I'm bored stiff,are there any jobs out there for an educated 61 yr old?

Question

I left my job four years ago to take care of a sick relative. I am a 61 yr old with a Masters degree in Education. I have worked in residential programs for emotionally disturbed children,foster care,public school.I even ventured into the real estate. My last job which lasted for 12 years was Athletic Director for a recreation department.During that time I coached competitive amateur basketball on a national level as well as created many innovative athletic programs for kids between the ages of 6-18 both from a competitive and recreational perspective.My dillemma is now that I am ready to get another job my age and experience seem to have become a liability.I don't really need alot money.I am more interested in finding something of interest but want to paid something . Does anyone out there have any ideas for me or anyone need help? I am free to travel anywhere in the world.I am more interested in having a new interesting adventure. Thanks for any ideas that you may have.

Answer 1

I'm curious, what state are you in? I would check with the local school systems, they may  be looking for people willing to be a one/one aide for a student with autism.

Answer 2

Okay... you're ready for adventure! Do this: get your PADI (scuba diving) Instructor's certification and go teach scuba in the southeastern Caribbean. I am a teacher during the year and we spend 2 months of the summer in the islands. I work for a local dive shop and I love every minute of it!

You said you're free to travel anywhere in the world so go to the islands, you won't regret it!  also, go to www.padi.com and check out the site. Then call a local PADI dive shop and get started!

Answer 3

Good luck. I retired much younger than you. I still want to find an interesting job and money is not important. And with every interview or application comes the same response, "you are over qualified".   There issome kind of mindset among even small employers that prevents the hiring of mature employees. I volunteered, did tutoring, and many other things after taking care of elderly parents.  I look ( so I am told ) about twenty years younger than I really am, and even interviewers carefully comment about that. Anyway, I understand your dilemna and wish you the best.

Answer 4

it's pretty amazing that someone with a masters degree would ask a totally unrelated question in the Special Ed section

why would you ask your question in the special ed section?  this is not the jobs or careers section

Answer 5

Have you considered joining the Peace Corps?  Many retired people find this a rewarding way to spend a couple of years.  You could change the world, especially someone with the knowledge and experience you have.

Answer 6

After reading this my former job came to mind. I was a residential worker for Intellectually Disabled. There were several older women that worked for the same company I did. Instead of getting a job in retail or some simple job, you might want to think of getting invovled in the Mentally Retarded population.

Where you live there are probably hundreds of "handicap" houses that you go to a few times a week and work. As an older female, you can request to work in the higher functioning houses. All you would do there is cook meals, help bathe them, assist with their daily activities, and watch over them (a more gratifying babysitting job).

I live in Virginia ... I don't know where you live, but if you email me I can help you find organizations that provide residential services to MR adults in your hometown or closeby.

Anyone can do this job - you just need an open heart and willingness to learn.

Answer 7

Wal-Mart greeter. That or the Wal-Mart sporting goods department. Personally, I'd take greeter.

Answer 8

The answer is working for a public school system. It is one of the few places that do not discriminate on the basis of age. Most state agencies of any kind do not discriminate on the basis of age.

If you want adventure and you want the security of the American system for health care and contributions to social security, try seeking a job in one of the US territories such as Guam, North Marianna Islands, American Samoa and Puerto Rico. I know Alaska is always looking for teachers as well. Hawaii also ofter has a teacher shortage.

You best bet will be to teach special ed because of the national shortage in this area. You should have no trouble getting a certification, given your Master's. You may have to take some classes while you teach, but you will become certified.

If you truly want adventure, they are always looking for native speakers of English in other countries, particularly in Korea and Japan.