Retirement Planning - you're never too old. With retirement pensions reduced, ageism being outlawed, skills shortages, will there be a renaissance for the older worker? There are loads of opportunities for retirement jobs. Crafts men, plumbers, carpenters, builders, interim managers, consultants, coaches, mentors, there is an ever growing list of opportunities. More and more people are starting to see that retirement is not a must. They are setting self employed employment plans and 'going for it'. Great! Age is a serious business. Growing old is better than the alternative but increases in life expectancy have to be paid for. It seems without longer working lives and later retirement that many could face a miserable future. Retirement jobs may be an opportunity for the older worker now but may also be an issue for the not so old, who will need to plan for eventual retirement. In the UK only 28% of those aged 60 are in any kind of employment. 40% of people who retired early felt they were pushed and would rather work. There is good news, and opportunity. It is forecast that in the next 20 years the number of workers aged 20 to 29 will reduce by 20% while the number of workers aged between 50 and 64 will increase by 25%. This change is being driven by reductions in the birth rate and greater longevity. What does this mean for everyone regardless of age? OPPORTUNITIES! Huge OPPORTUNITY! All trades craft, plumbers, carpenters, builders, interim managers, consultants, coaches, mentors, secretaries, innovative online businesses, there is an ever growing list of opportunities. More and more people are starting to see that retirement is not a must. They are setting self employed employment plans and 'going for it'. Great! Recent research has revealed that the over 55's are the most likely to come up with new ideas on a daily basis. I have long contended that we are the people who still have a contribution to make provide we adopt the right mind set. Yes I'm a silver head. A friend of mine is currently winding down his business activities after a long and successful period as a manufacturer and retailer of men's clothing. Because of my consulting background we talk a lot and it really grates when he repeatedly justifies an action saying "at my time of life I don't want this or that". He is justifying his withdrawal to himself on the grounds of age. Ageism is nonsense (as I've told him). In another survey more than 50% of people felt that they had been discriminated against, and more. 39% believed that they had been blocked from promotion because of ageism. At age 28 "you are too young" was used against me - so it does happen. 'Too old', 'too young', what drivel. If you have a contribution to make equal to the demands of the job age should not be an issue. Get that firmly in your mind and set out to grab the opportunities. Employment or self employment it's surely up to you. Why not set a small business retirement plan? As we have worked through the early retirement phase which is resulting in skill shortages and lack of management experience demand is growing for skilled competent people in all occupations and disciplines. Don't be like my friend, go out grab the opportunity which suits you, create a small business retirement plan, forget about retirement. Make things happen for you - you will be more fulfilled and better off if you do. |
