Working in retirement

Love what you do? Don’t let retirement stop you

Retirement is evolving from an endpoint to more of a transition. More people are working after work. And why not? Whether you’re going back simply to earn a little extra cash, or you’re finally giving your time to something you love, more Americans than ever are choosing to use retirement to do something useful. Gone are the days when you simply whiled away your latter years on the back porch.

Keep your options open

Now that you’re “retired,” you may find you’ve got the flexibility to do something worthwhile. After all, you may not have to worry about mortgages and college tuition payments anymore. You may feel like redefining yourself by doing something different. And that’s good, but be aware this isn’t always an easy transition to make — many people are more defined by their careers than they’d like to admit. Keep an open mind and try different things until you find the opportunity that feels right.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Follow your passion – If earning a certain amount of money is not your primary reason for working, do something you love or get involved with a cause you find fulfilling.
  • Leverage your expertise and experience – If you get a job doing something similar to what you were doing before retirement, your experience could translate into a bigger paycheck or present fulfilling mentoring opportunities.
  • Keep up with technology – Be proficient in the latest computer software and mobile apps. Understand how the Web has changed. This could help you land a job and make you more valuable to your employer.
  • Tap your network – Hopefully, you have kept your business network alive and well, allowing you to reach out for referrals. Use social media tools like LinkedIn to stay in the loop even after you find a job, so you can be ready for other options.

Don’t be in a rush to collect Social Security

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits before your full retirement age, you may end up with reduced benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you like and your benefits are not reduced. Visit the Social Security website for details.

Make your experience count

Your age and wisdom are valuable assets. Working in retirement can keep you active, mentally sharp and more engaged with the people around you. And it can bring in some valued extra cash. What’s not to like about that?

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This material is provided for general and educational purposes only; it is not intended to provide legal, tax or investment advice.

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