To most of us retirement means playing with the grandkids, holidaying with the spouse in exotic locales, visiting family members spread across the globe or something as simple as taking a nap in the afternoon. In other words, doing what one never had the time to do. That’s the general perception, but the surprising fact is that there are a large number of seniors on the verge of retirement who are seeking to stay employed. Here’s why: Never planned for retirement The thought about being financially self-sufficient after retirement never crossed their minds. They believed that just as they looked after their aged parents, so also their children would look after them. But things turned out differently and now they are left to fend for themselves. Insufficient retirement planning They did not take financial planning seriously. A few investments here and there were all they thought was needed. Today they have left with just enough to meet their basic needs, having ignored factors like ever-increasing inflation and rising medical costs. Staying mentally and physically healthy They are well aware that staying active after retirement delays many age-related diseases including dementia. It’s no secret that friendships forged at the workplace, time spent with colleagues outside the office over a cup of tea keep’s one socially active and also keeps that dreaded feeling of isolation at bay. Boredom A few months into retirement and many feel lost and lonely, despite having family. The unstructured days become a challenge they find difficult to face, especially after having spent almost a lifetime meeting goals, keeping deadlines and leading an organised life. So they wish to continue with a time- table dictated life, with definite duties and responsibilities. A sense of purpose Last but not the least, there are those seniors who desire that personal fulfilment which comes by giving back to society selflessly. That’s the reason why they volunteer with an NGO, or at a municipal school, some even sponsor monthly events at an orphanage or an aged home. Making a difference to less privileged lives is what motivates them. Whatever the reason to stay employed after retirement, the advantages cannot be evaluated in monetary terms. At the end of the day, doing what makes you happy is all that matters.

There was a time when you got up every day early in the morning to reach the office. So many times you wished to snuggle under those bed sheets during those heavy rains or cool winters. But you postponed it. The drive to make money for your family and to have a secured retirement life has led you to toil day and night at your workplace. Today you are retired. So what is your plan? Well after relaxing for many days, meeting friends and relatives, spending time with spouse and grandchildren, visiting places which you always wanted to or catching up movies, suddenly you feel withdrawn and tired. Although you enjoy these activities, sitting idle at home makes you restless. You wish to join the work force again and would like to meet your old buddies. But working full time will be stressful as it will leave you without any time for leisure. Among the lucky ones there are few senior citizens who were unable to save money for their retirement life and continue to struggle to meet their ends. Uncaring children, old age sickness and financial insecurities drives these seniors to search for jobs. A person with fragile health and low productivity is generally hired on a low pay scale. So what to do? Let us explore some amazing jobs available for senior citizens in the market. A} In today’s time many employers wish to hire back their retired employees because of their work experience and knowledge. So, in that case you can communicate your suggestions of working as a part timer for so many days in a week to your ex employer. The pay package will be comparatively low but it will give you flexibility and will keep you occupied in a productive way. B} There are some educational sectors who hire retired people. Like, institutes of skill development programs would prefer an experienced and technically sound person as their educator. If you have worked as an engineer or in any mechanical field and have good soft skills then you should definitely give it a try. C} Insurance companies are booming and they are looking for insurance advisors. If you have marketing skills and know how to handle customers this is a good field for you. With larger customers the incentives are also high, like any sales career. D} When you were young, creative works like painting, drawing, writing or cooking were your interest, but couldn’t pursue it because there was no money in it. Then this is the right time to start your own business. This will fulfil your dream and you can make a good amount of money too. E} Nowadays all are fitness conscious and if you are a fitness freak you can start your own yoga classes, karate classes, marathon classes or how about a small gym in your society. F} Some seniors enjoy gardening. Gardens with fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers are always in demand. You can start your own organic shop or flower arrangements. G} Many hotels and cruises or event companies always look out for experienced musicians. You can work as part timer musician if you have experience in playing any musical instruments like tabla, guitar or saxophone. H} You have crossed your 60’s but if you are fit and healthy and keen to travel then you can work as a travel guide for tours and Travel Company. They would like to hire somebody who is active, warm and friendly with their tourists. I} Lastly, many non-profit organisations look for volunteers for their work. There the pay will not be lucrative but if you are a person who loves to help people and do something good for others then this is a nice place to work. Apart from keeping you busy, this job will give you lots of happiness and peace. Though the monetary gains are zero but emotionally it will be satisfying. Choice is yours. You have to be clear why you want to work after retirement? Is it for finance or just to keep away boredom? But remember, you are going to be fragile as the year passes so make a work choice according to it. Lastly you are competing with the youths so don’t expect a great pay package. With the timing benefits and other flexibility the wages offered will be less.