(NC) Reaching retirement is the goal for so many of us, but once people get there, some find that it just isn’t for them. Whether you’re considering a return to fulltime work or a part-time position, here are a few good reasons to take the plunge:
1. Increase your income. There’s nothing wrong with taking a job for the money, and some retirees may find that their fixed incomes aren’t covering everything they want to do. Taking on a new job can give you greater financial freedom and helps maintain your sense of independence. The best part is, you get to set the terms of how long you want to work for—when you’re ready to leave again, you can.
2. Enjoy a routine—on your terms. One challenge many retirees face is a lack of structure to their days. Keeping busy and having a schedule both help people stay more mentally and physically healthy. Taking on a fulltime, or even part-time job helps create a routine, while fighting the boredom and lack of direction some retirees may experience.
If you’re starting a new position, make sure to prioritize a work-life balance that works for you. This is an opportunity to work not because you have to, but because you find it fulfilling, you enjoy the challenge or even just want to stay busy.
3. Build new relationships. Many retirees report feeling isolated, or that they don’t enjoy the same level of social interaction that they used to. Re-entering the workforce can be a great way to meet new people and grow your social circle. Workplaces often bring together people of different ages and backgrounds, offering a chance to build relationships with people you wouldn’t otherwise have gotten to know.
4. Make a difference. Take the example of one Canadian couple, who had retired after successful careers in the mining sector. They came out of retirement to join the Technical Assistance Partnership project, supported by Global Affairs Canada. Bringing their decades of experience, they went to Kosovo and Malawi to help those nations’ mining industries operate more sustainably.
The skills and experience you’ve earned can make a difference in ways you may never have considered. You can start by listening to this couple’s story, as well as other local leaders making a global impact, in a new podcast at tap-pat.ca/canadian-changemakers.
