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SALT LAKE CITY -- A lot of senior citizens may be looking for a new career once they've retired from their first one. Career counselors say there are some things these seniors need to be mindful of before they take that next job.
When you think of retirement, certain images may pop into your mind, like fishing, golfing, traveling, and visiting grandchildren. But career counselors say that's not really how retirement is.
Dave Hilbig, operations president of human resources consulting firm OCM Lee Hecht Harrison, said, "We're not wired to loaf and goof around and play."
Hilbig says his company has worked with many people who had no plan for life after working. He believes planning what someone will do during their retirement is just as important as planning to set aside money for retirement.
We're not wired to loaf and goof around and play.
–Dave Hilbig
"I read something the other day that said, ‘The best moment to start planning your retirement is your first day on the job,'" he said.
But, before these seniors pick up a second career, there are some things they need to think about.
Don't do it just for the money
If someone needs to pay for additional training, they need to know if they'll ever get a return on their investment.
"Additional training does not always guarantee income," Hilbig said.
Out of all the retirees that Hilbig has worked with who took a position simply because of its money making potential, he says 90 percent have hated that second job.
Find something fulfilling
This is the main thing older workers need, according to Hilbig.
"Particularly with the boomer population approaching retirement, they need to plan, prepare and focus on some things they have interest in and some areas of skills that they're good at," he said.
Hilbig recommends retirees look into working for humanitarian or charitable organizations. He says the opportunities are limitless within those companies, and the work there can be more emotionally fulfilling.
Also, many seniors like mentoring and sharing their experience with others. He says places like SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives, have been very useful in guiding small business owners to get their companies off the ground.
"Here are people with expertise in finance and all these other areas that are helping start-up businesses and many others because of their expertise and experience," he said.
Get your family's input
No one knows us better than family members. In fact, Hilbig says they sometimes know us better than we know ourselves. He believes they can help seniors think of hobbies and interests that the retirees may not have thought of.
