Top Jobs for Over 60s | 2024 Guide

Finding a new job can be tough for older people. If you are in later life, this guide to jobs for over 60s is made for you. We’ve gathered advice for those who are over 60, perhaps retired, wanting to change jobs, or looking for a new job that fits their skills. Look no further for the tools and information you need to succeed in your job search!

Exploring the Best Opportunities for Jobs for Over 60s

Age should never stop you from finding a good job. Many employers see the advantages that older workers bring. They appreciate the experience, knowledge, and strong work skills gained over the years.

This guide will show where companies need senior talent. We’ll explain how your skills can match these jobs. We’ve also included get tips on how to share your experience with employers.

Remember, your experience is important. You have 60 years of it! If you take the right steps, you can find a job that fits your interests and goals.

Identifying Your Strengths & Skills

Before you look at specific jobs for over 60s, take some time to think about your skills and what makes you tick. What are you good at? What have you learned from your work so far? This could include good communication, teamwork, problem-solving, or leading others. It could also be special knowledge in a certain area. Don’t forget about basic IT skills. They are often very important.

Think about the special things you have done or the skills you have. These can help you in a new career. Have you done any volunteering? Have you cared for your family? Or have you worked on hobbies that show you are patient, organised, or creative?

Changing jobs later in life can feel good. It lets you follow your passions or try new areas that interest you. At first, it might be scary, but if you stay positive and prepare, you can make the switch smoothly.

This section gives you useful tips and resources to help you change careers. It tells you how to find skills you can use in a new job. It also includes ways to learn new skills through training programs. Finally, it shows how to find support networks.

• Use sources like online job boards, local newspapers, and your personal network to find hidden job opportunities.
• Look at industries that fit your skills and interests.
• This will increase your chances of getting a job that is both rewarding and fun.

How to Market Your Experience in Today’s Job Market

Effectively marketing your experience is essential in today’s crowded job market. This can help you stand out from other candidates. Start by adjusting your CV. Highlight the skills and achievements that matter most for each job you apply for.

Instead of just listing your past jobs, focus on what you achieved and contributed at each job. Use action words to explain what you did. Whenever you can, include numbers to show your success. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” you could say, “Successfully managed a team of 10, exceeding sales targets by 15%.”

While looking for a job, use online platforms like LinkedIn and attend networking events. These can help you connect with potential employers. Show off your skills and experience there. Remember, a well-made CV, a strong online presence, and confident self-promotion are key for catching the eye of employers.

Examples & Ideas of Jobs For Over 60s

Many part-time jobs and flexible working opportunities are great for seniors who want to balance work and free time. These roles often use the valuable experience you have gathered over the years and come with a reasonable workload.

Remember to connect with people in your network, look at online job boards, and ask about flexible working options at organisations you like. With a little effort and a positive attitude, you can find a flexible job that fits your lifestyle and financial needs.

Consultant

Leverage your years of work experience by moving into a consultancy role. Offer your skills to individuals or businesses that need special knowledge in your area. Consulting allows you to set your own hours, pick your clients, and work from anywhere.

Many job opportunities are available for consultants in different fields like finance, marketing, human resources, and IT. You can work alone or team up with known consultancy firms looking for skilled professionals. Networking with others in your industry and having a strong online presence can help you attract clients and build your reputation as a consultant.

Make sure to clearly define your specialty. Create a strong value proposition. Also, communicate your skills well to clients who want your help.

Manager

Many companies appreciate the leadership skills and experience that older workers bring to management jobs for over 60s. Even if you have not held a management role in a while, your many years of work have given you important skills that employers still want.

Look for job vacancies in areas where your skills match, such as retail, hospitality, or customer service. Your leadership talents and calm attitude can be big benefits in these fields. Make sure to share your past achievements that show how you can lead, motivate, and inspire others.

Point out how your way of leading helps to create a positive and productive work environment. This quality is very important to employers looking for experienced managers.

