Getting an Online Job at 60: It's Possible, and Here's How I Did It

I recently turned 60 and was starting to feel anxious about retirement. While I was looking forward to having more free time, I also enjoy staying busy and being productive. That's when I got the idea to look for an online job. Before starting your Online job search, develop a hobby backup plan. While remote work can provide flexibility and opportunities for senior citizens, the transition to a new online career also comes with adjustments and potential challenges. It's important to have coping mechanisms in place for when things don't always go smoothly on the job. For this reason, before embarking on my online job search, I made sure to dedicate time to hobbies and creative passions that bring me joy and relaxation. Mine include writing fiction and painting on canvas, which help me unwind after stressful days. Yours could involve playing music on your guitar or piano, reading magazines, photography, gardening, or anything else you find mentally engaging and therapeutic. Developing a consistent hobby or side project is crucial for your emotional well-being when starting a new career, especially one that involves working remotely on your own.

Inevitably, there will be issues with technology, workload pressures, communication problems with teammates, or days when motivation is low. Having an outlet completely separate from your work helps provide an important break and prevent burnout.

Get Rid of Skepticism: You Can Still Be Hired as a Senior

At first, I was skeptical that anyone would hire someone my age for a remote position. But after doing some research, I discovered there are actually many opportunities out there for those over 60 who are tech-savvy and looking for flexible work. Here's how I landed my own online job:

Research your Potential Roles as a Senior

I started by brainstorming the types of jobs I could realistically do from home using my computer skills. Some good options for seniors include virtual assistance, data entry, online tutoring and teaching, customer service, and medical billing and coding. I decided to focus on teaching and ghostwriting since I already have some experience teaching, and besides, I have written a lot of fiction.

You may already have aptitude in the following areas:

1. Excellent communication abilities
2. Strong customer service skills
3. Problem-solving talents
4. Team leadership capabilities 
5. Advanced computer literacy for professional software and programs
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
7. Multitasking and attention to detail
8. Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies, systems, and processes
9. Project management expertise from concept to completion
10. Data analysis skills 
11. Foreign language proficiency

 

Keep Your Resume Up-to-date

Make sure your resume highlights your skills, qualifications, and extensive work history. Even if you have gaps from retirement, emphasize your achievements from earlier in your career. Also, list any recent online course certifications or digital skills you've developed. When seeking an online job at age 60, keep your resume concise. Providing too many details about your background and accomplishments could overwhelm recruiters. Be selective in highlighting only the most relevant qualifications and showing how your experience fits the role in under 50 words. Apply for online jobs. Strategically Look for companies that specifically mention they are open to remote workers or offer work-from-home positions. Target businesses that have expanded online. The coronavirus pandemic compelled companies to discover effective yet virtual methods for accomplishing work from dispersed locations. Apply directly on company websites or use job boards for retired professionals. 

 

Job Boards for Retired Seniors

Here are some examples of job boards that are good resources for retired professionals seeking online or part-time work:

• Experience Works - Specifically targets jobs for experienced workers aged 55+.
• RetirementJobs.com - Focuses on flexible and part-time career opportunities for retirees.
• AARP Jobs Board - Large database of openings filtered for older candidate preferences.
• Seniors4Hire - Dedicated site connecting mature talent with employers who value their skills.
• Encore.org - Focused on encore careers for those looking to apply skills gained earlier in life.
• FlexJobs - Known for filtering remote and flexible positions that may suit retirees' schedules.
• RetiredBrains - Database of consulting, project-based, and contract work suited for experienced professionals.
• JobSpider - Allows screening specifically for "retiree-friendly" or accommodating workplace cultures.
• ElderJobs - Additional options are occasionally posted in niche categories like education or nonprofits.

These specialized websites like Experience Works, RetirementJobs.com, AARP Jobs Board, Seniors4Hire, and Encore.org cater specifically to mature workers by featuring flexible roles that value decades of skill and connect retired professionals directly with employers seeking their talents. Sites like FlexJobs and RetiredBrains offer additional remote and project-based consulting work well-suited for seasoned retirees.

It is Time to Clean up your Online Walls

As a senior citizen, you have covered a lot of online mileage. Some of your posts may have outlived their usefulness, and others may convey ideas that you no longer believe in. It's time to move in with a big broom. Clean up your social media profiles and online search results to remove any unprofessional content. Consider getting a professional headshot for your LinkedIn profile. This helps you appear committed and well-presented for remote roles.

Land the Interview, Senior Citizen.

I customised my resume and cover letter for each job to highlight how my strengths fit their needs. Persistence paid off, and I finally received a call back for an interview for some ghostwriting assignments. Including samples of my fictional writing in my application and being prepared to discuss my digital literacy skills and ability to adapt to new technologies helped me stand out among the candidates. During the interview, I believe my confidence and polished presentation abilities also contributed to securing the position, despite potentially younger competitors. Don't underestimate the value of experience, as those a decade younger may be less equipped to deal with challenges in a professional manner. With the right preparation, showing both technical acumen and soft skills, those advanced in years can remain very competitive for online roles.

Negotiate Your Terms as a Senior Citizen

Don't hesitate to negotiate flexible hours or a trial period if needed to accommodate other responsibilities. Most companies today understand the value of experience and the need for a better work-life balance at our age. Hopefully, this gives you some ideas on pursuing an online career after 60. With motivation and patience, there are definitely fulfilling work-from-home options available even later in life. Let me know if you have any other questions!

---

If you enjoyed these ideas, they’re fuelled by late nights, research dives, and homemade snacks. Buy Me a Coffee and keep seniors well informed.