Finding Senior Niches in the Job Market

As Babyboomers retire from their lifelong careers a new job niche is being developed. This niche is being established by senior citizens who have a lot of job experience and a lot left to give to businesses in a variety of industries. Senior citizens are a great resource for small businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies who are looking for part time skilled and non-skilled help.

Job Option #1 - Consultants

One of the best jobs for senior citizens that have either recently retired or who are looking to extend their careers into their 60s and 70s is the job of consultant. Consultant positions are great for senior citizens in that they provide the opportunity to continue to work and utilize job experience and skills, and they also provide the senior citizen with the opportunity to also control when they work, how they work and who they work for. To make this a viable option for senior citizens that have retired it will be necessary for them to keep up with current trends in industry standards and protocols.

Job Option #2 - Classroom Helpers

Another great job for senior citizens is the job as a classroom helper. This position is perfect for those senior citizens who want to share their time and life experiences with elementary aged children. This position can be scheduled around the abilities of the senior citizen and can last anywhere from a single class period a few times a week to a full-time position. This position will require some physical stamina, a love of children and the ability to pass a background check. Education experience is also a plus, but it is not mandatory.

Job Option #3 - Back Office Support Positions

Small businesses that are looking for extra help can also turn to senior citizens for support. Back office jobs that involve data input, filing, organization and other basic office skills can be easily filled by senior citizens who will not only have a more open schedule for these positions, but they will also tend to have a better work ethic than younger individuals in the employee pool. Senior citizens interested in this type of position will need some computer experience, as well as an understanding of filing and office organization procedures.

Job Option #4 - Advocacy Support for Senior Citizens

One of the best positions for senior citizens is as an advocate for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Since senior citizens have both professional experience and personal experiences that can be used in this type of position, they make an excellent employee or lobbyist for senior issues. This type of position requires computer skills, public relations skills and lobbying skills. It also requires some travel and the ability to work a variety of hours.