Retiring can be an incredible feeling! After years of hard work, it all finally pays off. Retirement can mean more time with family, traveling, and doing what you love. However, what if you still want to work once this time comes? Many people still enjoy working after they retire, whether it’s full-time or part-time.
In this post, we’ll discuss six tips to consider for those who want to work after retirement.
Determine the type of work you CAN do
First, you need to consider the type of work you can do. For example, if you’re experiencing serious knee problems, you probably can’t work a role where you’re standing all day. That said, you may consider a desk job or a similar position.
Another important consideration is if the job requires any heavy lifting. Again, if you're unable to perform this job function, this may not be the role for you. While you want to stay active and busy, you don’t want to hurt yourself or add complications to an injury. That said, realistically, think about the jobs you can do and go out and pursue them.
Consider the type of work you WANT to do
While you should always think about your physical and mental abilities when deciding on a job after retirement, it’s also essential to consider the work you want to do. If you’ve always wanted to work at a library, go for it! Want to work at a food bank? Now’s your chance to make it happen.
While your physical or mental health may limit the type of work you can handle, you can still work a job you love! Finding that perfect job for you may just take a little research and patience.
Think about how much you want to work
Many people can’t wait to retire so they can have more free time. After all those years of hard work, it’s time to kick back, relax, and live life on your terms. That said, if you’re thinking about going back to work after retirement, the big question is — how much work do you want?
You would hate to return to a job only to regret your decision, so make sure you spend some time on this important question. After all, as you retire to enjoy your time, you don’t need to take on another full-time position!
Start small if you’re unsure about how much you want to work. Maybe work a day or two a week to see how you like it. From there, you may be able to work more hours if you enjoy the role.
Consider how working may affect benefits
While retirement means more free time to do what you love, you can also cash in on Social Security benefits. However, if you decide to go back to work, that decision may impact these payments. In fact, both Medicare eligibility and Social Security benefits can be affected if you work after retiring. But it all depends on your age and income.
As you can collect Social Security benefits between the ages of 62 and 70, these payments may be reduced until you reach your “full retirement age,” regardless of whether you’re working. The good news is — once you reach that number, you can work as much as you want and still receive your full Social Security benefit!
Think about working for local small businesses
Looking for a great retirement job that makes a difference in your community? If so, work for a local small business! This is the perfect opportunity to help your local neighbors and make some cash in the process. Instead of feeding into the pockets of big corporations, working for a small business can be much more rewarding! Furthermore, you may be able to make a bigger paycheck. But that’s not all — working for a local small business likely means a shorter commute.
Consider starting your own business!
Have you always had a dream of starting your own business? Well, now you can! Retirement typically means more free time, allowing you to research different business ideas and start one from scratch. Or if you already had a side hustle but never had enough time to grow it because of your full-time job, this is the time to make it happen.
Working for yourself can provide freedom of schedule, less stress, and more money in your pocket.
Working after retirement can be a fantastic experience. You can learn new skills, help the community, stay active, and make extra cash. By following the tips above, you can find a position you love and still reap the benefits of retirement. Now go out there and find your perfect post-career role!
