Going back to work at 64

[bumpintheroad]

I retired 3 years ago at 61 on a small private pension with full support of Dh. I’m now in a position due to divorce (not my choice) to have to go back to work part time until state pension age at 67. I have an admin/finance background and just wonder if anyone would employ someone my age or what else I could do to earn a bit of money. I’m lucky enough to have good health but not a lot of physical stamina and think I’d struggle on my feet all day. I had a very stressful job before and just want something simple. Happy with minimum wage and would only need to earn about £150 a week to manage. Any advice?

I am 68 and went back to work 18 mths ago. I was bored. I do a zero hrs job so I’m not tied down re. annual leave. I just cover when people are on leave or off sick. I love it

I am in similar position to u and started agency work in hospitality.

I pretty much work full time and am on my feet walking for between 4-15 hours per day

If anything at 64 it is a job that does keep you fit. I have developed muscles where years of gym work failed to develop.

I would try for something like this for health reasons
I am surrounded by mainly teens - 20 year olds. There are a few older ones who are quite fit because of the job. But it isn’t just getting physically fit, it’s also about mental health.
Over an average week I talk to hundreds of people even if it is just a couple of words here and there.

I too needed a lie down after a couple of hours housework at home
Turns out it was one of the many signs I have ADHD

Someone in our village has quite a lucrative rent-a-granny job; picking up dc from school, helping with homework and reading, giving them dinner, until their parents pitch up, also looking after children during the holidays and at weekends. She used to be a nurse and is quite physically fit though!

Another version of this is pet-sitting and house-sitting when people are on holiday. People are prepared to pay a reasonable sum to ensure that their dogs and cats are well looked after in their absence.

Someone has already mentioned a lodger, but you can also be paid to take in foreign students and although that is quite intense while it’s happening; it leaves you able to enjoy an empty home the rest of the time.

Also, if you have admin experience op, maybe some local small businesses who can’t afford a ft admin assistant would take on someone for a few hours a week?

In summary; I think freelance is the way to go! Good luck!

My dh did this for his last few years work, it was great

The job market is tough at the moment (see you Uk Jobs sub on Reddit) so do t despair about ageism. I would say a good approach to securing a job is word of mouth. Spread the word, tap up old contacts and colleagues etc.

I've noticed there are companies that always have older employees such as m&s, Waitrose, Hotel Chocolat, Sainsbury's.

I work with a lot of Estate Agents and they often employ semi retired people to do viewings
Also look at Inventory Clerk jobs, these can be Freeelance and SE but should earn you enough if you get in with enough Agencies

Someone said supermarket work- very unusual that you won’t have to do dj d stacking and even just being on the till you’re lugging water, potatoes and large cans of fizzy drinks all day long!

Yes my sil worked for Waitrose for a short time and asked if she could just do checkouts due to bad knees but had to leave as they would not allow this she was expected to do the shelf stacking and pushing heavy trolleys etc as well.

OP so sorry you’re in this position and don’t have any words of advice but
Definitely wouldn’t recommend TA work if you don’t want something physically demanding!
It’s not sitting and reading with children or doing craft. My TA is run off her feet all day with various children & interventions.
An admin job within a school could be good but I would say even that can be very demanding in lots of areas.

Yes to the above about school work, also very competitive.