Boomers On My Mind: Retire Or Rehire
BOSTON (CBS) - So is working going to be part of your retirement plan? You are not alone if it is! 80 percent of Boomers say they plan to work in retirement, many because they will have to.
An article in Business Week noted that "A lifetime of poor savings habits -- coupled with the devastating impact on retirement portfolios of two bear markets in eight years -- has convinced many boomers that they'll have to put in more time at the office".
According to an ING survey, four in 10 Americans believe the current economic climate will force them to retire up to 10 years later than originally expected or not at all. Americans will remain at their jobs longer than ever before just to keep up with their bills and ensure food is on the table. The survey results also noted that Americans are concerned about saving enough money for retirement.
The jobs most likely needing the graying population will be in sectors such as healthcare, education and social services.
A "bridge" job is something that will take you from your working career into full retirement. It's a transition job. Could be very different from what you have been doing during your working career. Many of the unemployed are very familiar with bridge jobs.
Some retirees find work at Walmart and McDonald's. If you have been to Disney World recently you noticed that the Disney employee's average age is no longer 20 but more like 60! They have found that retirees make good employees and are reliable.
Home Depot has partnered with AARP to hire older workers. Home Depot is getting experienced workers that are knowledgeable about home building and home maintenance.
Phased retirement is where you slowly ease your way into retirement. Is cutting back at your present job feasible? Can you work part-time for your present employer? Working 2-3 days a week instead of 5. Often times the employer will still offer health care to a part-time employees.
Is there something you've always wanted to try or do? Look at Al Gore, from Senator, to VP, to teacher and then on to filmmaking, author and blogger.
Can you turn a hobby into a new career? It is doable, but will take fortitude!
Consider an internship in the field you may want to break into. Don't take no for an answer if you are told you are too old. Tell them how reliable you'll be for you won't be out late at night partying.
Consider going back to school to learn a new skill or get a master's degree. At some schools, you can audit classes for free or pay a discounted fee.
