Some Retirees Finding New Ways of Working

Barbara & Leonard, Battle Creek

Do you have any experiences with online recruiting services for seniors? If you'd like to share your story, please contact info@seniork.com

The idea of retirement has typically meant being free from the confines of a job...doing whatever, whenever. Yet today, many retirees are finding that their age and experience may be just what some companies are looking for, and there are several websites designed to connect would-be retirees with interested companies.

The SeniorJobBank is an online meeting place for over-50 job seekers and employers seeking their services. Originally established in 1975, SeniorJobBank joined the cyber world in 1999. In 2003, Eli Lilly and Procter & Gamble founded another such online recruiting site, called YourEncore, to offer a way for "member companies" to seek out experienced individuals. Now there are many such sites that provide a meeting place for over-50 job seekers and employers seeking their services. (Links to some sites are provided below.)

It is nice to be wanted, and if individuals can find jobs that meet their needs or preferences, why not explore new avenues of work?

Seniors represent a viable talent market
Statistics show that seniors (65+) represent 12.7% of the U.S. population, that's one in every eight Americans. Seniors noe constitute 2.9% of the U.S. labor force, but as baby boomers age, companies are finding a shrinking labor pool of younger people from which to draw talent to fill open positions.

Other factors make hiring older workers a good option. Typically, seniors exhibit a solid and developed work ethic, are punctual and have a wealth of work experience.

Seniors are living longer and healthier
With advances in medicine and a focus on health, Americans are living longer and healthier. Thus, there may be retirement plan challenges with the increasing cost-of-living expenses and skyrocketing health care costs.

Some seniors may not need the income but are interested in finding new ways to fill their time and use their talents. Others may indeed need to supplement their retirement plan and need to re-enter the workforce. Either way, working in retirement is a growing trend.

Links:
www.seniorjobbank.com
www.yourencore.com
www.seniors4hire.org
www.dinosaur-exchange.com