The best way for retirees to earn money
Some time ago, I wrote that the three things retired seniors worry about most are health, wealth and relationships. Actually, I think I got the order wrong. After trying to fit into the retirement mold for some time, I have come to realize that retirement income, (money), should be at the head of the list.
The reason for this is that I’ve been reading a lot lately about seniors having to decide between medication to stay healthy and food, one of the basics of life. Not much of a choice, but one that some people face every day and the reason many people continue to work after retirement. But, the difficulty comes in finding a job that you can do from your home but there are many ways to earn extra money.
Unfortunately, a lot of the easier jobs to find pay very little since experience or skills are not a prerequisite. This is one of the reasons that many retired people turn to work at home jobs as a way to supplement their retirement income. This could be the best of all jobs for seniors that you can imagine by providing some additional financial security and flexibility to a schedule. Here are some tips to help you find yours.
Work At Home Jobs
Evaluate your skills. Take time to clarify you have done in your career and what you want to do or are willing to do in the future. Make a list of things you have learned that could be useful in future endeavors.
I had a friend who retired after years in a management position where he had the opportunity to help develop other company management teams. It would have been easy for him to continue this as a part time job from home with a little bit of networking, marketing and perseverance. My suggestion was for him to create a networking cover letter and business card.
How could you do this?
Make a list of things you’ve done that added value to your career. Put everything on the initial list, no matter how insignificant you think it is. I believe everything you do has value. You just have to figure out how. Then narrow the list to specific skills that you can market. Identify what you have learned while working at a particular job that can be useful as your part time job.
Advertise yourself. Do an internet search for networking organizations in your chosen field or go to Wikipedia and find a list. You have to network and advertise yourself because hey, nobody is going to find you if you don’t.
Stay active. Consider doing some volunteer work, or give your time and skills away for free as a way to learn how to do part time employment after you retire. The idea is to get freelance work that you can add to your resume and network profiles. Pro bono work is a common practice in the entertainment industry and can be effective in other fields as well. Several years ago, I did some free consulting for a local college video media class and the local Salvation Army. Both were very useful on the resume, networking site and made good talking points when interviewing.
Believe in yourself and keep learning. This is probably the most important tip. The more you know the more valuable your skills and service can become to potential employers when you get to the point in your life where you are considering part time employment as a retiree. Believe me, been there, done that and I know it works.