Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
The traditional workforce no longer works for everyone.
A rigid 9-to-5 schedule may not be feasible if you’re a retiree. But you might not be ready to put your feet up and relax full-time yet.
Perhaps you need to supplement your retirement income. Or, maybe you’re hoping to share your years of experience with those still in the workforce.
Luckily, there are many flexible work options that cater to retirees’ unique needs.
So, whether you’re simply looking for a social outlet or need a more substantial source of income, we’ve got some tips to help you land a role that fits your needs in retirement.
Here are 10 tips for retirees seeking flexible work.
1. Understand the Financial Implications
Admittedly, Social Security and retirement benefits are a bit complicated. Several variables determine whether you can work and continue to receive your full benefits.
You’ll need to factor in your age and whether you’re collecting Social Security disability benefits or traditional benefits. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration keeps updated details to help you understand how working could impact your retirement income.
Aside from Social Security, it would help to read the fine print on any pension you’re collecting. The rules vary based on the employer and the pension agreements.
You may still be able to work part-time or for a different employer altogether. It’s also possible that working could limit the amount of the pension you can collect.
Rather than be surprised by financial difficulties, consider connecting with a financial consultant. Once you’ve determined the parameters, you can begin pursuing flexible work options that fit your situation.
2. Explore Part-Time Options
For many retirees, part-time work offers the best of both worlds. You’ll be able to maintain your hobbies and devote more time to family and other relationships.
Generally, you can supplement your income while staying under Social Security’s income limits.
Part-time work also allows you to pursue new social opportunities and keep your skills relevant. Plus, with technological advancements, you have more freedom than ever in your work location.
And if you’re too young for Medicare, you can focus on finding employment with a company that provides benefits for part-time employees.
3. Consider Freelance Opportunities
Do you want more autonomy over your schedule and who you work with? Freelancing might be ideal for you.
You can flex your inner entrepreneur and have maximum control — and responsibility — over your professional life.
If continually chasing down clients sounds like more of a chore than a reward, consider signing a long-term contract. Many companies are enhancing their rosters with freelancers to gain more experience and perspective within their teams.
4. Work With a Career Coach
Are you working toward a career change in retirement and need some tips on translating your skills? Or, has it been a while since you were involved in the interview process?
Either way, career coaching is one of the best investments you can make as you search for a job in retirement.
A career coach can offer guidance and personalized feedback to help you stand out from the competition. Through career coaching, you can focus on a number of different job search skills.
For example, a career coach can help you effectively communicate your skills, develop an impactful cover letter and resume, and grow your professional network.
5. Facilitate a Career Change Through Volunteer Work
Did you finish up one chapter of your professional story, and now you’d like to pursue a different field altogether? That’s pretty common, as retirees have the freedom to start over without worrying about career growth.
But it can be a struggle without formal experience in your target industry.
For many retirees, volunteering is an excellent solution. Not only can you lend your expertise to an organization you believe in, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of the current job market.
6. Age-Proof Your Resume
While it’s illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of your age, you’ll impress hiring managers if you present yourself as a modern and relevant professional. Take time to familiarize yourself with current best practices.
If you were in your previous career for a long period, review the current resume standards, such as eliminating the career objective. You’ll also want to focus on the last 10 years of your work history, rather than your entire career.
Remove unnecessary dates, use data-driven bullet points, and highlight industry technology you’re familiar with. That way, the hiring manager won’t be concerned you’ll struggle with the technological aspect of a role.
7. Take Advantage of Technology
And speaking of technology, ensure that you’re exploring the many opportunities that remote and work-from-anywhere jobs offer.
If you’re looking for more freedom to travel in retirement, many remote jobs can support that. From remote writers to virtual assistants and everything in between, the world is your oyster.
Along with the increased job opportunities, technology can help simplify your job search. Start by finding the best job boards for your target niche.
Once you’ve found a job board with legitimate postings, ensure you fill out your resume profile completely and sign up for job alerts, saving you hours of scrolling daily. Once you’ve got everything set up, employers can come to you instead.
8. Enjoy Your Network
Undoubtedly, you’ve grown an extensive network over the years. Now it’s time to put your network to use.
Feel free to make some noise about your job search. Letting friends, family, and acquaintances know you’re on the hunt for flexible work is a great way to bring leads.
If you didn’t create a networking habit before retirement, now is the time to get organized. Find a system that works for you to track your contacts. Ensure you note where you met them and any information relevant to your interactions with them.
Then, schedule time to intentionally network through LinkedIn groups or individual interactions each week.
9. Level Up Your Skills
Professional development is still a worthy investment, even though you’ve retired from your first career. Remain marketable with current certifications and stay up to date on industry standards.
You can take online classes or find educational workshops related to your expertise.
There are also several free courses available through platforms like LinkedIn Learning.
Or, if you’re looking to transition to a new industry, you could sign up for a more tailored program, such as a boot camp or formal certification.
10. Define Your Goals and Motivations
Most of us have read the inspirational billboard that says, “A goal with no plan is just a wish.”
When you’re looking for a new job opportunity in retirement, that applies more than ever before. You have almost endless options, so it’s good to narrow them down.
Take some time to define your job search goals. Ensure that you’re considering what you’d like your life to look like now that you’ve retired from one career.
Those goals and the tips here can help you find a new job that aligns perfectly with your work-life balance goals.
Enjoying Flexible Work in Retirement
With focused goals, you can find flexible work that supports your retirement and other professional pursuits.
Take advantage of today’s technology, leverage your network, and invest in yourself. You might find that flexible work is the best fit for your retirement.
