‘Retirement Work’ Can Be Good For You
©Shane Flait 2010

Many who reach retirement need more income than their Social Security, pension or savings can supply. And many retirees also want something to ‘work at’ that keeps them going in a purposeful and satisfying way.  Whichever is the case, consider this for what to ‘work at’ in your retirement.

Reaching 60 or 65 means you have another 20 to 30 years to live. That’s a lot of time left – more than earlier generations imagined. You’ll need sufficient income to carry you the distance and something to do besides watching TV all day.

What’s great about retirement is that you can choose to work at what’s enjoyable and meaningful to you. The pressure is off for making a big income for family, college costs, and retirement savings. So, recognize these points about ‘retirement work’ to salvage a satisfying retirement.

Benefits of working in retirement

Work is good for you emotionally, physically, and socially as you age, too. But just getting done something you like to do - and getting paid for it – can be a very positive experience. Of course, what you work at should be enjoyable and help get you out of the chair every day. 

To reap these benefits, you’ve got to find something you love; and then balance how much you do of it with the rest of what you want in your retirement.

How much should you work?

Since you already have some retirement income you can choose to work part-time. But finding the right ‘job’ for you can help let your enthusiasm determine your work load. 

Finding what to ‘work at’ for you can make it like you’re not working at all. You really need to fall in love with your work.

How to prepare for what to ‘work at’:

·        Reflect on your skills and interests you’ve developed or touched on during your life. Jot them down, their context, and how you felt about them.

·        Compile your ‘enjoyable’ skills and interests from which to fashion possible ideas to work at. Seek more education only about what interests you.

·        Seek a ‘slot’ in the work environment - or create one - that you’d relish.

Retirement is the phase in your life that you can choose to work at what you really want. So, take your time to recognize your enjoyable skills and interests and understanding where you’ll best fit in to a work environment.

Many retirees only want to work part-time for a little extra cash to enrich their retirement experience. Doing so affords them some flexibility and allows them to pursue personally-rewarding positions. This may be helping underprivileged children, servicing the public, helping out a nonprofit, organizing a food pantry, or teaching adults to read. 

 Shane Flait is a writer and educator. Get more info at www.EasyRetirementKnowHow.com