Authors of Don’t Retire, Rewire!
Keeping connected to your former work life is not all that difficult or time-consuming. It doesn’t mean you are going back to work; it simply means you are staying connected to your past to improve your work options for the future.
Let’s say you retire and have a “to do” list that will keep you busy for the next six months. Once you clean the garage, take a long vacation, visit the grandkids and paint the den, what do you do next?
For some the answer is, go back to work. Yes, work -- but in a different way and maybe for different reasons than before. For many work was the place where you got your 'atta' boys or 'atta' girls, not to mention your sense of community. So when work is gone it can be missed.
Of course, people work in retirement for financial reasons as well as for fulfillment.
Health benefits of staying connected
Work and staying connected has physical and mental benefits.
Studies show that doing work you enjoy can have a powerful payoff on your brain and your body. The brain, like any muscle, needs to be exercised. Most people actually use it when they are at work! Work requires solving problems or making decisions that positively impact the old gray matter!
Howard Fillit, M.D., director of the Institute for the Study of Aging, www.aging-institute.org, says that by staying connected people can delay cognitive decline and avoid social isolation. Sounds like a good deal to us!
Your best asset: Sought-after skills
If you want to go back to work or try new work, you need to put yourself in a position to be hired.
1. Make sure you have skills that employers are looking for
2. Keep your technology skills sharp and up-to-date.
3. Don’t let your networks go.
4. Don’t resign from industry associations.
5. Brush up at a local college; take a course; work toward a certification; get a degree.
6. Link your skills with employer needs.
Try a new line of work
You don’t have to do the same work as before. Extend a hobby or an interest into a job you would enjoy doing. And remember that work doesn’t have to be full-time. It can be part-time, flex-time, or seasonal.
Make your network work for you
Identify who is in your network. Have people of all ages. Your network could be co-workers, business associates, lawyers, accountants, etc. They can act as sounding boards or mentors. Your network can keep up to date on trends and information.
Stay involved in your industry association
Most professions and industries have some type of membership organization. If you belong to one, keep your membership. If you don’t have one, consider joining. And if you want to switch careers, pursue that industry’s association.
Groups help you to keep up on current trends, changes in technology, manufacturing, IT, marketing and more. You’ll be up to date on industry news, and on the buzz in your industry or a related industry. You’ll hear which companies are hiring and which are downsizing, for instance.
We’ve spoken to many individuals who retired, and went back to work after hearing about a job or consulting opportunity at an industry event.
Think about writing an article for the industry newsletter or magazine. Take a role in the association and keep yourself visible.
Retiree sightings in the company cafeteria
Having lunch periodically with the old gang from work also helps you stay connected. Some companies have events for retirees, which you should attend.
Alumni groups organized by former employees are growing in popularity. It’s a chance to reconnect with each other, exchange stories, and see what opportunities might be available.
Look the part; Appearance matters
When you show up, make sure you have a business card to give out, even if it only has your name, phone number and email address. And don’t be just a business card collector -- collect information and insights from others as well.
Companies want to stay connected
A growing number of companies ask retirees if they want to work. Some have a form to fill out that keeps the organization current on your contact information. If you check the “yes” box they will keep you on the call list for when a need arises.
If they don’t have a form or didn’t when you retired, let someone in the staffing or hiring department know you’re interested.
Use the Internet to find out what else is going on
Bookmark Websites that have relevant information for full-time work, project work, etc; Sign up for an account on one of the major search engines like Google, Yahoo or MSN (it’s free).
1. Set up customized sections that report on current articles about what’s happening in your industry or inside a specific company
2. Create news alerts that will send you emails automatically about news, events, companies, and skills for the industry or job you select
3. Caution: Be selective. If you aren’t careful, you could end up with more information than you could possibly need or want
Check the Internet for job postings
Use the major job boards as a resource:
Monster
Career Builder
Hot Jobs
AARP
See what jobs are being advertised and what employers are paying. The sites give trends, data, and other relevant information.
And be sure to goo to specific company Websites and look at their employment or jobs links.
People tell us they want to work in retirement but on their terms and their schedule. Staying connected helps you see where and how that is possible.
The Authors
Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners are nationally known experts on the subject of rewiring. They are the authors of Don't Retire, Rewire! and creators of the concept of rewirement®. Their speaking and consulting business focuses on showing organizations and individuals how to rewire® . Jeri is also the Senior Advisor to The Conference Board on Mature Workforce Issues. You can contact Jeri and Rick at smsearch@rcn.com. They live in New York City.
