Many baby boomers are opting for "semi-retirement", that is partially leaving their business or occupation. These jobs are great for retired businessmen or executives.
Typically a businessman/woman spends 4 years in undergraduate school and a year or more in business school preparing for the workforce. Upon graduation they take an entry-level management position and work their way up the corporate ladder. For most the ladder ends at the age of 65, 70 or so, when they retire.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines retirement as “withdrawal from one's occupation, business, or office.” Many baby-boomers are deciding not to accept this status quo. They are not spending years preparing for a career and then planning for an exodus (or retirement). Instead they are opting for semi-retirement - “a partial withdrawal from one’s occupation, business or office.“ If you are looking to remain in the field of business after “semi-retirement”, these occupations are great for someone with strong business management skills.
Real Estate - Opportunities are available for semi-retirees in the areas of residential and commercial real estate sales. A real estate license is typically needed for these positions, and the requirements for licensing vary by state. Many national real estate agencies conduct seminars for people interested in the profession. Check your local paper or call your Board of Realtors office to see if one is taking place in your area. In addition to real estate sales, one might want to consider property management. Opportunities in this field might include managing an apartment complex, office building or planned community.
Consultant/Interim Executive Positions - Share your expertise with small business, non-profits and others as an independent consultant. Consultants are needed in many areas including human resources, technology, accounting/finance and sales/marketing. Most management consultants are self-employed; however, there are some opportunities available for semi-retirees with management consulting groups/firms. A few consulting firms also offer interim/short-term placement of corporate executives. These short-term executives fill key positions during corporate transitions - a great opportunity for a semi-retired executive.
Tax Preparation - I’m sure you’ve heard this old saying - “there are two constants or sure things in life - taxes and death. “ Consequently, there will probably always be a need for individuals knowledgeable about tax law, policies and procedures to prepare taxes for individuals and businesses. Each year in the early fall, companies like H & R Block and Jackson Hewitt offer courses in tax preparation. These courses run around 11-12 weeks and are probably the quickest and easiest way to enter this field. This is a great profession for semi-retirees because one only works about 4-5 months out of the year.
Corporate Meeting Planner - Corporations, government/non-profits and professional associations need individuals to plan business meetings and professional training seminars. One needs to be detail oriented, well organized, professional, reliable and very resourceful. Although many Meeting Planners are self-employed, many work for hotels/conferences/resorts, professional associations and even colleges/universities.
Web Writer - If you have good writing skills, you might consider becoming a web writer/blogger for a business web site or create your own money making site. Opportunities are also available with media companies such as Suite 101 where you can write on a topic in your area of expertise. Through the internet, you can become an on-line consultant of sorts.
Having worked many years in business, former business managers/executives have acquired many transferable skills. These skills include organization, communication, computer, sales/marketing and financial management. There are many opportunities available to someone with these skills. Some other positions to consider include - insurance agent, financial advisor or faculty/instructor at a community college or vocational school.
