Changing job or career in your 50s or 60s might not be everyone’s idea of a secure end to a working life. Most workers nearing retirement might rather stick to what they know and - in some cases - hold out for a gold wristwatch and bottle of bubbly. But according to one scientist, starting a new career or job keep later in life could keep workers more alert and improve their brain activity.
Jobs become easier and routine.
Writing in the Guardian, Dr Daniel Glaser, director of science gallery at King’s College in London, said the older worker can find tasks “more easy and routine”.
The professor, who was commenting on the actor Daniel Day Lewis’s decision to retire at the age of 60, suggested those whose were challenged at work could see “a delay in symptoms of age-related cognitive decline”.
With an ageing population and the age of retirement is expected to rise, older workers in the UK could find the prospect of change more alluring.
Monster, a Randstad company, highlights tips you’ll need to make that important decision.
- Know Yourself. Consider what you need to be happy. That’s usually enough to make a good career decision.
- Think it over. Have no regrets and do something positive to avoid asking yourself ‘I wish I had’. Take time to determine what you want to do in the future.
- Ask the professionals. Experienced workers are likely to know the answers to their own questions but when it comes to starting afresh it’s a good idea to ask for expert opinions.
- Be satisfied. Pay remains the most important factor when considering a new job but that’s not to say job satisfaction and ‘giving back’ counts as well.
- Deal with the fear. Change can be a scary prospect but remember: you’ve done this before! Speaking to your family and friends can sometimes give the reassurance you need to make a big decision/
- Be realistic. The chances it’s too late to become a Premier League manager or brain surgeon. Set realistic goals and enjoy the success and rewards that can come from achieving them.
- You were young once. You’ve gone from being wet behind the ears to longer in the tooth so it’s time for you to work with younger people. They could benefit from your experience and you from their exuberance.
- Change of pace. You don’t have to go from one full-time role to another. You might find your ideal role is a part-time one or always wanted to start your own company. The key is to be open minded and flexible.