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Baby Boomers Working in Retirement Need Skills

For many Baby Boomers in the U.S., working during retirement has become a necessary part of the plan. This could mean finding a new job or moving from full-time to part-time in the job they have now. A new study shows that the number of available jobs in the middle-skill level (41% of all jobs) is decreasing, while low-skill and high-skill jobs have increased. This means that Baby Boomers expecting to work in retirement might need to rethink their plan.

Finding a low-skill job might be easier, but the pay may not fill in the income gap for a Baby Boomer without sufficient retirement funding. There is more opportunity for older workers in high-skill jobs, but that usually requires extra training.

If working during retirement is a part of your retirement plan, it would be wise to take these factors into consideration:

  1. Examine your job prospects: This chart of jobs for Baby Boomers may give you some ideas of what you could aim for in the future. Many of them are high-skill jobs and require some training, but if you identify one that appeals to you now, you could plan ahead. For example, there are 59,000 jobs available in the special education field. You might consider getting trained as a tutor or qualify to teach English as a second language.
  2. Take steps to stay healthy and fit: To work during retirement requires that you are fit enough to do the job. Pick a second career that does not put strain on your body. Talk to your doctor, and work out a routine that will keep you healthy well into your golden years. Some jobs are physically taxing, and even though you are healthy, it may just become too much as you grow older.
  3. Improve your skills: The digital revolution has created many new jobs that never existed before. Take advantage of this, and learn new skills. According to studies in the U.S. and the UK, there is a serious lack of digital skills in the work force today. Some of the most needed skills are the ability to code, how to work with documents, how to communicate digitally, how to create content, and how to measure results. Learning these skills now could improve your chances of employment when you need it most.

Growing older is an unavoidable fact of life. Whether we’ve planned for it or not, the day will come when we are faced with how to produce enough income in our later years. And as life expectancy rates increase, the period of retirement gets longer and longer.

The very best way to prepare for retirement is to work with an experienced advisor, and figure out a plan that will give you the funds you need to enjoy that period of your life.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be used in connection with the evaluation of any investments offered by David Lerner Associates, Inc. This material does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell securities and should not be considered in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.

To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances.

These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable– we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.

David Lerner Associates does not provide tax or legal advice. The information presented here is not specific to any individual's personal circumstances. Member FINRA & SIPC.

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