Go back to work after retirement...or just stay retired? (pension, physically)

[FCStraight]

This thread concerns Work/Career...but pertains to someone who is Retired..so I hope this is the right forum for this topic.

Ever since I retired (for the second time) I have been pondering on various activities I've wanted to get involved in...to keep me 1. Challenged; 2. Mentally and physically active; 3. Happy by being able to help others. I mentioned that I retired for the 2nd time. I only lasted about six months in retirement before I got utterly bored and applied for a job in Germany (with the U.S. government) and got it! I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of relearning old stuff and learning new ways of doing business. It proved the old adage that "Old Dogs can't learn new tricks" wrong. Yes, even old dogs like me can learn new tricks...FAST. I've gotten a lot more patient, and more dedicated and more effective in my dealings with people and work. Three years in Germany went fast...and before you know it I completed my tour of duty...and was back on retirement status.

We moved a couple times from the Pacific Northwest (PNW)..first to Prescott, AZ (my wife didn't like it there)...then to FL. We finally found a nice rental home in Palm Coast where we are now. It was nice at first...we got here in the winter when the weather was still on the cold side but comfortable. Now that we're into summer, my wife just couldn't handle the high heat and humidity! And frankly, Florida hasn't lived up to the hype as being a great place for retirees. This is not our first time in Florida; we lived in Tallahassee and Key West before...but left to accept a job offer with the Federal government that paid 3 times more than I was making at a job with the State. Plus the Federal government covered all cost associated with our relocation.

Anyway, we've decided to head back to PNW sometime the end of this summer. All that moving, hauling, packing, unpacking, etc....kept me occupied in this retirement and didn't get bored as it did during my first retirement. Now, that things are somewhat settled down (until it's time to move again)...I am starting to get that "far away look in my eyes". I keep myself busy staying in better physical shape than ever before (I'm 73 now)...and hopefully in good mental shape as well. Seems anyway, as I have no problem learning and remembering new ways of doing things, keeping up with the latest in technology, business trends, and latest practices in my career specialty (I have been in the HR Management field and also taught EFL while overseas and as a volunteer during our sojourn in the PNW). To stay busy...I do career planning counseling, job search/networking strategies, etc...mostly for friends and family members looking for better careers or just looking for the right job. I don't charge of course.

Now, some opportunities have started to come across my sights....jobs with the Federal government and private sector. I've been field testing my resume in the private sector as well. One thing I learned in my ongoing research of jobs in the private sector...is that those jobs (in the private sector) seem to have a heck of lot of responsibilities...for as little pay as possible! A job in the PNW I recently considered applying for not long ago for example...the position description is nearly identical to my former job in Germany- Classification/Compensation Administration. My job in Germany paid over $70K plus generous housing and overseas living allowances (tax free)..not to mention the total cost of relocation..to and from, covered by the employer. The job in the PNW paid between $45K to 48K. That's the salary I had when I was an intern in HR management! That's my "trainee" pay. In any case, I am still checking out jobs in the private sector. It's not that I need the extra money...my wife and I do quite well and comfortably with my retirement pension..so I won't mind getting say...$30K. And I don't mind working my tail off learning the job, and doing better than 100% in quantity and quality of work product...but I just don't see doing excessive amount of work for peanuts. I prefer to get paid for what I am worth...and the quality and quantity of the work I'm doing. So it looks like I'm about to let go of my continued search for jobs in the private sector. So back to jobs in the Federal government. And lately, I am seeing more and more of them for which I am highly qualified.

Now here's my question to all of you experts in your respective careers. Remember, money is not the issue. But I do want to be paid fairly, and commensurate with the work of the duties and responsibilities of the job...and of course, also based on the prevailing rate of pay in a given locality. All jobs in the Federal government are paid according to the established base pay for the grade level and step (like seniority) plus whatever the established locality pay added for the area where the job is located.

Should I continue my search for jobs in the private sector even if the pay generally offered is below my expectation?

I base the salary on the worth of the duties and responsibilities of the position (and whatever the prevailing rate where the job is located)...and common sense dictates that one should also take into consideration the standard cost of living in a locality. Much of the PNW area is high cost (based on experience actually living there)...but the salaries do not seem to be congruent with the cost of living.

