Photo by Thomas Broening
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Where the Jobs Will Be
By Brad Edmondson, November & December 2005
They’re dependable, caring, experienced, and wise. And that’s just for starters. So it’s no surprise that more and more smart companies are turning to older workers to get the job done right
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Millions of 50-plus workers will be looking for new jobs in the next decade. We asked Michael Farr, a career counselor and author of Best Jobs for the 21st Century (JIST Publishing), for a forecast of where those jobs are likely to be found: 1563709619
Teaching Experts project a need for 2.2 million new teachers in the next decade. Shortages are so critical that intensive-training programs have emerged to help career switchers speed up the certification process. Check out www.teacherscount.org. Or, says Farr, think outside the traditional classroom: if you speak a second language, for example, you might teach it at a community center.
Pharmacy Work Pharmacists earn a median of $85,000. There's currently a national shortage, but it takes years to get the required degree. However, pharmacy-support jobs are growing rapidly. They pay less but require only technical training. Go to www.careerpharm.com.
Medical Assistance The fastest-growing job in the U.S. is managing information for a medical office, and you can get your certificate in one year or less. For more info, go to www.aama-ntl.org.
Retail Sales Turnover is high, so employers might offer flextime and discounts if you are punctual, consistent, and friendly to customers. Lots of jobs are listed at www.seniors4hire.org.
Consulting Opportunities for corporate consulting are especially good in cost control and information technology. But local governments and nonprofits are also using more consultants to cut payroll costs.
Self-Employment Ten percent of workers ages 55 to 64 are self-employed. Setting your own hours is great, but if you're not ready for your own business, Farr suggests, take your skills to a temp agency. You control your time, but they find the work. Several staffing firms are AARP Featured Employers.
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