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 Burnout is one of the biggest problems in the workplace, especially
for older workers. An annual survey on retirement by the Employee
Benefit Research Institute consistently finds that about half of
workers retire earlier than they expected - and that job burnout is
a key factor.
But sticking it out is important to retirement security, Hannon says
in her new book "Love Your Job: The New Rules for Career Happiness"
(Wiley, 2015). These are usually the highest-earning years of your
career, she argues. And staying employed helps with everything from
retirement account contributions to enabling a delayed filing for
Social Security benefits.
Reuters asked Hannon for her tips on how older workers can stay
engaged and on the job:
Q: Why is the idea of "falling in love with your job" important for
older workers nearing retirement?
A: The people I interview have this palpable fear about outliving
their money. They want to find work - full- or part-time. But even
with the improved economy, if you're over 50 and looking for work,
it's still hard - it takes almost 30 months longer to find a job
than it does for younger people - ageism is still rampant. So, if
you have a job, for gosh sakes, you should hang on to it.
Q: But what if your job is really awful?
A: There still are things you can do to find some joy around the
edges - to make the job come alive for you. But it might not be
specific to the job. Then, if you really need to make a change, by
all means do so, but don't leave your current job until you have a
new one.
Q: What are some examples of finding "joy around the edges?"
A: Perhaps you don't love what you do, but you do really like your
co-workers or the mission of the organization. It might be the
challenge of learning something new, or working from home - the
things that circle around the job itself.
Extracurriculars tied to the job are one good way to get re-engaged.
Many companies offer the opportunity to do volunteer work right
within the organization. If you can find a volunteer gig through
your employer, that can help build relationships with co-workers and
bonds across departments that you might never have had otherwise.
And it gets you out of your own head and gives you perspective on
the needs of others.
A couple examples that I mention in the book: The National
Institutes of Health has its own orchestra that plays gigs at
assisted living centers and hospices. Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc
has an employee choir.
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You might find it by telecommuting. Research shows that
telecommuting employees are happier, more loyal and have fewer
absences. If you don't have a boss hovering over you, that can give
you a sense of flexibility about getting your work done.
Q: How about learning to love the job itself?
A: Learning a new work-related skill can be key. When you learn
something new, your brain shifts. If your employer sponsors
workshops or skill-based learning, they may not think of offering it
to you if you're older than 50 - but you can raise your hand and ask
for it.
Q: How do life values change as we get older, and how does that
affect the way we relate to our jobs?
A: When we are younger, our work is our life on so many levels. In
your twenties and thirties, your social friends usually are your
work friends. Your identity is tied up in who you are and your job.
And, we are establishing ourselves in our fields.
But as we age we have families and more outside interests. In your
fifties, you probably aren't pushing your way up the ladder, perhaps
even doing something that wasn't your primary career. So, work loses
its emphasis, but you want those hours to be fulfilling.
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist
for Reuters.)
(Editing by Beth Pinsker and Paul Simao)
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