Guide to Choosing Your Retirement Business

Work In The Medical Field

In much of the world, the medical field is experiencing severe personnel shortages. Turning to consulting work in this field is a natural for anyone who has ever worked in it, and for many who have never worked in it before. There is such a desperate need that many hospitals, clinics and health care related agencies will gladly work with consultants.

I recommend: MedHunters is a great resource to get a general overview of what kinds of services are in demand.  Many require special training, but many do not.  There is often a need for business services people, library services and transportation services.  A lot of this work could be contracted by the health care agency.  Don't forget to check your local newspaper classified listings as well.

Check Out Companies That Want Older Workers

Too many people are retiring. The greying of the baby boomer generation is no joke. Many businesses need workers of all kinds, and would be glad to work with consultants and independent business people. Check especially those companies that have indicated an interest in working with older people.

I recommend: Careers 50 is a coalition between Monster.com and AARP.  These two huge organizations have combined their resources to locate and promote companies that welcome seniors.  Many of these companies can out-source some of their work, or work with consultants on a part time basis.  Ask and find out.

Take Your RV On The Road

Have you got a recreational vehicle? Do you like to travel? Would you like some extra income while being your own boss?

I recommend: Workamper is a very unique concept.  it is a group of RV-ers, many who are seniors, traveling and working.  Much of thier work is short term or contract based.  It's all done on the road.  What a concept for a retirement business!  Hop in the RV, head on down the road and offer your services from time to time.

Travel The World

Yes, cruise lines do hire older workers, in a variety of jobs. There are jobs in the casino, the gift shop, the golf shop, the beauty parlor and more. These jobs are great aif all you want to do is travel. But if you want to make some real money, take one of these jobs, then create a web site, telling others how you did it and how they can travel the world too. Cruise lines might even pay you to locate good employees for them.

I recommend: Carnival Cruises is one that promotes this type of position quite heavily.  They do have a lot of "mini jobs" that need filling.  While you're on board, create a blog with your day to day adventures.  Even a blog can earn you some money!

Turn Your Hobby Into a Profitable Website

Whether you collect bisque dolls or moustache cups, there is a place for you on the internet. There are cello instructors, bookkeepers, personal coaches, dress designers, garlic farmers -- if you can imagine it, it is probably possible to put it on the web. And, yes, those websites can make money. Don't expect to make millions, it just won't happen. But a few hundred dollars a month is a a very real possibility.

I recommend: Site Build It is a popular meeting place for seniors.  It's not just for seniors, but a lot of older entrepreneurs find their way there.  No HTML to create a web site.  Very friendly, helpful people.  Strong success record.  It's my web host too.

Work In The Great Outdoors

How about working at a ski resort, an amusement park, a state park, a dude ranch? Sounds great, doesn't it. Well, this is just the beginning. Yes, go try out a few of those jobs. Then, to make decent money, become an independent resource, tracking down more employees for these very unique positions. One of the big advantages is that any travel you do in searching for these future employees is a tax deductible expense.

I recommend: CoolWorks lists a bevy a great outdoors jobs.  Each employer needs the care and attention of individual people.  While youngsters can fill many of the summer jobs, the need for people all during the year is often met with older workers -- just the people you know how to reach.  Your expertise in matching up employer and employee could indeed be a nice retirement business.

Use Your Technical Skills To Be A Consultant

Some retirees possess exceptional skills. With our relative youth and energy, these retirees still have a great deal to contribute to businesses as skilled contractors. It might be in engineering, scientific discovery, or business development. Whatever it is, strong skills are very much in demand.

I recommend: Your Encore recognizes the real skills inherent in many older workers.  It places these workers as consultants in existing companies.  Many fields and many geographic areas are represented.  Find out what they can offer you.