Career options for elderly citizens

Life at every stage is different and challenging. In your youth, you chase work and struggle to find the meaning of life. In your old age, you chase work again for a different meaning of life with all your previous work behind you. In our country, elderly citizens are often pushed towards retirement by society. From the societal point of view, they deserve a life of rest and peace after all their hard work.

However, that calls for a different struggle. They find adapting to this new role challenging, often resulting in loneliness and depression. There is also a social factor related. Society frowns upon the children and immediate family members when they see an elderly citizen, those above 50 years of age, still working professionally. But times are changing. People understand the importance of activity in life, and children encourage their parents to work or do things they enjoy. Here are some career options to consider for elderly citizens.

Writer/Editor

As a professional writer, this career path is my personal preference. I see myself continuing this professionally in my old age - as many experienced authors do. Some options to consider would be freelance writing, working in newspapers or being an editor in publications or public organisations. Usually, these jobs would require excellent writing skills. If you're confident, send some samples. In the case of an editor, previous work experience along with a graduate degree should work.

Freelancing offers a ton of benefits and flexible work hours, perfect for the old souls who prefer staying indoors. Public organisations, newspapers and magazines always welcome quality writing for their publications, which can also be a viable career option for more experienced writers. Usually, the positions of editor or sub-editor can be occupied by a professional writer with years of experience in the required field, and can also work as a mentor to younger writers and publishers in the department.

The salary range of such writing jobs varies quite a lot, being mostly dependent on experience and paper circulation. The salary of an editor ranges between Tk. 30,000 to 70,000 with increasing promotion and responsibilities whereas a sub-editor usually makes between Tk. 20,000 to 30,000. As for freelancing, writers are paid on an article basis, unless a specific contract has been drawn up by the client. Each article typically ranges from Tk. 1,000 to 2,500.

If you're past your prime yet want to hone the craft of writing, it is never too late. You can always read up newspapers and famous English novels to pick up your own style of writing, and send in opinion pieces and editorials to newspapers based on your experience in your field. Practice makes perfect, no matter how old you are.

Teacher

Teaching is a noble profession, and there is no age barrier to it figuratively. Our country's retirement age for public university teachers is 65 years. But many teachers move on to private universities as professors and consultants and can remain as adjunct faculty, which is a common practice in Bangladesh.

The salary range of university professors is around Tk. 40,000 to 60,000. A university professor must have a doctoral degree in the field they want to teach. In the case of adjunct faculty, universities look for professors with experience in teaching before along with the above-mentioned degree.

Moreover, elderly citizens can go on to manage schools, colleges or educational institutions. To become a principal, one needs a bachelor's degree along with B. Ed. Or its equivalent degree from a recognised university. One also needs to have 12 years of experience in teaching or administration. Being a teacher, even at the school level, usually requires an equivalent degree in the relevant subject.

Consultant

Elderly citizens thrive as consultants. Many companies look for consultants to guide them through specific issues and transitions. Elderly citizens, through their years of work and experience, prove valuable during that time. Consultation in IT, graphic designing, architecture, software management, environmental science and even politics are frequently sought-after professions. Usually, for these jobs, the older, the better.

For an entry-level consultant, one needs to have a Bachelor's degree. When companies hire older citizens, they do it to gain the valuable insights they gained during their work tenure. They look for their previous corporate positions and work achievements. Positions like these usually prefer graduate degrees. They also must have good communication skills.  Base salary usually starts at around Tk. 50,000, varying from sector to sector.

Management roles

Many companies look for older citizens with work experience and skill sets for their management roles. In our country, this is a common practice. Our culture and precedence provide elderly citizens with an advantage in managerial positions. Even if they are retired, many private companies and organisations hire elderly citizens for these roles.

The requirements for management roles are the same as consultant roles. They too demand experience, corporate achievements and graduate degrees. For this type of role, the person needs to show leadership and communication quality. The salary depends on the position as well, though can start from Tk. 60,000.

Other options

Aside from the previously mentioned occupations, there are odd jobs that many elderly citizens might opt to do. Working as a waiter or greeter at restaurants usually doesn't require a lot of experience, but someone with prior experience with public socialising should fit such jobs just fine. Those with enough experience managing a team of workers can also oversee the management of restaurants or cafes.

Those who don't want to physically exert themselves too much can find work as cashiers in supermarkets and restaurants. Similarly, odd jobs at movie theatres and convenience stores are always an option if you want to keep yourself active at an older age.

Is it sensible to switch careers at an older age?

Switching a career at any age is difficult. Sometimes our work doesn't give us happiness anymore, and it is normal. However, when those feelings are constant, that is the time to reconsider. And that decision is already the first step itself.

It seems more difficult for older people to make a career change, but it is wrong. Their previous years of work have only added value to their experience and skillset. There will be changes in roles, management, and finance, and one needs to adapt. It takes time to learn and adjust to any new position.

Is it possible to get jobs abroad at an older age?

It definitely is possible to get jobs abroad in your old age. Actually, there are more options for jobs and opportunities abroad for older people than in Bangladesh. One can do any position with the right skills at their hand. The most common jobs include driver, retail worker, childcare, administrative assistant etc. All of these jobs start at a rate of $10/hour.

The most important thing about working abroad is that there are no social factors related. One can take on any job they like, which they can't often do in our country. Many people in our country are unwilling to give jobs to older people, and they are discriminated against according to their age without looking at their skills and capability. Moreover, physical labour is strictly prohibited for elderly citizens in our country, owing to limitations. This makes moving abroad for jobs a worthwhile option for elderly citizens who can afford the shift.