Pulling on my khaki pants, I realize, it has been 48 years since I have been this nervous and excited about starting a new job. I know I should not be this nervous, this is a part time job, and my previous career was a lot more complicated and stressful, I worry if I will be able to keep up with people that are half my age.
I place my hands on the dresser, look at myself in the mirror and tell myself, “This is the new you. Help people find the best options for their house. You are great at decorating. You do not have to run the whole company. This job will allow me to spend more time with the Grandkids.”
Pulling into the parking lot I see the other employees walking through the parking lot in small groups. I only see a couple people that are close to my age. I grab my lunch bag and purse, thrust open the door and step into my new adventure.
The current work environment has provided more options and flexibility in the workplace, including flexible schedules, remote work, micro jobs and contract work. These changes allow people to fit work into how they want their lives structured. Retirement gives people the opportunity to work a part time job either to help supplement their retirement, pursue a passion, or help the community.
According to American Working Conditions Survey (AWCS) 46% of people 50 and older would start work again with the right opportunity. Finding what you want to do and where you want to do it is the biggest hurdle. Some options to look at are listed in this article in U.S. News, click here to read about some of the popular careers seniors are doing. When looking at what job is right for you, think about your experience and what tasks you excel at. For example, if you love helping people as an HR specialist, consider becoming a career counselor or HR consultant for small businesses. These new jobs would allow you to do what you love but control your schedule and hours you work. If you enjoy construction work but don’t want to commit to the long hours, look for micro jobs on Task Rabbit, where you can put furniture together or do some light handyman work. Love teaching, there are many tutoring jobs online that you do not have to leave your house for. You can use these same platforms if you want to make extra money while pursuing a hobby or passion.
When switching careers there will always be some skills and talents that are transferrable. If you worked as a retail manager but now you want to teach guitar lessons, you have experience with a wide range of people and some knowledge on how to run your own business. Money.com talks about how to get a job when you are over 50 and has additional resources to help make the transition smoother, click here to read their article.
Once you know what you want to do and where, now you can start your job hunt. Reach out to your network both professional and personal and let people know you are looking for the right position or that you are going to start your own business. Visit Know A Vet? Employment page to get specific job information for veterans. Online job boards such as AARP Job Board, Zip Recruiter, Indeed, Flex Jobs, LinkedIn, or Industry Specific Job Boards can be an excellent source for jobs but also information about job hunting. Before submitting your resume read through AARP’s tips on how to write a resume as a Veteran, click here.
Once you have the interview with the company, research and have your questions ready so you are prepared and confident for the interview. Monster.com wrote an article to help guide people over 50 with the interview process, click here.
Current trends are showing that companies are hiring more workers over 50, since companies are seeing higher engagement, less errors and lower turnover rate, read additional trends in this article from TheJobNetwork.com, click here.
Watch for future articles from Know A Vet? for additional information on starting your own business as a veteran.
Visit Know A Vet? for a list of resources for a wide range of issues and resources by zip code. Your local VSO can help connect you to other veteran or civilian organizations. To find your local VSO visit Know A Vet? and put your zip code in the box toward the top of the home page for your local Federal, State and County resources.
If this information would help someone you know, show them you are thinking of them by forwarding this email. If you received this email from someone and would like to receive your own FREE newsletter click here to sign up.
Non-VA Local Help
Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.
Please feel free to use the check sheets Before, During and After the Medical Appointment and Choosing a Medical Service Provider to help you in your search for the best help for your individual circumstances.
In addition, there may be other federal, state and local government or private resources for your individual needs.
VA, Government and Organization Help
Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.
Clicking here will bring you to a database of other VA services you can locate by zip code.
Please also check out our page on Filing Claims. We recommend that you do NOT file claims on your own. If you do not file exactly the way the VA looks for information, it can take literally years for your claim to go back and forth before approval or denial.
The other resources listed, such as your local Veterans Service Office (names vary by county), VSO counseloror, VFW, etc., will help you determine what you are eligible for and file correctly for results in as little as a few weeks.
