A new year begins and still the news highlights the economic downturn, pension issues and the fact that we’ll all have to work for longer to fund our retirement.
The papers have reported stories about Working, Entrepreneurial and Active Retirees (Wearies), adults who are working into their 70s and are turning their hand at all sorts of things in order to raise a little extra cash to provide for later life.
These money-spinning ideas include selling treasured personal belongings on eBay, renting out the spare room and starting a home business. Others are said to be thinking of downsizing or selling all together to move in with family.
While some have said they’ll consider part time work, accepting interim jobs could be the answer to their prayers. Rather than let valuable skills go to waste, skills that businesses are crying out for, Wearies should seriously consider this a viable and lucrative option.
Why? In the current climate, it is extremely difficult for organisations to justify permanent hires, especially at the higher levels. Interim contracts however, which don’t add to the head count, are on the rise. Consequently, there are lots of opportunities and because these appointments are considered so vital, they pay well.
It’s well known that contractors are generously remunerated, with daily rates of several hundred pounds. Even more attractive is that fact that some larger companies will also pay compensation for benefits – such as pension – that contractors are not eligible for.
The great thing about interim contracts is just that, they are for the interim. They could last for three months, they could last for six. In between, an individual is given the opportunity to have a break, maybe spend some of their hard-earned cash or simply take their time to find their next interim assignment.
Experience is greatly prized; forget selling trinkets on eBay to fund a comfortable retirement, consider becoming an interim executive instead.