"Retirement" -- or a New Opportunity?

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I have just been assigned to write an article for Helium.com about the best part-time jobs for retirees.  Helium is one of many online venues where aspiring writers can write on any number of subjects.  I have given them an exclusive right to my article, but there is no reason I cannot expand upon some of my ideas here. 

The word retirement is meant as one's final withdrawal from the workforce.  It has been touted as one of the most enviable goals of the working stiff, a chance to break away from the humdrum of daily existence, the commute, the boss, the struggle up the corporate ladder, the office politics - finally, the chance to spread one's wings and be free of the drudgery, free to enjoy one's final years, free to finally take up all those activities that have been shelved and enjoy life.  Indeed, "early" retirement has been written about and encouraged with some fervor as the quintessential goal.

Yet, proponents of early retirement either have not experienced retirement themselves, or if they have, do not squarely address some of the pitfalls of retiring from the workforce, especially when they espouse early retirement: the anxiety of outliving one's financial resources; diminishing health in one's so-called golden years; the sheer boredom born by unlimited and unstructured time on one's hands.  In fact, our golden years may last almost as long as our working years!

Nowadays, people statistically live much longer than when retirement age was set at 65.  So, how do we negotiate such a span of time? Our immediate knee-jerk reaction might well be to rejoice, throw our hats up into the air and cheer.  Upon further reflection, however, we may be facing a decidedly less golden retirement, with lots of idle time on our hands, without the camaraderie of our colleagues, or the feeling of no longer being useful and sought after for our contributions to the business world.  To be sure, to finally be able to pack up the car on an impulse and drive cross-country is a romantic notion, as is the idea that finally, now we would have the time and luxury to visit grandchildren.  While such pastimes do offer some appeal, it is imperative to realize that frequently, those are merely pipe dreams: the grandkids may be busy with their own friends, or their parents may not wish to cater to you; and when you think about all the details associated with taking a road drip, you decide on a change of plans.  Too, frequently, people find that now that they have finally reached that longed-for goal, it is simply not as sweet as once imagined.

I am not contending that taking trips is not fun, or energizing, or stimulating.  And I am not claiming that visiting family and friends is not rewarding.  I am saying that life is a continuum of experiences, and that working used to consume an enormous portion of our lives that now have become a void.  To preserve sanity, I believe it is critical that we begin to plan how to spend that time.  For many of us, that might involve taking a part-time job, if only to get out of the house and see some people on a regular basis; or to be accountable somewhere.  This experience cannot be overestimated.

Speaking of part-time jobs, there are, in fact, innumerable opportunities for many people, and retirees in particular.  Retirees typically do not have the same exigencies as younger folk.  Retirees may well have a source of ongoing income; may have paid off their mortgages and other debts; no longer need a steady supply of new clothes; and are generally no longer encumbered by the same needs as those still climbing the ladder.  That is freeing - and opens doors to opportunities.

Part-Time Driver

For example, my husband is semi-retired, and works as a part-time driver for Enterprise Rent-a-Car.  In that capacity, he shuttles cars back and forth between various locations in town.  The pay is not great, but it is better than minimum wage.  The hours are flexible and the company provides benefits, such as a 401(K) and paid time off.  It even provides access to group medical insurance.  How can you beat that?

On the Golf Course

My husband also loves to play golf.  His free time and spirit are immersed in golf.  He watches golf on TV, reads golf magazines, collects golf balls, and practices his golf swing in the yard.  He recently handed in an application at a local golf course to be a golf starter.  What is a starter, you ask?  The starter is that gentleman who sits in the golf cart at the First Tee, collects your fee and determines your position in the queue for tee-off.  For that task, he is paid in dollars and gets to play golf for free.  Again, can you beat that?  And how about putting an ad to give golf lessons?  Even a nonprofessional may still impart his or her knowledge to inexperienced folks.

Be an Usher

I, by contrast, love classical music and the opera.  Had I the time, I would volunteer at the theater downtown.  I'd get to meet people and attend as many performances as I could stand.  I might even participate in impromptu acting classes.

Teach Arts and Crafts

I also love to paint, and have sold a number of paintings already.  There is no reason I cannot put a small ad in the local paper and give classes.  I can also teach at the local college in adult education department.  No formal degree necessary. 

Writing Online

Many retirees nowadays are as familiar with the computer and the internet as their younger counterparts.  I have several online portfolios on display (see http://ambrosiapalette.com) and have also sold through other online venues (http://yael-eylattanaka.artistwebsites.com). 

Travel

Like to travel? Why not organize a trip for a small group? Since I enjoy painting, I could easily organize a small group to go paint either locally or somewhere more exotic. 

I dread the prospect of having days on end with nothing to do.  You might argue that there is never "nothing to do," and I agree.  However, after 40+ years in the work force, it is imperative for my own mental health to still "be needed."  To that end, I have joined Toastmasters, have already earned my first badge (it's called a "CTM" for Competent Toastmaster"), and I aspire to participate in some competitions.