The concept of “working after retirement” holds vastly varied meanings to different people. Naturally, there are many reasons someone may choose to secure a job later in life, or not. For some, the high costs of living and rising debt or responsibilities leave many people of retirement age looking for side work to help look after the bills or give room for more enjoyment. Others enjoy working and want to stay busy, so the obvious solution is to find a job to fill their time and give them a little extra cash at the same time. Others find great value in volunteering, which while it isn’t a paid job, is a commitment none the less. Regardless of whether or not you need the money, here are some benefits and additional thoughts on securing a job after retirement.

Keep Active!

So many people go from an active, working lifestyle straight into retirement without considering the physical effects of not having meaningful work to do. Working (at any variety of things from hobbies to jobs or volunteering) keeps your mind sharp and your body active. Consider picking up a job after retirement for this reason alone. You don’t need to find back-breaking or stressful work, rather something that keeps you busy, accountable and sharp. Maybe there is a field you always found interesting but couldn’t afford to move in to during your prime working years. Now might be the time to explore those passions.

Purpose.

Having a job or an active volunteer position after retirement gives an opportunity to share your gifts in a new way, furthering your purpose and providing more meaning for you as well as others. While not everyone needs to have a job to feel purpose or contribution, it is a great option for some people. If you don’t have a minimum amount of money you need to make in order to live, your options can stay open and not be restricted by salary alone.

Extra Cash.

For a lot of people, retirement can be bittersweet. While it is positively brilliant to not have to wake up to an alarm every morning and fight the 9-5 traffic- many are left with little money to retire on. This can make retirement activities limited and the budget much tighter than anticipated. If you are still willing and able, securing a job can help ease the financial burden of retirement and line your wallet with a little extra to use for fun and enjoyment.

Other Things to Consider

When considering landing a job in your retirement years, it is important to consider the job duties and whether you are in a position to perform all the duties. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. You will want to take care not to accept an overly physical position that puts your health or well being in jeopardy or exacerbate any injuries or the like. While you may be able to do it, it might be wise to look for something sustainable and non-stressful.

If you plan to travel in your retirement, make sure that your job accounts for flexibility in your schedule. This is your retirement after all. Enjoy the benefits of not having a restrictive job and schedule- keep your options open for fun and new experiences. Along this same line, look for a position doing something that brings you joy. Don’t settle for a job that makes you cringe- even if you have to pick up a less than ideal job for financial reasons, keep your feelers out for something better. Treat yourself well in your retirement and keep looking for something with qualities that bring more enjoyment into your life- not jobs that rob from it.

When looking for a job later in life, stay confident and showcase your skills picked up over the course of your career and life. Whether you are working in a part-time off-shoot of your original career (think to consult on a job you used to perform) or a totally different career altogether, keep it light, keep it fun, and remember that you are valuable as well as the work you do.