Ease into retirement with your dream job

Experts say a happy retirement depends not on what you retire from, but what you retire to. It’s a golden opportunity to involve yourself in more meaningful work or activities, a second career or a lifelong dream.

One popular way many retirees are doing this is by landing a part-time dream job, be it mature-age fashion model, tour guide or park ranger.

When sorting out what you’d really like to do, ask yourself these key questions:

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to do? Do you remember why?

2. What have you wanted to do but never had the time for?

3. If you’re thinking of doing a particular job:
• Do you have the physical strength and the right temperament for it over the long term?
• How will it help you be happier?
• Are there any fringe benefits to the job (for example, working outdoors, being productive and appreciated, learning new skills)?

Once you’ve devised your fantasy job, how do you get it? Try hunting at job fairs, on the Internet, in employment ads and by networking with people and organisations in the field.

And don’t forget your friends, neighbours and church or community groups. Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a job.