If a person is nearing retirement age, it behooves them to take a good look at their financial situation. Are there outstanding debts that can be paid off? Is the maximum amount possible being deposited into a retirement savings account? Would it benefit him or her to downsize their housing or vehicles? Have they started to research jobs for retired individuals with the knowledge that they might need some additional income in their sunset years? Sometimes it is wise to consider the option of delaying retirement by just a couple of years during which one can more conclusively answer these questions.
Once someone has established that they are truly ready, both psychologically and financially, to retire, it is time for them to start thinking about what sort of retirement jobs might suit them. It is often common practice to first take some time off completely; but this might not work for everyone. Also keep in mind that it is often easier to go from full-time employment to part-time employment than to go from no employment to any kind of employment. The contacts possible through your current employer may prove to be quite valuable when looking for retirement jobs.
Before looking at what kinds of jobs are available, a person should first consider their interests and aptitudes. Many times, jobs for retired individuals come from a hobby the person has engaged in for many years as a way to relax from their working life. These hobbies can often be turned into a money-making venture that is both lucrative and enjoyable. Perhaps the individual is a craftsman of some sort, or is good at scrap-booking or pottery. These items can then be sold at farmers markets and craft shows, or on various web-based marketplaces.
Retirement can also be an excellent time to consider returning to school. Learning a new vocation or skill can jump-start ideas for different retirement jobs, allowing a person to pursue a secondary career that may prove to be very lucrative and enjoyable. A school setting also gives a retiree the opportunity to make new business and personal connections, increasing their networking circle and making landing a retirement job exponentially easier.
Planning in advance is the best way for a person to ensure that they not only find jobs for retired candidates, but that they find jobs that are fulfilling and maybe even fun. Whether it's part-time or full-time, in the same industry as they worked for many years or in a brand new field, pursuing something that appeals to their interests and aptitudes rather than just the first thing that becomes available is the key to finding a great job after retirement.