Returning to work after an extended period of retirement can present unexpected hurdles, and I’d like to share my experiences in exploring new career opportunities. This narrative may be insightful for those contemplating early retirement or a long hiatus from professional life.
In an earlier piece, I discussed why I chose to end my retirement, one reason being the anticipation of more free time soon. Having committed to being a stay-at-home dad until my children were in school full-time, I’m now facing a transitional phase as my youngest is set to start preschool next fall. This marks the right moment to refresh my resume and re-enter the job market.
The sacrifices made in terms of income, career advancement, and status to be a full-time parent, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, were invaluable. The trade-off, though, has been a significant loss in potential earnings since 2012. As much as I love writing, it isn’t as lucrative as other professions, and with the looming expense of college tuition for my kids, returning to work has become a practical necessity.
Challenges in Re-Entering the Workforce After Years of Retirement
- Limited Professional Network Having left the workforce in 2012, my professional contacts have dwindled. Most jobs, particularly coveted ones, often come through referrals, and my current network, largely formed around leisure activities like tennis and pickleball, doesn’t align with my professional aspirations. I’ve yet to leverage my network for job leads, but that’s an avenue I plan to explore soon.
Advice: Keep in touch with your industry peers even after retirement. If you’re considering a career shift, start building connections in your desired field at least a year before job hunting. Regular interactions, even just a few times a year, can be beneficial.
- Age Concerns At 34, when I left the workforce, ageism was already a concern, prompting me to aim for retirement by 40. Now, at 46, this worry resurfaces, especially when job applications include age-related questions. The categorization of applicants 45 and older into a single group can feel limiting and brings the challenge of ageism back into focus.
Advice: If possible, skip optional demographic questions on applications. Be honest where required, but understand that certain answers might work against you, particularly if you don’t belong to an underrepresented group.
- Highly Competitive Sectors My interests have veered towards sectors like AI, which are incredibly competitive. Despite my enthusiasm for the field and its potential, breaking into such a hot industry without direct connections or a stroke of luck is daunting.
Advice: Look for emerging industries or less-publicized companies where competition might be less fierce. The timing and choice of the company can significantly impact your chances.
- Salary Expectations Given my last drawn salary in finance and my aspirations, I’m looking for positions that can offer a comparable compensation. This narrows down my options and increases competition for the roles I am interested in.
Advice: Consider the balance between salary, job satisfaction, and non-monetary benefits. Sometimes, lower-paying roles offer a more fulfilling work-life balance and might be more accessible.
- The Numbers Game Job hunting is a numbers game. You may need to apply to a large number of positions to secure just a few interviews and potentially one job offer. This process can be especially trying for retirees who might lack the urgency or stamina for such a rigorous endeavor.
Advice: Be persistent and apply widely. Don’t limit yourself to a handful of top choices; cast a wide net to increase your chances of success. Persevere through rejections and non-responses.
These insights from my journey back into the job market after retirement underscore the complexities and the need for strategic planning in such a transition.