I have over 20 years of proven high quality experience in ALL functional areas of HR...but willing to humble myself to a low level position in the private sector. After all, I have no experience working in the HR field in the private sector...and very willing to learn their way of doing business. And why are they asking me what salary I want? That is really dumb! The company should know what they are willing to pay for the job...not the applicant! And pay should be based on the worth of the job duties and responsibilities....not based on the applicant's total experience. No matter how much experience one has...you only have to do what the position's job description requires!
It would be nice if they paid me based on my competencies, depth of experience, level of responsibilities. They won't be able to afford me!

Or, look for jobs in the Federal government?

Or, forget working for anyone...just take it easy and enjoy retirement.

Based on my previous experience...and this current one, I don't do too well being retired. I don't like watching TV, I don't like being idle for the sake of just being idle. I'm not a workaholic...but when I work, I stay focused on my job...and get it done correctly...and on time. I definitely don't like golf or any of those useless activities. I'd rather do field work in ethnography (my university major was in Anthropology/Ethnography & Linguistics) on some remote island in the Pacific than putter around on a golf course. I would have loved volunteering somewhere to help others...but when I checked into this volunteer website....THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A FEE TO VOLUNTEER MY SERVICES! How audaciously ridiculous can that be! I was looking to teach ESL like I did when I lived in the PNW...and do it as a volunteer...free, but I there is no such thing in the area where I live. I checked around already. What volunteer positions they have I do not have experience in and don't care much for.

I welcome your ideas, suggestions...and even criticism (but don't be so hard on me, ok?). If there is anyone out there who is into Career Counseling/Employment Assistance type of work...or previously experienced doing such work...please chime in. Any DVOPs, LVERs out there! I am definitely considering doing this type of work as well (I am a service-connected veteran) with extensive experience helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce.

[AZgarden]

I enjoyed your post. You do seem to have alot of energy and talent and it would be so wasteful to sit and watch TV and do nothing with all your assets.

Why don't you do something on your own? Start a non profit that helps people in some way that is needed in the area you are going to live in. Do some fund raising research and explore ways to get funds from corporations to fund your new business. Alot of fundraising is dependent on knowing the right people in big corporations and you seem to know your way around so well that you'd have little trouble with this.

This idea would take up the majority of your time and you wouldn't have to put your own funds into it. Think about it....

[FCStraight]

PhXBarb: Thank you. That's a great idea I haven't thought of. I just need to learn something about setting up a non-profit business. I saw a book in the library yesterday...that's about Non-Profit...something----. I just happened to glance at it. I may even find one of those book "...for Dummies" on setting up a non-profit business. I like those...they're written in simple language, to the point and easy to follow. That would certainly be a challenge...keep me active, and help others.
I'll start outlining some ideas. Put the DaVinci principle to work!

[Escort Rider]

For what it's worth, FC, I read you loud and clear because I too have to have something meaningful and challenging to do. I would not be happy simply to "smell the flowers" and be aimless (like feeding pigeons in the park, as per some other thread).

Here's a suggestion that came to mind: How about pondering whether you might be able to get over the "getting paid what you are worth" idea? I do understand the concern, but it's essentially a matter of self-esteem, and if you want a challenging job and if money is of no concern, then ditching the concern about pay might be just the ticket for you.

[FCStraight]

Escort Rider: I suppose you're right. I had a second telephone behavioral/performance-based interview yesterday for an HR Coordinator position in the PNW area....and the interviewers seemed pleased with my responses. During the first interview...I was asked what salary I had expected...not knowing any better about salary rates in the private sector, and since I have not had a chance to see the full job description yet...I simply said I am ok with $30k. Not sure if I quoted too low...but I'm sure it's not too high. I should have just let the interviewer throw out a salary figure. I just wasn't ready.....and felt that it's not for for me to determine how much the job is worth...that's the employer's call, I thought. I checked around for other positions in the same region...for the same type of jobs...it's in about that range. So I'm not too far off. OK...I see your point, and since money is not a concern with me....I shouldn't be hung up on the "worth" of a job.

[flyonpa]

30K for a full time job?

Or is this a contract project?

[FCStraight]

Yes, flyonpa- that's the pay for the full time job. Is that too low? I thought so...but if that's the going rate for that kind of work...so be it. What I haven't negotiated with them is benefits. I have my own health and dental coverage, life insurance...through my Federal retirement program. I suppose I can negotiate a higher salary if they don't have to provide benefits. I am not sure if Federal law requires them to provide health/dental coverage...and if I have the option not to accept benefits. When I was rehired by the Federal government for that job in Germany....I simply declined coverage when I filled out the processing papers...and that was it.
Will see when and if..they offer the job next week. If they don't...no problem. If they do...then it could be a problem...I seriously do not think it's the right job for me after learning more about the job during the second interview. I am not too good at declining job offers (I only did it twice before). I'll come with up with something. Maybe I'll just call them first thing next week before they call me...and tell them there is no way I can make it there by mid-August...that's when they want the person they select to start working.

