After spending at least 40 hours a week—and nearly every week of the year, for several decades—invested in a career, adjusting to retirement can be a challenge. While some new retirees can adapt and fill free time with leisure activities, hobbies and traveling, others eventually begin to feel bored and unfulfilled. As a formerly career-driven, hard-working professional, you may discover that you’re not quite ready to hang up the suit and tie.
There are many reasons seniors choose to return to work after retiring. Consider the following to help you determine whether jumping back into the professional world is the right move for you.
1. You Miss Having a Full Schedule
It seems crazy. You spend years and years looking forward to a time when you could finally stop working and relax. And once that day arrives, you’re not sure what to do with all your availability. People who are accustomed to a rigorous, jam-packed schedule aren’t always appeased with a laid-back retirement lifestyle. Days filled with meetings, to-do lists, lunch dates and clearly defined objectives can be satisfying for those who enjoy a fast-paced way of life. A job—even part- time—can help you structure your days and feel rejuvenated.
2. You Have New Career Goals
Even if you loved your former job, it’s not uncommon to wish you’d tried something else. Maybe it’s a long-held passion you’ve been curious about but never wanted to take the risk of a career change earlier in life. Now that you’ve retired, you have the opportunity to explore other avenues. And if you do, you’re not alone. According to Encore.org, more than 4.5 million older adults are involved in so-called encore careers.
3. You Miss the Social Aspect
Happy hours, lunch meetings, office pranks, holiday parties—as adults, most of our socializing is done on-the-job. After retiring, you may begin to miss the time spent with co-workers. If joining clubs, golf outings and community events aren’t doing it for you, you may want to consider working as a part-time consultant or volunteer. This way you can enjoy the social benefits without having to commit to more work than you’re interested in doing.
4. You Crave the Challenge
The lack of constant stimulation may make you feel as though you’re losing your mental sharpness. After all, regardless of your former line of work, hands-on problem-solving likely kept you fully engaged. Without this element in your life, you may feel your mind isn’t getting the exercise it needs. Working as an adviser or professional mentor could be a great way to work your brain without the time commitment of a 9-to-5.
If you’re interested in returning to work, there’s nothing holding you back. And now that you’re working for fun, rather than pure financial need, you can enjoy your vocation stress-free. Take time to explore a new career path—but be sure to set aside time to enjoy retirement, too.
Working after retirement can help you remain independent. If you’re looking for more ways to ensure you can stay independent as you age, get a copy of our free guide, Aging in Place: A Popular Trend for a New Generation of Seniors.
