More retirement-age Americans are still working, with almost 3 million more people over the age of 65 working compared with 10 years ago. Motley Fool estimates that only 28% of Boomers in the 60 to 67 age range have the recommended amount of retirement savings. More than 10% of older Gen X and young Boomer workers have taken a pay cut to stay employed. If you’re an older professional behind on retirement savings, there is still time to catch up. Here are three career moves you can make now.
1. Target High-Paying And Senior-Friendly Jobs
Resume Genius has research on 10 high-paying jobs friendly to older professionals. These jobs all show positive job growth and don’t require intense physical work.
- Sales Manager: $66.38
- Computer Systems Analyst: $49.90
- Management Analyst: $48.65
- Accountant And Auditor: $39.27
- Social And Community Service Manager: $37.61
- Sales Representatives: $35.63
- Property And Real Estate Manager: $32.07
- Food Service Manager: $31.40
- Insurance Sales Agent: $29.02
- Real Estate Broker And Sales Agent: $28.35
How To Pivot Your Career Into These High-Paying Roles
As an older professional with more experience, hopefully your network is also bigger, as strong relationships will help you identify and influence decision-makers in any of these roles, helping you win more consideration than submitting an unsolicited application. If you have a deep network, parlay that strength into one of the four sales roles. Or if your years of experience gave you diverse skills, target one of the three management roles.
2. Work To Develop Multiple Streams Of Income
A single employer leaves you vulnerable to restructuring or layoffs that could derail your retirement savings. The wealthy have multiple streams of income. Why not you?
Translate Your Body Of Work Into A Consulting Practice
You have hard-won expertise that makes you a valuable adviser to others. Consider working as a consultant, even while you conduct your job search. Your temporary contract work may even convert to a full-time job or act as a resume builder.
Identify Income Streams Unrelated To Your Profession
Your dedication to fitness might initially be for self-care, but it could become a side gig as a trainer. You may have built up expertise from personal passions, such as travel, art or real estate, that can be monetized as a travel writer, course creator or landlord. If you don’t want to start a new business, tap into gig platforms, such as Upwork or Fiverr, or specialty sites like Rover if you love dogs or Care if you love kids.
3. Consider Relocation To Supercharge Your Savings
If you live in an expensive city, moving to a lower-cost area can stretch your savings.
Target Work From Home Jobs
Filter job sites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, to find fully remote jobs. Use specialty job sites, such as FlexJobs, for location-independent opportunities. Adapt your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience working remotely or at least independently, so that prospective employers know you will be productive from day one.
Identify Relocation Targets
Even if you prefer not to move, it is a creativity challenge to consider what a different geography can do for your network, growth opportunities and financial situation. Look at the least expensive countries for expats to stretch your comfort zone from domestic to international. Some states offer financial bonuses to lure new residents.
