- Start with your why and define what you want from work in this life stage, including hours, location, type of impact, or even launching a small business.
- List your skills, qualities, passions, and hobbies, and let lifelong learning and purpose guide you instead of staying confined to past roles.
- Make networking your primary strategy; most jobs are found this way, so reconnect with former colleagues and expand outreach online.
- Tailor your resume to the role; recruiters scan quickly, so match the job, use clean templates, and write a focused cover letter.
- Be patient and take daily micro-steps, and when you are ready to search, try AARP Featured Employers, LinkedIn, FlexJobs, Workforce50, Seniors for Hire, and Retired Brains.
5 Steps to Finding a Job After Retirement
#1 Decide What You Want
Before starting your job hunt, think about your desired position. And I don’t mean a surface-level desire. Really dig into what will boost your energy during this precious life phase of retirement. Instead of focusing on what or how, start with your why. You have the advantage of finding a position that’s new and exciting, and different from your past career path. Ask yourself, why are you finding a job after retirement? Finding clarity on your why will help you figure out the nitty-gritty details like, whether you want to:- Work part-time or full time, in-person or from home
- Help a non-profit as a paid volunteer gig or an organization that you enjoy
- Find a job or start your own business or passion project
- Take on more responsibility or take it easy
- Continue your career path or give another industry a try
The more time and thought you put into making these decisions before looking for a job, the more enjoyable your search (and the job itself) will be.
#2 List Your Skills and Qualities
Before you go looking for a new job or career, consider writing down all of the skills and qualities that you have acquired over the years. This will help guide your search for a new opportunity and set you up for success in the job market. If your job hunt isn’t driven simply by financial reasons, go further than that. Make a list of your passions, interests, and hobbies and see how they line up with possible careers. Another reason we suggest you start with your why is most people get stuck in the how. In other words, don’t limit yourself to your past experiences or skill set. Remember that you’re designed to grow and challenge yourself, and lifelong learning is a big part of that. So let your purpose and passions fuel your search — they may translate well into paid positions.#3 Network
Networking is a crucial part of any job search, but it can be challenging to know where and how to start. Is there anything better than a referral? As it turns out, there isn’t. A whopping 85% of jobs are secured through networking. In other words, some jobs never even make it to the job market because many businesses prefer filling positions internally.
If you’ve decided to continue your pre-retirement career, reach out to previous employers and co-workers to let them know you’re returning to the workforce.
And if you’ve decided to make a complete career shift (which we highly recommend especially if it’s passion-related), you can still benefit from reaching out to the people in your current network.
You never know which connections will become valuable or serendipitous, so ask around with friends, family, past coworkers, or even in your neighborhood.
These days, with a lot of networking available online, feel free to reach out to people you don’t know as you brainstorm and research attractive roles.
After all, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone and explore some exciting activities, job included, now that the pressure of advancing your career is (hopefully) a thing of the past.
#4 Tailor Your Resume
It’s time to get your CV in shape. Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer, and recruiters take on average 6 seconds to scan a resume and decide whether you’d be a good fit.
Here are a couple of tips to get the most out of your CV:
- Make sure it reflects the type of position you are looking for
- Stand out with appealing design (use the templates available in free programs like Canva or Venngage)
- Write a personalized cover letter that highlights why you’re the perfect person for the job
#5 Be Patient
As always, take it one micro-step at a time and work towards your goal of finding a job incrementally and consistently. It’s a tricky process that requires dedication, effort, and a little bit of luck. What’s the best way to land that “luck”? Chip away at your goal daily (even if just a few minutes) until you find a role you’re excited about. Not only do most people give up too easily or they don’t work at it consistently, it may also seem like every employer is looking for someone younger or someone with more experience, but please don’t let that discourage you. It can take time to find a position that’s right for you. And there are plenty of companies out there willing to take on team members who have years of valuable life and work skills.Where to Look for a Job After Retirement?
Now that we’ve covered the why and the what, you can start thinking about how to find a job after retirement. Here are some resources to check out when looking for retirement jobs:- AARP Featured Employers
- Volunteer opportunities (some of which are paid)
- LinkedIn (to leverage your network)
- Workforce50.com
- FlexJobs (to work from home)
- Seniors for Hire
- Retired Brains
Second Careers for Golden Years
Searching for a job may leave you feeling lost or unsure of what to do next. Especially if you’re relying on financial compensation and working because you have to and not just because you want to. The key to finding a job after retirement is being clear and persistent. Whether you want to work in the same industry or explore something new, there are plenty of opportunities out there. And more importantly, remember that the best way to do just about anything is to stay active and follow your passions until something clicks. It’s about setting clear intentions based on your why and following the clues that lead you to a role that’s energizing. The last thing you want in retirement is to commit to a work environment that’s draining and stressful. We’re confident that you can offer immense value to the world through not only your experience and skills, but also through your wisdom, knowledge, and desire to help others.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best job after retirement?
The best job is the one that fits your lifestyle and actually feels good to do. For some, that’s consulting or mentoring a few hours a week. For others, it’s something totally different – working in a shop you love, helping a nonprofit, or turning a hobby into extra income.
The real key is choosing work that adds joy, purpose, or connection without draining your time and energy. In retirement, a job doesn’t have to be about climbing ladders. It can simply be about doing what lights you up.
Is it hard for a 60 year old to find a job?
It can be tougher than it should be. A large study of 40,000 applications found that age discrimination is real – especially for women close to retirement age. But hard doesn’t mean impossible. Plenty of people in their 60s land work that feels meaningful and energizing.
The key is to lean into what you bring to the table – experience, reliability, and wisdom – and to look for roles that value those qualities. Networking, flexible or part-time opportunities, and even turning a passion into income can all open doors.
Is 60 too old to start your career over?
Not at all. Plenty of people reinvent themselves at 60 and beyond. Sometimes by choice, other times because life nudges them in a new direction. While it may take creativity and persistence, older adults are fully capable of learning new skills and thriving in second (or third) careers.
The advantage you have at this stage is experience and clarity. You know your strengths, your values, and the kind of lifestyle you want. That makes it easier to shape a career that actually fits you, rather than chasing what others expect. Whether it’s consulting, launching a passion project, or stepping into a completely new field, 60 isn’t too late. It’s just a different, wiser starting line.
Can you still work after age 65?
Yes, and more people are choosing to. In fact, the number of adults 65 and older who are still working has nearly doubled in the last 30 years. Some keep working for extra income, others for the social connection, and many simply because they enjoy having a reason to get up and out the door.
The real shift after 65 is that work can look however you want it to. It might be part-time hours, seasonal work, consulting, or turning a hobby into a side gig. You’re no longer tied to the old definition of a “career.” At this stage, working can be less about obligation and more about choice.
How does working after retirement affect my pension or Social Security?
It depends on your age and your benefits. If you’ve already reached your full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you’d like without it reducing your Social Security benefits. If you start collecting before full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if your earnings go over certain limits, but once you hit full retirement age, your monthly payment is adjusted upward to account for what was withheld.
Pensions can be a little different since they’re often set by your former employer’s plan. Some allow you to work freely, while others may reduce or pause payments if you take on a new job. It’s worth checking directly with your pension provider so there are no surprises. The big takeaway: working after retirement doesn’t mean losing your benefits, it just means you’ll want to know the rules for your situation so you can plan with confidence.
