If you have reached the age of retirement and are wondering about the woes of feeling useless without a job then don’t worry. You can always plan a post retirement career where your comfort comes first and responsibilities come second. Nonetheless, no man after working for years would like to sit home and do nothing. But this period of relaxation can be effectively utilized as well.
Humans Resources Journal smartly covered some tips for retired professionals into kicking off their post-retirement careers,
A second career is an excellent option as this will bring in a steady income as well as generate tremendous satisfaction about post-retirement life. Senior people often feel depressed and useless after their retirement. The ability to start a new career instills new hope and fills the heart and mind with a new zest for life. This in turn, has a tremendously positive impact on the health of both mind and body.
Anyone can start a second career upon retirement. Here are few tips to make the transition easy and fruitful:
(1) Focus On The Pleasure Aspect – when you plan for a second career, focus on what you love to do. Keep in mind that you will have less stamina for long and grueling hours in your senior years. Choose something that give you so much pleasure that you would not feel stressed doing it.
Make a list of what you would like to do – photography, writing, teaching, counseling, programming, making glass, travel – whatever you really want to do. Once you have the list, prioritize them and focus on the first 5, thinking about ways to monetize these activities.
The sky’s the limit if you put your mind to it. You can become a freelancer; you could seek part-time employment; you could become an entrepreneur; you could become a consultant.
(2) Acquire Additional Professional Skills – for example, loving to take pictures will not give you a job or assignment with the National Geographic Channel. You need to have the know-how. Take up an advanced course in photography; learn to use computers to enhance photographic effects; take up a course in application of editing software, etc. You should not only have the qualifications and skills, but also be up-to-date with the present day technology.
(3) Network With Professional In The Field Of Your Interest – do not wait until you retire to seek employment. Instead, network with established and reputed professionals as early as you can. Do free or specially discounted for these people in your network to establish your credential and earn their goodwill. By the time you retire you will have plenty of choices for assignments/ jobs from your network.
These tips will come in handy for all those who are afraid of staying back home after retirement. Always remember that you’ve served all your life, so keep your interest and comfort zone in mind when making the decision. Don’t hop into a strenuous and stressful lifestyle again. Give time to yourself and make the most of your post-retirement life!