The Reinventing of the Aging Workforce
Many aging professionals are finding it necessary to reinvent themselves. The world and the workforce have changed. Their experience is needed but many companies find them too expensive to retain, possibly for salary expectations or possibly for health issues. Whatever the case, the job world is still in desperate need of their work ethic and experience. There are things to consider when reinventing your career later in life.
First of all, polish your computer and technical skills. Today’s business world requires that you are technologically savvy. You simple cannot exist in the business world if you do not have current knowledge about Smartphones and computers. Take courses if it is necessary. Learning how to navigate social media is imperative. Networking is a must. It is important to reach out to a wide variety of professionals that can offer advice and insight.
With children grown and gone, relocation becomes a more viable option. There are areas in the country where the older more experience worker is in demand. Relocation can be adventurous. New starts can be revitalizing, as well as rewarding economically. Check out your local community colleges or universities for career-related events, featured speakers, one-day résumé brush-ups and the like. A few hours spent in like-minded company in a focused environment can do wonders.
Broaden your thinking to include more flexible work arrangements: consulting, interim work, long-term project work, or joining a “flexible workforce” firm that takes on projects, and parcels out the work to a team of freelancers. If you are contemplating a change in careers while you’re still employed, then quitting your job to work freelance may not be advisable. However, if are already unemployed, freelancing might make sense. For aspiring career-changers, the benefit to working in a more flexible mode is that you can branch out a little, learn new skills, and test out other areas without making a full commitment. Employers don’t have to commit fully to you either, which might make them more likely to take a chance on someone who’s new to the field. Working in an interim or freelance capacity can also be a way to make contacts inside an organization. Older workers can often command a high rate because they are offering experience for far less than it costs to hire a full-timer.
Understand that this is a new stage of life and that, like all stages, after it will come yet another one. It is never too late to reinvent your life. Life in the fifties and after is an age of distinction – plenty of time for adventure and new learning.
“Money in Your 50s and 60s.” www.MSNMoney.com Web. 11 July 2013.