A new job - any ideas? 1 March 2013 at 8:10AM in Over 50s MoneySaving 18 replies 3.6K views

Eliza_2

I just wondered what jobs anyone over 60ish has taken recently. I don't mean a continuation of your lifelong career but something different.

I left my career at quite a senior management position after a life in local govt and the NHS a few years ago and since then have had a variety of jobs - currently in a shop, admin for a local small business, Clerk to the parish council, my own business as well as quite a bit of voluntary work. Despite all of that, I am now feeling fidgety and have been looking around for something else. I still have plenty of free time, but very little money, so paid work would be essential. I would prefer to work in the voluntary or statutory sector rather than private but if something interesting came along, I'm up for it!

I just wondered what new jobs others had found when over 60 (I'm 62). I need to be in profit after petrol so 2 hours at minimum wage at my nearest town 8 miles away would not work for me. Otherwise - well any creative ideas gratefully received.

Thanks

Liz

nlj1520

Would a non-exec directorship of an NHS Trust or something similar appeal? Usually 2 - 3 days a month and paid. Interesting work, linked with your previous experience. It's something I considered applying for but as my experience in senior management is 20 years ago, decided they would think I was joking!

Eliza_2

Many thanks, I'll look into that though I'm not sure my experience is quite broad enough for that role. Worth investigating though, thank you.

Errata

Trust non-execs are appointed because they have a particular area of knowledge eg medicine, law, finance, HR, estates and facilities.

Savvy_Sue

One of my friends has just trained to lead a music and movement class in retirement homes! They advertise it as singing, but most definitely not a choir, and the movement is a sideline. I think she gets paid a small amount from this ...

nlj1520

Another thing I did after learning how to make jewelry is run classes in jewelry making and do jewelry making parties for anything from 10 to 75 year olds. Outside that age range many do not have the necessary motor skills, but can still make earrings nad bracelets/ necklaces with help for the fiddly bits. They still get to do the creative bit. There are a lot of people doing this now, but worth thinking if there's any hobbies/skills you have that you could teach/share with others for a fee?

Savvy_Sue

Just a point, but are you allowed to put an upper age limit on? Obviously worth pointing out in your advertising that people need fine motor skills, but that's not necessarily an age-related thing ...

scotsbob

If you have a hobby or practical skill you can put "how to" videos on to Youtube. You get a cut of the ads.

My son put up a video on how to change the pads and discs on his car and was getting about £2 a day from it. He then put up others, how to change the oil filter etc. He now gets £40ish a week.

His girl friend then put up a series on choosing the right saddle, bridles etc for her horse and she makes roughly the same.

[Deleted User]

A neighbour of mine (in his early 60's) retired and now works 2 days a week for B&Q in the garden section (he's been a keen gardener for a long time). I think B&Q are particularly keen on older employees.

Another example is a friend who retired and realised that she just couldn't live on her pension, so now runs a small soft furnishings business - mainly making curtains (which she's done all her life). She charges around £50 per pair of curtains (lined) and is always busy - especially before Christmas.

So - why not do a "brainstorm" of all the skills you have, hobbies, experience, different jobs you've done (maybe ask friends and family - they may remind you of things you've forgotten or discounted) and you may well find that there's something you do well that you could get paid for?

Good luck with this.

Savvy_Sue

Corona wrote: »

A neighbour of mine (in his early 60's) retired and now works 2 days a week for B&Q in the garden section (he's been a keen gardener for a long time). I think B&Q are particularly keen on older employees.

Yes, they always have been, although again I don't suppose they can actually advertise for older employees any more ...

Corona wrote: »

Another example is a friend who retired and realised that she just couldn't live on her pension, so now runs a small soft furnishings business - mainly making curtains (which she's done all her life). She charges around £50 per pair of curtains (lined) and is always busy - especially before Christmas.

Alterations, zips, buttons etc might also be a good option.

davmail

I am 64,worked for 23 years as a Supported housing Officer,got made redundant,now a part time cleaner!!!(One of Camerons 'got a job')
I would like full time work,but can't get it.