Guest article from elpasoprofessionalresumes.com.

You’ve come to an end in your career that has spanned the last 20-40 years. You feel accomplished and fulfilled, perhaps. But you know you are not done. You know you want to continue working and making a difference, but you aren’t quite sure what to do next. In addition to the ambiguity, you wonder if someone will hire you due to your age. You have some anxiety surrounding this phase in your life and what is next. 

As a professional resume writer, this is what I like to call the fork in the road. I help a lot of retired jobseekers to look for work in this phase of their life. One of the most gratifying things about this is telling them they are in good company. A large majority of the job-seeking population is over 40 and even over 50. If you are in this boat, don’t fret, you are in good company. 

 

The fork in the road refers to the two directions you can move forward in. 

1. You’ve got a lot of vigor in you, and you want to continue moving forward or moving up. This can mean a career change or pivot, or it can mean just forging forward into a role with more responsibility and pay. 
2. You want to slow down and enjoy a new phase in your life. You are happy with the pension or retirement check that will kick in and just want to supplement that. A slower pace with less accountability and responsibility sounds good to you. 

So, what’s next? What do I do once I know which route I want to take? 

 

Retirement Plan 1: Forge Forward Through the Upward Hike

 

Hire a resume writer. You have got a lot of career behind you. Chances are you don’t have a resume that isn’t at least ten years old. Pass on the stress and hours of work and hire a resume writer to brush up your resume. They will turn all your accomplishments, hard skills, and qualities that help you stand a head taller than others into well written bullet points. They will be able to capture the big picture while documenting the details. 

 

Activate your network. It’s time to dig into LinkedIn and your rolodex of contacts. Reach out to your old or recent colleagues and tell them about the phase of life you are in. Tell them that you are ready to make a move, and you want to just drop a line and see if they know of any opportunities. 

 

Visit job boards. Start looking at job boards and see what attracts your attention. Take note of what job titles and companies catch your eye. This is where your resume will help you shine. In my experience, all our clients land several interviews within a month of leaving our office. Using a professional resume service can improve your job search so much. Consider that when you use a well-written resume you increase your chances of getting an interview by 40%. This is especially true when it highlights achievements, has beautiful formatting, and uses relevant keywords. These resumes are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which are used by the vast majority of companies to screen candidates, helping make sure your resume isn’t overlooked​. 

 

Retirement Plan 2: Take the Slow Scenic Route

Surprise! The actionable steps are the same, but the strategy is completely different. 

Hire a resume writer. You need to take your transferable skills and highlight them. You also need to make sure that you aren’t going to get called, “overqualified.” A resume writer will be able to capture the right details from your career history and encapsulate them in a 2-page resume that is geared towards your goals. 

 

Activate your network. Tell all your friends and family that you are looking for a lowkey retirement job. Around 70% to 80% of jobs aren’t posted online. Instead, they’re filled through networking, referrals, or by directly reaching out to hiring managers. Employers like this approach because it’s cheaper and gets them better candidates. Tapping into your network will help you find these hidden jobs, which are often shared internally or spread by word-of-mouth​.

 

Visit job boards. Consider some of the work you did 10 years ago. Think about the vendors, stakeholders, or outside sources you worked alongside to get some ideas on what you want to do next. Get an idea for what a slower pace and job with less responsibility looks like. Perhaps you were an executive manager and want to change to first line supervisor. Perhaps you excelled at operations management and want to transition to department administration. When you are making a move to a lower position the opportunities are much more vast. 

 

Do Your Research and Choose the Right Retirement Plan

As you reach this pivotal moment in your career journey, it’s time to embrace the next chapter—whether you’re looking to keep climbing or slowing down a bit. The road ahead has options, and whichever path you choose, the right tools can make a huge difference. If you need help navigating this stage, check out our blog at El Paso Professional Resumes for more advice, resources, and tips. We’re here to guide you as you prepare for your next big move. We even have guided advice on job searching after 40, avoiding age discrimination, and retirement jobs.  Don’t hesitate—your next opportunity is waiting!

Photo from Pixabay.

Guest article from sawtoothgaragedoors.com

In today’s digital world, the internet offers endless possibilities for staying connected, accessing information, and managing day-to-day tasks. However, it also presents various risks, particularly for seniors who may be less familiar with the latest online threats. Cybercriminals often target older adults, making it crucial for seniors to understand how to protect themselves online. In this blog post, the experts at Techeffex Internet Marketing explore key online security tips to help seniors navigate the internet safely and confidently.

1. Understand Common Online Threats

Before diving into specific security measures, it’s important to recognize the types of threats that exist online:

• Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals send fake emails or messages that appear legitimate to trick recipients into providing personal information or clicking malicious links.
• Malware: Malicious software designed to harm your computer, steal personal information, or gain unauthorized access to your device.
• Identity Theft: The act of stealing someone’s personal information, such as Social Security numbers or credit card details, to commit fraud.
• Online Fraud: Scams that involve financial transactions, such as fake charity donations or investment schemes.

2. Create Strong Passwords

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your online accounts is by using strong passwords. A strong password should:

• Be at least 12 characters long.
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words.

Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. This tool can also generate complex passwords for you, making it easier to maintain security across all your accounts.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. When 2FA is enabled, you’ll need to provide two forms of identification to log in—typically your password and a code sent to your phone or email. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second form of verification.

4. Be Cautious with Emails and Links

Phishing scams often arrive in the form of unsolicited emails that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. To avoid falling victim to these scams:

• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency or ask for sensitive information.
• Verify the sender’s email address—phishing emails often come from addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but contain slight misspellings.

If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know to be accurate.

5. Keep Your Software Updated

Regularly updating your software is crucial for protecting your devices against the latest threats. This includes:

• Operating System: Ensure your computer’s operating system is up to date with the latest security patches.
• Web Browser: Use a modern, updated web browser with built-in security features.
• Antivirus Software: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated to protect against malware and other threats.

6. Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections

When accessing the internet, especially for online banking or shopping, make sure you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be easily compromised. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data.

7. Be Mindful of Social Media Privacy

Social media is a great way to stay connected with family and friends, but it’s important to manage your privacy settings carefully. Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly, and be cautious about accepting friend requests from people you don’t know.

8. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

Regularly review your bank statements, credit card transactions, and credit reports to spot any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them immediately to your financial institution.

9. Learn to Recognize Online Scams

Scammers often prey on seniors by posing as legitimate organizations, such as the IRS or a well-known charity. Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages that ask for personal information or money. Remember, reputable organizations will never ask for sensitive information via email or over the phone.

10. Seek Help When Needed

If you’re unsure about an online security issue, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or professional who can assist you in understanding and addressing potential risks.

Conclusion

Staying safe online is essential for everyone, especially seniors who may be more vulnerable to cyber threats. By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of the internet while protecting yourself from scams, fraud, and other online dangers. Remember, the key to online security is staying informed, cautious, and proactive.