401K BLUES: Once upon a time, “retirement” meant leaving work
forever at age 65. Today, that description no longer applies to
many of the millions of Americans who are at or near traditional
retirement age.

By 2016, workers age 65 and older are expected to account for
6.1 percent of the labor force. Some don’t want to be idle and are
interested in a second career, while others continue to work
because of economic necessity.

The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants has
some suggestions for these older workers:

Keep a positive attitude: Even if you’ve been forced by
circumstances to put off retirement, it is possible to enjoy the
situation more if you look for a bright side. Many people relish
the chance to remain active, learn additional skills, and garner
new experiences. If you focus on the upside, you’ll have more fun
with it and probably come off as a more appealing candidate in job
interviews.

Be aware of your advantages. Older workers are more mature than
those starting on their first jobs. They are likely to be more
dependable and have more experience in a professional setting.
Young workers might job hop to add more experience to their resume,
while mature older employees are apt to be more stable. Be sure to
emphasize your maturity, life and professional experience, and
reliability in any job interview.

Stick with your current job. If you believe that you will need
more money than expected in retirement, it’s a good idea to stay in
the position you have rather than retiring and trying for a new
one. Those who work longer typically qualify for higher Social
Security benefits and have the chance to sock away more retirement
savings. A few years longer on the job could increase your
retirement income significantly.

Do some research. Try to focus on industries with the best
outlook and opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Career
Guide to Industries, for example, discusses training needed for
specific jobs, the earnings and working conditions you can expect,
and what your job prospects might be.

The guide will help you get a good sense of the most appealing
and realistic prospects.