with anxiety and anticipation, but can be regarded as a whole new beginning with wonderful possibilities opening up to you. This can assist in the transition from working those long 40 or 50 hour weeks, to working at your own pace, doing something you actually love to do. Being of retirement age most definitely doesn't mean an end to your productivity in life!