Holidays are typically considered a joyous time.  Employers schedule annual events like luncheons or evening gatherings.  Gifts may be exchanged and, for some, bonuses are offered. Meanwhile, people negotiate for time off to spend with their families and loved ones.  Others choose to forego the Christmas trees, menorahs, and other holiday traditions in order to escape to ski resorts or sunny climates.  

The holiday season is usually seen as a time for festivities, relaxation, and spending quality moments with loved ones.  Many job seekers believe that hiring will be impacted during this season.  It’s not a well-understood fact that, amidst the joy and merriment, it may also be a golden opportunity for job seekers. Let’s explore some of the Myths and Realities for conducting a successful job search during the holiday season.

Retirement can be different things to different people. It could be time of great opportunity, discovery, or freedom. However, you might not be quite ready to hang up your hat, sip a mai tai, plop down on your couch and endlessly binge your favorite shows. Many seniors choose to seek part-time work, either to continue to have a sense of purpose, or for financial reasons, or possibly to give back to their community.

When I started teaching pilates, my plan was to parlay it into my post-retirement supplemental career, which I have now accomplished. One day, it occurred to me when I was studying for my teaching certification, that a 60+ year old pilates instructor might be an anomaly.

If you are currently or soon to be an Empty Nester or even close to retirement age, Amazon offers a variety of flexible ways to make money using its services or leveraging a side gig. 

Part-time work can enhance mental and physical well-being for seniors in a myriad of ways; the most obvious is staying mentally stimulated. I have researched healthy aging and explored ways to prevent the onset of dementia or, as I often joke with friends, “senior brain.”

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” — Lao Tzu

The philosopher Lao Tzu underscores the importance of taking steps and making choices one at a time during any personal or professional journey or pivot, particularly if it seems daunting. To me the meaning further highlights the difficulty of beginning and then beginning again. So the story I am about to tell, like all engrossing stories, is one of change and the unexpected.

Job loss can be a life-altering experience that may lead to profound emotional and psychological challenges. It can lead to loneliness which exacerbates the pain and distress that often accompanies unemployment. Moreover, at any given time, one out of every two people experiences measurable levels of loneliness. So, loneliness after job loss is endemic. I know that I experienced this loneliness when I lost my job and I wanted to share what I have learned.

As it turns out, the first step is the second hardest.

The door is slammed shut. You stand there in shock, alone and afraid to move. This is the time that is the hardest. There is a faintly sour smell lingering in the air, “your services are no longer needed. You have 10 minutes to clear out.” It is a time of danger and wonder and fear and curiosity. Anger and depression. And if you are lucky, friends who come alongside you.

As soon as you are approaching Medicare eligibility, your mailbox will be jammed full of solicitations from insurers trying to sell you Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans, and it's difficult to know what to trust or believe. Find an agent who can speak about multiple different insurers in your state for your Medicare Supplement options, someone who will not try to force you into any one specific plan.

Job hunting is a daunting process at any age, but it is even more so for people over 50, given ageism and increasing competition from younger, lower-cost workers. However, older workers bring a wealth of experience and transferable skills to the table, which can counteract many perceived disadvantages.

If you're in your 50s (or 60s) and feeling bored or stuck in your career, it may be time to consider making a change. It's never too late. One of the advantages of making a change when you are a bit older, is that you bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that you’ve accumulated over the past 20-25 years of your working life.