Freelancer

Freelancing gives seniors a great chance to work flexibly and use their special skills and experience. If you’re good at writing, graphic design, or have knowledge in a certain area, freelancing can lead to many career opportunities.

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer help connect businesses and people with skilled workers for different projects. You can consider providing services like writing blog posts or website content, making marketing materials, editing papers, or offering virtual assistant help.

Freelancing lets you be your own boss. You can pick projects that you find interesting, set your rates, and work from home. It’s a good choice for those who want flexibility, independence, and the chance to use their skills in a self-managed way.

Driving instructor

If you like driving and have good communication skills, being a driving instructor could be a great job for over 60s. Driving schools often look for patient and skilled people to train new drivers.

You can find driving instructor vacancies on different job sites or you can talk to driving schools directly with your qualifications. Usually, you need proper training to become a certified driving instructor. This training will give you the right skills and knowledge to do well in this job.

This job lets you set your own hours, and it feels good to help others learn an important life skill.

Carer

The care sector offers many rewarding jobs for people who like to help others. Care Assistants often support elderly people, those with disabilities, or anyone working through recovery from illness or surgery.

The NHS is a major employer in this field. They provide good pay and benefits. Some care jobs need certain qualifications, but many just look for qualities like empathy, patience, and a true wish to assist others.

If you have these traits, think about looking into care work. It can be a fulfilling and important career for you.

To help you out, read our guides to the role of a Care Assistant, plus tips on how to write a Care Assistant cover letter and how to answer care assistant interview questions.

Support worker

Support worker jobs for over 60s can be quite tiring but are always rewarding. They involve helping people who are dealing with different challenges. This field includes assisting those with learning disabilities, mental health issues, or those trying to beat addiction.

Support workers need to have empathy and patience. They should create a safe and caring space for people who need help.

Many groups, like charities, social services, and community centres, often look for committed support workers.

Read our guide to Support Worker interviews.

Child carer/child minder

For people who like being with kids, a job in childcare can be very rewarding. There is always a need for childcare providers. Many parents look for caring and skilled people to take care of their children.

Job vacancies in childcare can be full-time jobs at nurseries or pre-schools. They can also be part-time positions as nannies or babysitters.

Think about any past experiences you have with raising your children or grandchildren. These experiences are very important in childcare.

Gardener

If you love gardening and spending time outside, a job in gardening could be right for you. Garden centres often look for friendly and informed people to help customers, give plant care tips, and take care of their displays.

You can also provide your gardening services directly to people in your local area. You can help them maintain their gardens and keep their outdoor spaces lively.

Gardening gives you a job that lets you stay active and connect with nature. It lets you use your love for plants to create beautiful outdoor spaces.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help your community and use your skills. It can also lead to new job opportunities. Many organisations value the experience and hard work that older volunteers have to offer.

You can volunteer in many ways. You could help at local charities, mentor young people, support health programs, or assist with community events. Many people over 60 volunteer for the National Trust.

When you volunteer, you get important experience and meet new people. This can help you in your job search and improve your chances of getting a job.

Retail assistant

Retail jobs for over 60s can provide many chances for people who have good customer service skills. Many stores look for friendly and sociable workers to help customers, handle payments, and keep the store welcoming.

If you have experience working with people, handling cash, or taking care of stock, these skills can help you in these jobs.

You can check local job boards, online sites, or go to your local job centre to find retail assistant jobs near you.

Courier

With more people shopping online, courier and delivery services are in high demand. This trend has created many job opportunities for those who want flexible working options.

Most courier services need a valid driving license and a dependable vehicle. This gives you the freedom to choose your hours and handle your workload as you like.

Think about applying to well-known courier companies. You can also look at gig economy platforms that match drivers with people or businesses that need delivery services.

Uber Driver

Becoming an Uber driver is a flexible way to make money. You can choose your own hours and work when you want. As an Uber driver, you take passengers where they need to go in your car. You can use what you know about your local area to help you navigate.

