Nice work if you can get it

Do you work? Of course you do. We all do.

Not necessarily in the traditional sense of the word... but 'work' these days is not just about a full-time paid job. For the over 50s in particular, the world of work is changing. The Work section highlights those changes, explores what work means to us and reveals why you have more skills than you might think. You'll also uncover some handy tips on how to find the type of work you want.

It's a fact that after 50, folks are more likely to leave paid employment behind them. Sometimes, it's not by choice: redundancy continues to bite in the UK, especially when workers are more senior and therefore more costly than their younger colleagues.

But for many, moving on from a permanent job is a positive decision. After that first, youthful half century, life does become all the more precious and for many, 50 is the final nudge they need to take the plunge and build a new life. Sound intriguing? Can you see me now? untangles the knotty issues of work and worth and comes up with some surprising facts!

Thinking of changing career?

...retraining? ...trying out voluntary work?

Great! But when it comes to planning a new road ahead, be sure to credit yourself with a true picture of the valuable skills you've learned along the way. You see, it's not quite as obvious as it seems: many people seriously underestimate the portfolio of skills they can use in other jobs and settings. No matter how different your new role from your previous career, you already have a barrowload of attributes to bring to the table. You're cleverer than you think. Find out why...

If life doesn't always seem quite the bowl of cherries you'd hoped for, well, take heart. Sometimes it takes the ups and downs to help us see what we want out of life. And once we know what we really want, making it happen gets a whole lot easier. Now we're not promising an instant Aston Martin or a private retreat in the Aegean, but it's true: get in touch with your own values and life becomes more fulfilling, more rewarding.

There's lots more besides. Have a browse around.

Have you got a story to tell? Or any comments or questions about this article? If so, contact us today!

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Can you see me now?

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