Considering a second career in retirement? Try these on for size

According to CareerBuilder’s annual retirement survey, 54 percent of senior workers (age 60+) plan to continue working after retiring from their current positions. Whether you want to start a second career to help pay your living expenses or simply because you enjoy working, the key is finding a gig that works with your schedule and utilizes your strengths. Here are three job possibilities worth exploring:

• Real estate. With flexible schedules and easy entry into the field, real estate is an appealing career choice for many retirees. The industry provides opportunity to build on your existing community connections, meet new people and stay mentally active, as agents must take continuing education courses once licensed. Even part-time agents can earn a respectable salary and those currently working in real estate report above-average job satisfaction – what more can you ask for?
• Retail. It might be a cliché, but working as a part-time retail salesperson offers older employees the flexible schedules and customer interaction they want and the extra income they need. Since many retailers offer employee discounts as an added perk, you could benefit further from working at a shop you already frequent. Some larger corporations even provide health coverage for part-time associates, which is especially beneficial for older Americans whose healthcare costs represent their second-largest expense after housing.
• Self-employment. According to Gallup, adults over the age of 50 are one of the fastest-growing groups of U.S. entrepreneurs. If the thought of having yet another supervisor is less than appealing, why not consider becoming your own boss? Admittedly, this option is probably better suited for seniors who don’t need extra money right away – as it can take time for a new business to get off the ground – but self-employment is a great way to reinvent yourself and turn a passion into an income-producing venture.

Do you have a plan for how you’ll spend your retirement years? Join us on social media and let us know!