The Most Enjoyable Jobs for Older Workers | Retirement

Older workers who are age 50 to 65 aren’t so different from their younger counterparts. Flexible schedules meaningful work are priorities that transcend generations. What’s more, relationships with colleagues, work environments the work itself can all be key to attracting retaining workers of every age.

However, older Americans may be in a better position to pursue their dream job. With years of workplace experience under their belts, they may already have savings, benefits retirement plans from earlier jobs as well as the insight to know what type of work appeals to them.

“Older workers may be in a unique position,” says Iris Waichler, a social worker writer for Choosing Therapy, an online therapy platform. “Some may be more financially stable are seeking work for altruistic reasons, doing something they love which they may not have been able to do when they were younger.”

Whether you want an encore career or are simply looking to make some extra money while semiretired, here are 10 job options for over-50 somethings to consider.

A top concern for older workers is having a job that provides meaning, no job scores as more enjoyable for older workers than that of clergy. That’s according to a 2017 survey of more than 6,000 workers age 62 older conducted by the Urban Institute, a think tank. Nearly two-thirds of seniors in this profession say they really enjoy what they do. This career ticks off a lot of boxes when it comes to what older workers like about employment. It provides social connections, offers a meaningful line of work, can be flexible provides opportunities to help others.

Local governments rely on elected officials such as trustees, commissioners council members to make smart decisions on behalf of their communities. These positions can be ideal jobs for people over 50 who have extensive life experience knowledge.

“We need good people who have the time, the talent the interest,” says Diane Jones, a 51-year-old Kent County Commissioner in Michigan. However, before running for office, Jones suggests attending the body’s meetings to better understthe duties involved in the position.

Pay for local officers isn’t likely to be enough to live on, but it can supplement retirement or other income. If money isn’t a concern, local governments also have a need for qualified residents to serve on various boards. Some of these may pay a stipend while others are volunteer positions.

The best jobs for older workers often involve interacting with the public, according to James Essey, president CEO of New York-based The TemPositions Group of Companies, which provides staffing services in five states. “They also like to share their experience,” he says.

As a result, older workers seem to thrive in positions such as museum docents, tour guides hospitality hosts. Essey’s company coordinated COVID-19 vaccination clinics for the New York State Department of Health found seniors were eager to fill jobs greeting people as they arrived. “Older workers were very helpful for us,” Essey says.

Older workers are also often hired as product demonstrators promoters. According to 2018 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 44% of demonstrators product promoters are older than age 55, 27% are at least age 65.

Working in a retail store isn’t the most lucrative job available to older workers, but it’s hard to beat when it comes to flexible hours. What’s more, retail sales positions can be found in a variety of stores, making it possible to find a job that matches a person’s personal interests. These jobs also allow employees to interact with customers as well as share their knowledge, two attributes that can make the work appealing.

Schools value experienced educators are often willing to accommodate their work needs. Retired teachers are often welcomed back as substitutes, while postsecondary schools may look for experienced professionals to teach on a part-time basis. With the advent of online education, some teaching jobs may not even require instructors to travel to campus.

For those who have experience with investing, one of the best jobs for older workers may be that of a financial planner. “They can offer (their) experience expertise to others,” Waichler says. What’s more, it’s a job that lends itself well to flexible working arrangements can be done on a part-time basis for those who want to be semiretired.

A related option would be to consider an encore career in insurance sales. Since the industry is all about building relationships, older insurance sales agents benefit from the large network of connections they have acquired throughout the years.

Older workers did more than greet visitors at the COVID-19 vaccination clinics staffed by The TemPositions Group of Companies. Many also filled roles as health care workers helped administer vaccines, Essey says.

If someone enjoys their current career, there is no reason to change fields when they get older. Instead of leaving their profession, they could switch from being an employee to a consultant. “Doing freelance consultant work in an area of expertise can be a good option can help (someone) control their schedule,” Waichler says.

Companies in a variety of fields, such as business, IT, management accounting, may use consultants. In some cases, workers will be brought on to help with specific projects while others may be asked to mentor new employees. Older workers who have a good relationship with their current employer may be able to continue as a consultant for their firm even after they retire.

Temporary work can be a good option for older workers who don’t want the hassle of trying to find a job themselves or who prefer short-term assignments to a permanent position.

“There are lots of companies now that are desperate for workers,” Essey says. That means a strong job market for seasoned professionals who bring extensive experience to the table. Job counselors at staffing firms can help people determine the best positions for their skills, workers are free to take or decline positions based on their needs preferences.

“That’s the beauty of a staffing firm,” Essey says. “You work when where you want.”

Don’t make the mistake of thinking only certain jobs are appropriate or enjoyable for those older than age 50.

“At 50 plus, you can start a whole new career that can last some 25 years,” says Michael Clinton, former president publishing director of Hearst Magazines author of “Roar Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It’s Too Late).” “Stop thinking about age-appropriate occupations focus instead on person-appropriate ones that let you follow your passion or a dream that you gave up in your younger adult life.”

Consider your personal goals needs to find a position that will be the perfect fit. Any job can be an enjoyable job for older workers, everyone needs to figure out what that occupation is for him or herself.