To become an Uber driver, you usually need a valid driver’s license and a good vehicle. You also have to meet some requirements that Uber sets.

This job allows for flexible working. It can help you earn extra money or give you a sense of purpose and a chance to meet new people.

Deliveroo rider

Food delivery platforms like Deliveroo give flexible jobs for over 60s who want to earn money on their own schedule. As a Deliveroo rider, you ride a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle to bring meals from restaurants to customers’ homes. This helps people eat well and enjoy convenience.

Deliveroo lets you pick your working hours and delivery areas. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a flexible and active job.

If you like riding and want a job that keeps you moving while you earn money, think about becoming a Deliveroo rider.

Housekeeper or cleaner

Housekeeping and cleaning services are always needed. This provides stable job opportunities for people who like to keep spaces clean and tidy.

There are often vacancies for housekeepers and cleaners in places like hotels, private homes, offices, and other businesses.

You can find jobs for over 60s by looking at cleaning services companies, online job sites, or local classified ads.

Tutor

Share what you know and love by being a tutor. Tutoring is a great way to help students of all ages learn new things and do better in school.

There are many job opportunities for tutors in subjects like maths, science, English, music, and foreign languages. You can find students through tutoring agencies, online websites, or by promoting your services in your local area.

Tutoring is flexible – you can even do it online these days. You can choose your own hours and work with students one-on-one or in small groups.

Starting Your Own Business After 60

Rather than just looking for jobs for over 60s, you could also consider starting a business after 60! Being an older entrepreneur can be extremely rewarding – even if it does sound daunting at first. It lets you use your experience, follow your passion, and be your own boss. Age should not stop you from starting a business. Your life experiences and strength can really help you succeed.

This section looks at great business ideas for seniors. It also checks out the resources and support that can help make your dreams of being an entrepreneur come true.

Entrepreneurship Ideas for Seniors

Think about using your passions, skills, and experiences when you come up with business ideas. For example, if you love baking, you could open a home bakery that focuses on special cakes or pastries.

If you enjoy crafts, you can make and sell handmade jewellery, knitted items, or art on websites like Etsy. People who are good at communication might offer freelance writing, editing, or virtual assistant services. They can help businesses and entrepreneurs with their tasks.

Keep in mind that your business idea doesn’t need to be unique. It often comes down to spotting a need in your community and providing a service or product that meets that need.

Resources & Support for Senior Entrepreneurs

There are lots of resources and support systems for senior entrepreneurs. Groups like Age UK, the government’s Start Up Loans scheme, and local enterprise partnerships provide help like guidance, workshops, mentoring, and funding for people like you.

Feel free to contact these organisations! They can give you great advice on how to create your business plan, get funding, and deal with the legal steps of starting a business.

Being part of a network with supportive peers and mentors can really help you as an entrepreneur. Starting a business is a learning journey. Knowing the expertise of others can make things easier and boost your chances of success.

Volunteering & Unpaid Jobs for over 60s

Volunteering your time and skills can be very rewarding. It helps you make a real difference in your community. You can also meet new people and even find new career paths.

Volunteering has many benefits. It can help you find new job opportunities. It can also give you a fresh sense of purpose.

Can Volunteering Lead to Job Opportunities?

Volunteering is a good way to give back and can really help you with your job search. When you volunteer, you get hands-on experience and gain new skills. You also meet others in your area of work. This shows that you want to learn, care about your community, and aim to make a positive impact.

Many employers like to see volunteer work on resumes. It highlights important qualities they look for in job candidates. The people you meet while volunteering can share information about job openings, trends in the industry, and career choices you may not think about otherwise.

Finding Fulfilment in Social Contribution

Volunteering can bring many career benefits, but it also gives you a strong sense of fulfilment. You get to help others and feel good about making a positive change in society. This experience helps you meet new people and find meaning in causes that matter to you.

Whether you help at a local library, guide young people, promote environmental projects, or support a homeless shelter, you use your skills to make a difference in people’s lives.

