We have a weird situation in the workplace nowadays where you can be considered old in some industries once you hit 40. At the same time, we have a growing number of seniors returning to the workforce, rather than retiring, to pay bills or just to keep active.
What should you do if you are retirement age, (whatever that means to you), and you still want to work?
1. Try something new
Make your hobby your career.
Work in a bookstore, gallery or movie theater – something you simply enjoy. Give yourself permission to do something out of the box.
2. Be flexible
Instead of working full-time, do some consulting or work part time.
Think about a seasonal job instead of one year ‘round.
3. Showcase your skills
Instead of using a conventional resume that lists jobs by date and description, develop a ‘functional resume’, which highlights your functional experience – administration, sales, customer service. This sidesteps issues of age, and forces an employer to focus on your skills and how they will be transferred to the new job.
4. Dream big
Don’t settle for just any job. Believe in yourself, set clear intentions about the type of work you want and be open to the unlimited possibilities of what that job may look like or how it comes to you.
5. After many years as an executive assistant and office manager, one of my friends in England retired. She simply followed her passion and today runs her own antiques business. She sells at flea markets and through eBay. If she doesn’t want to work she doesn’t. She meets all kinds of people, works around the antiques she loves, and earns enough money to supplement her pension and pay for treats!
You are not an antique; your experience is valuable. Believe with absolute conviction that this is not the end of your career; it is the beginning of a new one.
David Couper is a career coach and writer who for the last twenty years has worked in Europe, Asia, and the USA with individuals. 100% of his clients have found either a new job or career which is fulfilling for both their heart and mind.
“After meeting with you, I can now say today, no matter what I do for work or how I earn money to live. I proudly can say that I am an Artist and an Educator. That is what I believe in and what makes my heart sing. I am feeling more grounded in who I truly am. So I am on this journey.”
Artist and Educator, Los Angeles, CA
He has successfully coached men and women wanting to change career or develop new opportunities at all levels - including CEOs of major companies wanting a creative challenge, frustrated souls longing to make their dream come true and front-line employees laid off and desperate to get a job.
"David Couper is an honest and sincere coach and an extra special team player. He's like the diamond player in reserve. When you call on him you can be sure that he is going to play full-out for your success and fully believe in you.”
Interactive Hypnotherapist and Fellow of Royal Society, London, UK
David has a degree in Communication, a postgraduate qualification in education, is certified in a number of training technologies, and has a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, Society of Human Resources Professional, Writers Guild and the British Academy of Film and Television.
“I love your inspiration. Thank you so much. I plan on sharing it with our sons.” -- Award-winning realtor, Los Angeles, CA
David has published seven books. His works on interpersonal skills, counseling in the workplace, and management issues (published by Connaught, Gower, HRD Press, Longman, Macmillan/Pearson Publishing, Oxford University Press) have been translated into Swedish, Polish, and Danish, and published in the UK and the USA.
“Love the work you are doing with X. You really nailed him (in the resume). Very nice work, David.”
Executive, Disney, Burbank, CA
He has dual US/UK citizenship and speaks French and Japanese.
“David offered both advice and encouragement, helping me to understand and adjust to the new context. I have no doubt that his support was vital to my success on that occasion. Without it, would have lacked the confidence required to carry on with what was a very daunting environment.” -- Training Manager and Employee of the Year, Consulting Company, Paris, France
Additional Resources covering Career Change can be found at:
Website Directory for Career Change
Articles on Career Change
Products for Career Change
Discussion Board
David Couper, the Official Guide To Career Change