Money Matters - Boomers Turn 65: 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.
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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 health care, 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 Wal-Mart 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. An AARP article featured an 82-year-old surgical nurse in Dallas who is working on a flex schedule.
Is there something you've always wanted to try or do? Look at Al Gore, from VP to teacher and then on to film making.
Can you turn a hobby into a new career? I spoke with a listener who enjoys painting. A small shop on the cape asked her to paint some cape scenes for them and a business was started.
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.
