There are certain universal problems that retirees have to deal with. Solving them is the key to a happy retirement. Here are the big three:
- boredom
- health deterioration
- limited income
Surprisingly, there is only one simple solution to all three of these problems: find something profitable to do, like a part-time job or business.
How to alleviate retired boredom
Suddenly going from having a full-time job to having virtually nothing to do, nothing to get up in the morning for, is a recipe for mind-numbing boredom.
Boredom is a first-class precursor to depression… which is rife among retirees who have nothing to do.
Having nothing to do anymore also imparts a terrible sense of worthlessness, of not being wanted or needed anymore.
Having something to do… like working for a charity, at a paid part-time job, or starting a business… will bring a sense of purpose back into your life.
You’ll feel like it’s all worth it again as you develop new social contacts through your new occupation.
How to maintain your health
With nothing to do, many retirees deteriorate physically and mentally once their working lives are over. The only solution is some kind of part-time job, charitable or otherwise.
Working will help you get some exercise, keep you mentally sharp, and provide a social outlet for you to continue to feel connected to your fellow human beings.
How to limit your income
Going from a fixed salary to a state pension will take a significant hit to your standard of living unless, of course, you are wealthy or have a private pension or significant savings and investments.
Your dreams of the golden years with adequate funds to pursue hobbies or enjoy international tourism are no longer possible unless you can find another source of income.
His only option is some form of paid work.
What type of work is suitable for retirees?
Working during retirement means finding a job that suits your interests and generates income that boosts your pension.
While charitable work can be absorbing and highly valuable, it unfortunately does not generate an additional source of income. You need a paying job.
Retired work has changed in the last 10 years. Nowadays, working no longer means going to an office or another specific place at a certain time.
Several jobs allow you to work from home. And if you start an online business, you will surely have a home office, even if it is just a table in a quiet place.
your chances
You have three basic options:
- I am looking for part time work in an office or shop
- enter the gig economy
- start an online business
If you’re the type that thrives on structure, a
office work or old-fashioned retail is probably the best for you. Unfortunately, the gig economy is making these jobs a bit rare.
But disciplining yourself to create your own schedule and stick to it takes very little effort.
Gigging (one-off jobs)
In the gig economy you do work as needed for a client or series of clients.
These jobs generally require skilled professionals such as graphic artists, copywriters, website designers, bookkeepers, etc.
All you need is a CV that highlights your skills and availability, which you can promote locally offline or online globally.
While work isn’t guaranteed and there may be gaps between gigs, it does mean you can take some time off when you like to travel or do the things you’ve always dreamed of doing once you’ve retired.
start an online business
Starting a traditional offline business will likely be expensive and exhausting. Therefore, it is not recommended for retirees.
Setting up and running an online business will cost you next to nothing and you can work at your own pace.
In fact, starting an online business is perfect for retirees. It covers all the bases… it beats your boredom, keeps you mentally active and provides an income that can significantly increase your pension.
Here are some of the benefits:
- You can sell worldwide 24/7, even while you sleep. The Internet never sleeps.
- An online business is location independent, so you can run your business from anywhere in the world as long as you have a good internet connection.
- No overhead, so the costs of doing business are minimal.
- The greater flexibility of the Internet allows you to provide better customer service.
The only thing you need, if you’re not an IT expert (and most of us aren’t), is some digital skills.
For someone of average intelligence, these are not difficult to master and there are many free courses online.
You can find more on my website.