When novelty of retirement starts to wear off
Group can help people get back into business life
For 11 years Marilee Davies taught computer programs to staff at hospitals belonging to the Greater Victoria Hospital Society. Her classroom was lively, with students ranging from the chief executive officer to parttime clerks.
“It was the best job of my life,” recalls Ms. Davies from Victoria, who calls herself “a real people person.” Still, when the opportunity to retire early arose, as a result of an amalgamation in 2002, she chose to take the offer.
At first retirement was fulfilling. Ms. Davies, now 67, found she had plenty of time to spend with her partner, family and grandchildren. She met friends for lunch, did a fair amount of volunteer work, took a first aid course and undertook some part- time paid babysitting.
Still, Ms. Davies “missed the intellectual stimulation that interaction with all sorts of diverse people can bring to your day.” Besides, “there are only so many times you can replant your entire garden,” she laughs.
In autumn 2011, an advertisement from the Thirdquarter program in her local newspaper changed the direction of her retirement.
Aimed at connecting Canadians over 50 to jobs and volunteer opportunities, Thirdquarter helps businesses in Canada address their skilled needs by connecting them with experienced and mature Canadians who want to return to the work force after retirement, says Bill Smith, national project director.
Initiated by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, the Thirdquarter program also partners with the British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Region Chambers of Commerce, running in 14 communities, most with populations under 250,000.
Working retirement
Surveys conducted by ThirdQuarter find that many Canadian businesses look for older workers. The reasons centre primarily around mature workers’ knowledge, skills, flexible work schedules and customer service strengths.
The ability to have a flexible schedule is, in part, what attracted Ms. Davies. The good news is that Thirdquarter surveys reveal that mature workers and businesses are in sync when, for example, it comes to working hours. In fact, 76% of national businesses surveyed would hire older workers for part- time employment, while 63% of individuals preferred part- time ( 51.4%) or contractual ( 12%) work.
As of the end of November 2011, more than 80,000 individuals and firms have accessed the Thirdquarter website ( thirdquarter. ca), according to Mr. Smith. This has resulted in “1,800 firms and 5,000 individuals registered, more than 2,500 jobs posted and some 18,000 matches made,” he says.
In her case, Ms. Davies went online to sign up, answered a questionnaire and was soon reviewing a stream of job possibilities.
When a part- time job through Thirdquarter came up with Serenity Home Care offering positions with flexible hours as a companion for elderly clients, she knew she had a match.
Ms. Davies’ current clients include a “very sharp” 89- year old woman.
“In December, we had a great time going to downtown Victoria to window shop and look at the gingerbread houses.” Another client requires assistance with making meals.
“This is a feel good kind of job,” says Ms. Davies. “It’s wonderful when young seniors can help older seniors.”