[flyonpa]

Yes Way low. That comes out to about $15/hr

That what entry level clerks get paid, coming in with Minor to No training in most companies.

Generally speaking, The Benefit package taking it/not taking it will not effect your pay rate.

Not sure what the job responsibilities, but it sound like it would be a mind numbing job.
1st Level HR help desk job, Read script.

Maybe they are looking at you as a retired. I just want to get out of the house and do some mindless work to pick up some pocket change that is under the SS working max so you don't lose any of your social security by working to much.
Since you are over the FRA you would not lose any SS dollars by working,

But there are alot of WalMart type greaters who just want to work for Pocket Change.

[2nd trick op]

As I said in another thread, I was involuntarily pushed into retirement about three months ago; although I never fit well into the constant psychological warfare of too many a corporate setting, or an office modeled on a junior high classroom, the ebb and flow of a day on the job. particularly in a venue "closer to the street" has always been a stabilizing influence for me, and I miss it.

So at this point, all i really need is two or three days a week to stretch the Unemployment check, and possibly, delay Social Security in hope of a higher basic benefit That, I feel, would add enough of a sense of security that I could pursue a better opportunity, possibly in self-employment, with greater confidence.

But it's no fun watching the remaining weeks of benefits dwindle while you drift toward the "default option".

[Escort Rider]

Originally Posted by FCStraight

This thread concerns Work/Career...but pertains to someone who is Retired..so I hope this is the right forum for this topic.

Ever since I retired (for the second time) I have been pondering on various activities I've wanted to get involved in...to keep me 1. Challenged; 2. Mentally and physically active; 3. Happy by being able to help others. I mentioned that I retired for the 2nd time. I only lasted about six months in retirement before I got utterly bored and applied for a job in Germany (with the U.S. government) and got it! I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of relearning old stuff and learning new ways of doing business. It proved the old adage that "Old Dogs can't learn new tricks" wrong. Yes, even old dogs like me can learn new tricks...FAST. I've gotten a lot more patient, and more dedicated and more effective in my dealings with people and work. Three years in Germany went fast...and before you know it I completed my tour of duty...

Or, look for jobs in the Federal government?

Or, forget working for anyone...just take it easy and enjoy retirement.

Based on my previous experience...and this current one, I don't do too well being retired. I don't like watching TV, I don't like being idle for the sake of just being idle. I'm not a workaholic...but when I work, I stay focused on my job...and get it done correctly...and on time. I definitely don't like golf or any of those useless activities. I'd rather do field work in ethnography (my university major was in Anthropology/Ethnography & Linguistics) on some remote island in the Pacific than putter around on a golf course. I would have loved volunteering somewhere to help others...but when I checked into this volunteer website....THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A FEE TO VOLUNTEER MY SERVICES! How audaciously ridiculous can that be! I was looking to teach ESL like I did when I lived in the PNW...and do it as a volunteer...free, but I there is no such thing in the area where I live. I checked around already. What volunteer positions they have I do not have experience in and don't care much for.......

I don't blame you for being turned off by a website which wanted to charge you for matching you up with a volunteer position. But you say you would love to "volunteer....to help others". O.K., you checked to some extent already, and there are no positions for teaching ESL, and you didn't care for the other positions which "they" have.

I am wondering if you gave up too soon? Who is "they"? Finding one's niche as a volunteer may take a bit of searching, and even trying out some things which may not work. You say you like teaching. Well, there are some opportunities in the school system which are more than envelope-licking jobs, i.e., which involve working with students. Do you personally know any teachers or other contact people in your local school district?

As I have posted in other threads when the topic came up that I read aloud once a week for 30 minutes to several fifth grade classes and I conduct lunch-time chess activities once a week at two elementary schools and two middle schools. Are you a half-way decent chess player? (Being a rated expert or master is not required). My experience has been that while some schools have a faculty member who is interested and runs a chess club, especially in high schools, many elementary and middle schools are not served in that way. Students as young as fourth and fifth graders are often very enthusiastic about learning to play chess. Just some ideas, although I realize they may not apply to your particular interests.