This feeling of purpose and connection is very good for your mental and emotional health. It helps you stay positive in life, even after you retire.

Success Stories: Making a Career Switch

Inspiration can often give you motivation. Hearing stories about people who started new careers later in life can really lift your spirits. These stories show that there are many options beyond regular retirement.

For example, some people with a proven track record in finance become teachers of financial skills in community centres. Others who love writing may turn into freelance content creators. There are also those who use their admin skills to start virtual assistant businesses to help busy professionals.

These examples show that age does not hold you back from starting a happy new career. By taking inspiration from others’ journeys and seeing the worth in your own experiences, you can move confidently towards a career change that fits your passions and dreams.

Training & Education Options for Seniors

If you want to change career and need to learn new skills or update the ones you have, there are many options for older learners. Local colleges have many courses available. You can take classes in basic computer skills or more specific areas like bookkeeping, web design, and social media management.

You should also consider apprenticeships. They give you real experience in a new job while you earn money. Organisations like Age UK and the National Careers Service provide free advice and help with choosing training programs and finding funding.

Learning never stops, and it can help you gain new skills and feel more confident as you move toward the career you want. Always remember, it’s never too late to learn new things and broaden your opportunities.

The Value of Experience: Why Hire Older Workers?

In today’s job market, employers see the special value that experienced workers, especially those over 60, can offer. These workers have gained important skills from years in the field. They are known for their strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a mature style of teamwork. Many employers really want these qualities.

Moreover, older workers often have useful knowledge about the company and a better understanding of customer service. This gives them an advantage in the busy business world today.

The Benefits of Hiring Senior Employees

The advantages of older workers go beyond just experience. Employers are often attracted to the strong work ethic and dedication of people over 60. These qualities are seen as valuable for any team. Older workers are known for being reliable, on time, and committed to doing high-quality work. This is one of the reasons there are always jobs for over 60s available in the market.

People over 60 also tend to stay calm when things get tough. You’ll know yourself – you’ve been through a lot! As such, you can provide guidance to younger team members. This helps create a positive and productive workplace. Having workers from different age groups offers varied viewpoints, which can encourage new ideas and better problem-solving in a company.

Additionally, older workers usually need less oversight and adapt quickly to new surroundings. This reduces training time and costs for employers.

Work-Life Balance in Retirement

Flexible working arrangements are becoming more popular these days. They give people more control over their work times and where they work. This change is a great chance for seniors who want a good balance between work and life without fully leaving their jobs.

Flexible working can look different for everyone. Some might choose shorter workweeks with full-time hours packed into fewer days. Others may prefer telecommuting, which lets you work from home. Many companies also now allow you to start and end your workday at times that fit your schedule better. This change helps manage personal commitments and lowers stress from busy commutes.

By discussing a flexible working arrangement that fits your way of living, you can keep earning money while having the freedom to explore other interests and responsibilities outside of work.

Flexible & Part-Time Jobs for Over 60s

For seniors who want a better balance between work and life or a slow move into retirement, flexible and part-time job opportunities are a great option. These jobs can help you earn money while you take time for your personal interests, hobbies, or family commitments.

This section looks at different kinds of flexible working arrangements. It includes remote jobs, freelance work, and part-time positions in various industries. This way, you can find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Many companies want to hire workers who have experience. The National Careers Service can help you find job opportunities in different areas.

You should explore jobs in education, healthcare, and social work. In these areas, your experience and understanding are very important. Jobs in retail and customer service often need good communication and people skills. Many older individuals have these skills. You might also think about administrative and clerical jobs. They can provide a stable work environment and are usually not physically demanding.

This will increase your chances of getting a job that is both rewarding and fun.

Finding a new job after 60 can be tough. Never forget you have a lot to give even after 60. At this age, you’ll probably have about 30 years of experience in your field.

