16 Oct 10 Retirement A Dirty Word?

The days when men had to retire at 65 and women at 60 are now long gone. Many people now want to continue to work, some because they have to for financial reasons, but others simply enjoy feeling that they are still a useful part of Society. Until recently, there was very much a feeling in the workplace that once you reached 65, you were pretty much past it and really you should go home, look at your retirement clock and go on cruises. My how times have changed!

Now there is an increasing feeling that people have a lot to offer after the age of 60 or 65. After all with age comes experience and that can often be life experience. Many older people are also very patient, so they can be calm in a crisis and not panic when all does not go to plan.

Many people find that they enjoy a second career, very different from their first one. So someone who has been the MD of a company may enjoy working with young people, or gaining skills in IT and then mentoring younger people. Gardening, odd job work, tutoring are all really worthwhile careers that can offer people over the age of 60 a chance to learn new skills and sharpen up their existing skillset.

You will find that if you sign on with a recruitment agency that age doesnt necessarily have to be a barrier, although some jobs cannot be undertaken after the age of 70. But really there are lots of opportunities available, whatever your age.

So retirement should not be viewed as something that is automatic and that you have to do. When and if you retire should be entirely your choice and something that happens when you want it to be. Retirement is therefore not a dirty word, but something that can be done when you choose and you will enjoy it much more, rather than if you are forced to retire.

Tags: Career, Cruises, Dirty Word, Jobs, Life Experience, Lot, Many People, Odd Job, Recruitment Agency, Retirement Clock, Skillset