Many need the income. Some don’t want to stop working. Still others desire a new occupation.
In a recent AARP career survey, 40% of “experienced” workers expect to look for a new job this year. Among those who were looking, 66% plan to be in a different field than the one they’re currently in. While the primary reason among older job-hoppers is for higher pay (74%), it’s hardly the only one.
Other reasons cited for a move were more enjoyable work (30%), better benefits (28%), job flexibility (25%) and career advancement opportunity (21%).
Of course, older workers looking for a new gig have obstacles that younger career-changers don’t. One is the march of time. A career coach interviewed for the Yahoo Finance article cautions seniors against choosing an unrealistic career path and to avoid wasting time in their search.
Another potential roadblock is the harsh reality of age discrimination. Still, the same career coach advised searching seniors to create a LinkedIn profile and an online presence for themselves. One successful older career-changer was able to secure an internship in her 60s, and ended up with two part-time jobs that made her much happier than her former occupation.
In fact, AARP has launched a career website for older workers seeking to make a job or career change.