ONE in six retirees in the north would consider a part-time job to earn extra money, according to new research.
Figures from the National Citizen Service show that two-thirds of retirees felt that a part-time job could rejuvenate their sense of purpose, while almost a quarter admitted giving up work had left them with more spare time than expected.
One in seven of those surveyed said the excitement of retirement had worn off and cited not earning money, too much time indoors, lack of interaction and boredom as the most commonly listed downsides of leaving working life.
With almost a quarter of people in the north retiring early - aged 45-54 - NCS programme lead, Chris Tolley (53) said the figures were not a surprise.
“Having retired after 30 years in the police, I wanted to put the skills and experience I'd gained throughout my career to good use by using my free time to continue giving back to my community.
“Police officers and other public servants tend to retire earlier than others, and while that sounds appealing, it can be a shock to the system.
“In the police I frequently saw young people making bad decisions and missing out on opportunities.
“I now lead NCS programmes, working with young adults to help them achieve their full potential and find success.
“It’s important to keep mental stimulation going and putting our skills to use in a different way – and there is nothing more satisfying than feeling you have benefited young adults and encouraged cohesion, mobility and engagement for society as a whole.”
The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a voluntary personal and social development programme for 15–17 year olds in England and Northern Ireland, funded largely by money from the UK Government.
As part of its drive to encourage retirees to join its team of seasonal delivery staff and help inspire the next generation, NCS commissioned the survey of 1,000 retirees.
