I will be retiring in a couple of years after a long career in the government and nonprofit sectors. While I am okay financially with my pensions, I would still like to work at something I enjoy, but not at the same level (hours, stress, etc). Do you have any advice?

Retired or rehired?

It is safe to say that the boomer generation has redefined virtually EVERY life stage as they moved through it, and the classic definition of ‘retirement’ is no different. Many boomers, when faced with the retirement options of the previous generation, have balked, and created their own definition of exactly what retirement looks like, and it appears that these trends will continue. So the old image of “seniors” being moved out to pasture and sitting in a rocking chair has been replaced with broader options, which can include a portfolio of full or part time work, consulting engagements, volunteer work, activism, travel – the list is endless. However, this can often put more perceived pressure on those on the brink of retirement to “create their own future”. But exactly what is that going to look like for each individual?

Dig your well before you’re thirsty

You’re right to start thinking about the next phase in your career now, rather than after you’ve officially retired. As people who are more experienced in life and work, “pre-retirees” are often in a much better position to know what they want out of the next phase in their careers and lives. However, we are all vulnerable to the same habits, mindsets, and prejudices that have ruled us over a lifetime, so it is important to do some active planning as soon as possible, in order to not have a retirement lifestyle decided for you simply by default.

Define what you want

This step sounds self-evident, but the more work you can do now to visualize what kind of retirement you want, the more likely you are going to achieve it. Retirement should be considered as a career and life transition, just like any other you’ve faced before. You can use the same process and parameters. 

Using that process, I challenged readers to think about their VIPS – Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills – to help determine their overall life and career goals. Like the waves rippling from a pebble dropped into a still pond, start with your inner self; what’s important to you? Then you can start matching the practicalities of your outer life in the real world to that inner vision.

Reality steps in

There are more and more stories in the media about retirement for the boomer generation, as well as stories about the demand for boomers – with their experience, strong work ethic, no small kids to worry about, etc. How this perception actually plays itself out in the marketplace is another story, however. As a retiree, you should consider yourself no different than any other provider of services to employers. At any time, dictating to employers about your need for balance, flexibility, low-stress, and good wages is a recipe for a rejection letter.

Build your brand

Remember that you are competing with all the other candidates out there who want that same job you do, so you have to play by the same rules. Build your brand; look at what you do best and package it into something that would appeal to employers. Review my previous columns on job search strategies to learn how to go about doing this. Ask yourself the tough questions: why would someone consider hiring me part time? Likely, it’s because it allows them to get top talent and pay only for the time they need you.

Employers certainly understand the increasing need for work life balance and are more willing to provide flexible working hours and other benefits to employees. But ultimately, they’re hiring you for what you can do for them, not the other way around. Always keep this front and centre in your job search. “Ageism” is still out there, but the more you address the needs of the employer, and how you can fulfill those needs better than the other candidates, the less your age matters, and the quicker you will be working.

Good luck!

Michael Mayne, M.B.A., CMA, is Managing Partner and a Certified Professional Career Counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a Career Transition, Counselling, and Outplacement firm. Michael has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and is Past President and Treasurer of ALS Canada. To contact Michael, visit: www.catalystcareers.com.

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Disclaimer: Advice and recommendations are based on limited information provided and should be used as a guideline only. Neither the author nor CharityVillage.com make any warranty, express or implied, or assume any legal liability for accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in whole or in part within this article.