Don’t let anyone say that you are underqualified or overqualified! There are many reasons why you might want to change jobs in your 60s. If you face some challenges, don’t give up. The view of older workers is getting better. Still, job seekers over 60 face some problems. You might face ageism when applying for jobs, and others may doubt their skills. It’s good to know the issues you may encounter and how to handle them – so let’s take a look…

Menopause & the workplace

Menopause is something that affects women in the workplace once they’re over 50. Menopause happens when your periods stop because of lower hormone levels. Symptoms usually appear when women are 45 to 55 years old but can start earlier. Some women find these symptoms hard to handle. Common symptoms are anxiety, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, memory and focus problems, and joint pain.

The effects of menopause can last for several years. This can make it tough for some women to work, especially if their employers or colleagues are not understanding. It’s also harder if reasonable changes are not made at work. Your work environment can affect symptoms. For instance, if your office is too warm, hot flashes can get worse. Spending all day looking at a screen can lead to tiredness and eye strain, which might also increase headaches.

You do not have to tell your boss that you are going through menopause. However, being open about your symptoms and how they affect you at work can help you manage them better. Encouraging people to talk more about menopause at work can help everyone. Employers can make sure their rules are inclusive, improve the work environment, and foster communication and understanding.

Age discrimination

Age discrimination is illegal, but it still sadly happens to some older people seeking jobs in certain sectors. Age UK provides a lot of information about this issue, including what to do if you think it has happened to you.

Older workers, especially women, can face challenges at work. They may feel undervalued due to microaggressions. For instance, some workers over 60 feel their input is ignored, while younger colleagues get praised even with less experience. Others may miss out on promotions or training. Sometimes, a younger worker is given an interesting new project, while an older employee can be left doing repetitive tasks.

If you think you’re being treated unfairly because of your age, don’t ignore it. This can hurt your wellbeing, confidence, and mental health. Talk to your HR representative or manager. You can also get help from ACAS or your union representative.

Managing health & disability

Many people over 60 are healthy and active. However, some may find their health gets worse as they age. This can make it harder to find and keep a job. It’s important to be open about your health limits. This honesty helps your employer make necessary changes.

For instance, if you have a bad back, you might struggle to sit or stand for a long period of time. If you find moving around hard, a job that requires you to be on your feet all day might not be suitable. If you have trouble seeing or hearing, the workplace needs to adapt to help you work better.

Many employers try hard to create a welcoming environment for people with disabilities. Be sure to look into the Access to Work scheme. This government program offers grants to help pay for any necessary support.

Pensions & finance in later life

The age when you can start getting your state pension is now 66 for both men and women. You can learn more about your personal pension situation on the GOV.UK website. Some people decide to take their pension as soon as they reach pension age while still working part-time. Others may wish to wait a few more years before taking it. Working after pension age and getting a pension can change the amount of income tax you pay.

It’s important to get financial advice if you think about working after pension age or want a part-time job to add to your state or private pension. Your tax amount depends on how much money you make from work and your pension. A financial advisor can help explain any changes to your tax code if you are both working and getting a pension.

Looking for a job in your 60s because you need money can be stressful. If you are having financial troubles, make sure you receive all the benefits you can, like Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Citizens Advice can help you know what benefits you can claim.

Looking for new jobs for over 60s can be fun. In later life, you know yourself so well you can find new opportunities based on what you like and dislike, using your skills and knowledge for whatever you want.

A new career can help you grow and also help employers find good, experienced workers. You can consider several options, like flexible jobs or even start your own business. It’s important to value your past experiences and clearly show your strengths.

You might think about volunteering to find a role that feels right for you. There could be challenges like age discrimination or health issues. But remember, your eagerness to learn and contribute is stronger than ever! Start with confidence and determination to create a good career after 60.

Is it realistic for someone over 60 to change careers?

It’s possible to change your career after 60. You can reach your goals if you stay focused and keep a good attitude. Age UK, the National Careers Service, and Jobcentre Plus have resources to help you.

What are the first steps to finding a job after 60?

Start by updating your CV to show your important skills. Go to your local Jobcentre or use online job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed. We have guides to help you get ready for job interviews to help you land that new job!