Best Jobs for People Over 50, Who’s Hiring

In the aftermath (we hope) of Covid, there are lots of folks over the age 50 who are now looking for work. Some have been displaced and some just want more control, more freedom and sometimes, just more fulfillment.  Many people don’t want to spend the next 20 or so years doing what they’ve been doing for the last 20 or so years. When we are over 50, it can be hard to find a good job, but fear not,  it is very doable. And there are jobs that are attractive for the baby boomer + generations, as long as we remember our skillsets change as we age, and that we need to adapt with them. This is why it is important to keep our skills up-to-date and to be open to new opportunities. That way, there will likely be more options when looking for work at our stage in life.

In this article we identify and provide general descriptions for 5 of the best jobs for people over 50. We pleasantly found that there are good jobs for almost every skill and experience level. Be patient and be persistent. After all, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it takes 2 weeks longer to find a job between the ages of 55 and 64 than at younger ages. Well, let’s just see about that.

1. Consultant.

Becoming an independent consultant can be a great way to utilize our experience and expertise gained in a particular industry or in a related or even a different industry. Many consultant roles can be performed either remotely or onsite with flexible schedules. The hourly pay can be very attractive and some roles are on a project basis, many times without the need to make a full-time committment.  The best news is there are many different types of consultant roles. For instance, an educational consultant is responsible for helping students choose the right school or program of study based on their individual needs and interests. This may involve researching schools, visiting campuses, or meeting with admissions counselors.  Just remember, if you have expertise or skill in a particular area, someone will pay for it. In general, no special licensing or education is required, as long as you can demonstrate relevant real world or work experience.  Here are a few different types of consultant roles:

• Travel Consultant
• Business Consultant
• Educational Consultant
• Sustainability (or Green) Consultant
• Diversity and Inclusion Consultant

2. Real Estate Agent

A role as a real estate agent can be lucrative and rewarding–and it will keep you busy.  It will certinaly get you out of the house. This can be a role where the experience of someone over 50 can engender trust and competence. Real estate agents assist clients with buying, selling and renting property. They create and publish listings and arrange open houses and negotiate with potential buyers to complete sales. Real estate agents also help potential buyers or renters find properties and accompany clients to viewings and prepare purchase offers. They typically work under real estate brokers, who are licensed to handle property sales and purchases.

You don’t have to go back to school, but you will have take a pre-licensing course and pass a real estate licensing exam in your state. This is the case for both personal and commercial real estate.

3. Financial Planner

Here is another area where our age and experience can be a difference maker.  One of the greatest wealth transfers in history is about to take place as older boomers reach their late 70s.  Their wealth is being transferred to the younger boomers, and  who do they trust more than someone who is close in age and just like them?  In this  role we can  leverage our knowledge to help others plan for their finances while earning outstanding wages and fees. This career opportunity is especially suitable for people over 50 as only as license is needed to start–and many firms will pay for training and the license. Financial planners do not have long working hours and can work flexible hours, even remotely.

Here are some financial firms that we found are favorable to hiring folks over 50:

MetLife

Wells Fargo

Charles Schwab

USAA

Fidelity Investments

4. Performance Coach

If you are starting to get the picture that age and experience can be an advantage, yes, you are on to something. One of the most overlooked aspects of coaching is how wide and varied the opportunity set is. As a personal coach, you get to help people make positive changes in their lives. You may have an interest in being an accountability coach to help individuals reach their career goals. By comparison, you could choose to act as a business coach/advisor where you give advice to business owners to help them strategically become more profitable or prepare their businesses for eventual sale. In most instances, you should have experience in the field that you want to coach others in–anything from business to relationships to personal growth. You’ll also need excellent communication and people skills, and the ability to listen well. Its also important to be organized and detail-oriented. If you have these qualities, then coaching could be a great fit for you.

No license is required but there are several educational organizations who provide coaching certifications.

5. Private Investigator

Ah, visions of Mannix or Magnum PI dance through our heads (jeez, we really are getting up there), while being a private investigator its not quite as glamorous as 70s TV would suggest, it can certainly be a very satisfying career for people over 50. A private investigator is responsible for conducting investigations into suspected criminal activity, though not always. This may involve surveillance, interviews, and background checks.

Of course, there are other types of investigators. For instance, a legal investigator works for a lawyer or a law firm to gather and analyze information to be used in a case. They find and interview witnesses, take statements, access police records, photograph accident scenes, and sometimes testify in court. Think Paul Drake (leave a comment if you got that reference). Whatever type of investigator role you choose, you must be able to gather information and present it in a clear and concise manner.

In most states you will have to secure a license and/or a certification. While you don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree, it is certainly helpful. A quick google search for your state’s requirements will provide a good starting point.

Conclusion

While starting over in a new career can be a bit scary and is certainly challenging, there is much good news. Whether we’ve been in the workforce continuously or have taken a break and are looking to get back in the market, there is a wide range of jobs available for people over 50. We have tried to list 5 of the best jobs to utilize rich and valuable experience that people over 50 have in spades. There is indeed fulfilling work out there with favorable work/life balance potential and opportunities for good pay.  If you have any questions, please reach out, we would love to help.  Please feel welcome to leave any comments below.