Seasoned Workers Finding Second Careers via Online Networks

Though he retired in 2003 from Dow Chemical, don't call this fellow for a weekday morning of fishing. That's because he's back at work, having found a consulting job through an online employment network designed specifically for older adults.

The Wall Street Journal Online recently profiled this man's second career strategy in an article about several online job networks for those age 55 and older. What's heartening to those in the 55-plus age group is that many of the online networks are springing up with the support of major employers. The companies are eager to stem the impending brain drain created by the exodus of so many seasoned workers headed for retirement. At sites like YourEncore.com and SeniorJobBank.com, older job seekers are finding a range of opportunities, from consulting projects to salaried jobs. Just as with younger job seekers, jobs are plentiful in health care, information technology, engineering, biotechnology, retail and finance.

Noted one official, "Companies can bring back highly skilled people that provide value immediately."

When company policies prohibit rehiring pensioners, the job networks promote contract employment and consulting. One network even acts as the official employer, subcontracting its employees to various companies.

Among the senior-employee networks, jobs range from entry level to bank president and hospital director. Some offer free services and others charge fees to employers for access to resume databases or to post jobs.

If you are seeking a second career, we invite you to consider All Star Resume's services. Our career and resume consultants will help you launch the next phase of your working life.

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