Working longer and later in life is not optional for many of us and is preferred by those of us who understand that work, in some capacity, is a gift of our longer lifetimes. It is a gift to be treasured.
Consider this: One in four of us in Hawai’i is 60 or older. As the longest-living state in the nation, our average life expectancy at birth is 82 years. At age 65, you may add 20 more years to your life expectancy. Now, look ahead a few years to 2025. Your grandchildren are expected to enjoy average life expectancies of 90 years and older. Hawaiians may add an average of 30 years at age 65.
Working after 50, 60 and beyond
The lightning bolt of reality is ready to strike those of us over 50, as we come to grips with the gift of longer lifetimes. Ask yourself: What are the implications to your emotional, financial and physical health if work isn’t part of your life?
Note that I say, “some form of work.” All of your contributions qualify as work, whether you are full-time, part-time, some-of-the-time, on-call, for money or for the good of community.
Jobs are not the only way of working.
Mature workers have many options for work. Here are some ideas:
Adjunct Faculty. If you have been a teacher or professor, adjunct work is one of the fastest-growing ways of working in colleges and universities.
Barterers. Bartering, trading and sharing are the ideas behind “collaborative consumption,” which TIME magazine called one of the “10 ideas that will change the world.”
Docents and Guides. Believe it or not, maturity is an advantage.
Freelancers. Whether you call it temping or project work, freelance jobs are booming for all ages. One
in three workers is a freelancer today, and this movement is growing exponentially.
House Sitters. Many people in our beautiful state of Hawai’i frequently travel to their homelands. Leaving houses empty, and pets uncared for, is a bad idea.
Portfolio Jugglers. Think of portfolio work as if you were managing a stock portfolio. One aspect of your portfolio is work in exchange for money. Another aspect is your investment in longer-term opportunities. A third piece of the portfolio might be dedicated to your community.
I will leave you with a final question: Do you know how to plan and prepare for your future while overcoming age biases? I will discuss this in the February/March 2018 issue of Generations Magazine.
NEW WORKFORCE HAWAI’I
Carleen MacKay | 916-316-0143
carleenmackayhi@gmail.com
www.newworkforcehawaii.com
