Rethinking work...

Changing what it means to “work” is a significant part of the transition to retirement for many. 21^st century retirees report that they are not about ejecting work from their lifestyles all together, but often are more interested in changing industries or work roles within a framework of their new retirement lives. That being said, some shun the idea of long term re-training that besides being time consuming can be expensive. Yet after trying to reclaim a work life on their own, they just can not find a fit. In her article,“8 Best Job Ideas for Retirees & Seniors,:” by Kira Botkin at www.moneycrashers.com writes, “The Department of Labor’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides retraining and job opportunities for people 55 or older if they do not work and have had difficulty finding a job. Through SCSEP, you can learn new skills while working an SCSEP job at a nonprofit organization, such as a daycare center, hospital, library, and recreation center. They also offer seminars and classes, and partner with community colleges. Participants earn minimum wage and must work about 20 hours a week. But once you complete the program, you receive job search assistance in order to obtain a higher-paying position.”

Where I live the program is called the Senior Employment Program and is operated under a countywide umbrella agency called Mature Services. Senior participants there work about 17 hours a week, must attend a day long training session about once a month and can be enrolled in the program for up to 24 months. The program provides participants with insight into what new vocations and positions might be a good fit, a peer group to explore and experience with and a paycheck, that although small, does not count as wages earned against certain pension programs because of its training allowance status. Often agencies where these “trainees” are placed hire them on after their program is completed. Call your local state employment office to get the facts on how this federal program operates where you live.