The Times They Are A Changing

Even though you may have planned and saved for retirement, when that magic 65th birthday comes around, you may find you don’t have the funds anymore. With the Wall Street drop and current economic downturn, things are costing more and a big chunk of your 401K or other retirement plans may be short a big chunk of money. Even those who had planned to retire early are having to rethink their choices. Than means that retirement may mean part time or seasonal employment, at least for a few years. So, who’s going to hire an older worker, when they can have perky 20 something Cindy?

* Walmart - Everyone knows that Walmart hires older workers. You especially see them as “greeters” inside the front door of the store. It seems to be pretty easy work if you don’t get bored easily. The plus side is that you will be able to supply your family with health insurance, no small thing.

* Handy Person - If over the years you’ve acquired some helpful home skills, this may be the choice for you, especially if you live in a small to medium sized town. Go into business for your self and advertise that no job is too small. Decide on an hourly rate and mileage for those far out locations. With those two items set, you should have no problem estimating cost for your clients.

* Non Profit Agencies - The paycheck may not be as large as you once brought home, but you might just find the right niche where you can bring home some extra cash and feel as though you are making an important contribution.

* Healthcare - The need for healthcare workers is not likely to go away anytime soon. If you are already in the healthcare sector, find a part time position. Perhaps some additional classes plus you past experience is just what is needed to get into a position with less stress and time required as your previous position.

* Childcare - For heavens sake, didn’t you raise your own family. What was previously called “babysitting” is a perfect opportunity to offer a service in your neighborhood while socking away a few extra dollars. Who wouldn’t have an experienced older person caring for their children, once in a while, than a scatterbrained teenager?

* Retail Sales - Holiday help is always needed at retail locations. It gives several nice paychecks that could be just enough to take care of Christmas and not deplete your monthly pension.

* Consulting - You have a lot of knowledge from years of working in a particular field. Become a consultant. It’s your own business, so you can take or turn down jobs as they work for you. Most importantly get you advertising out to those can use your service.

* Tutoring - If you are a retired teacher or individual from an education background, offer your services for tutoring children. If math is your forte, you could have more clients than you can take on.

What does it take to become a Personal Fitness Trainer? What education and experience is required? Starting out in a new career can be a bit scary, especially those ones where you go it alone. It then becomes a new small business as well as a new career. It’s a jump you may have been considering for some time, but the responsibilities and possible lowered or lack of income has kept you from it. Perhaps, starting out, another part-time job is advised until your new career takes off. On the other hand, you may be able to secure a position in a fitness facility.

What it Takes

* Motivation - you must be a very motivating person. You need to be able to be tough on people without pushing them away. There is definitely a balance.

* Exercise - you must be knowledgeable about different types of exercise and how it effects a person’s body. You will need to analyze the needs of an individual and be able to put together a program that will achieve those goals.

* Nutrition - you must be knowledgeable about nutrition, weight loss, weight gain, etc. You will need to be able to put together a meal plan that will benefit health as well as achieve goals.

* First Aid - accidents happen during training. Make sure you have your first aid card.

Salary - the average salary for a fitness trainer is a mere $25,470 (something to consider)

Education Requirement - The education needed to become a Personal Fitness Trainer vary widely. Some people have formal education (which is always a plus for your resume or brochure). Usually it is some type of physical education degree. However, others have degrees in nursing, sports or dance.

Certification - There is certification for Personal Fitness Trainers (make sure you get this from an accredited facility).

For more information: American Council on Exercise
National Strength and Condition Association