Back to blogs

City havens for the 50+ working community

Friday, March 17, 2023
Share

The over-50 community is regarded among the hardest working age groups. Baby Boomers, as they’re affectionately titled, thrive on professional achievement. It comes as no surprise that many in the 50+ category continue to job hunt, even after they ‘officially’ retire. 

While it’s true that many over-50s continue to work for the income, a 2019 research paper reports that much more work to maintain their sense of identity. In fact, older people are staying in the workforce more than ever before. In 2010, 26.6% of people between the ages of 65 and 74 were still in the workforce, and that number is projected to hit 32% by 2030. For the 75+ demographic, growth trends also remain strong, and participation could hit 12% by 2030. 

This blog explores the top cities for the 50+ community to find jobs based on job opportunities and opportunities for them to put their extensive work experience and work ethic to use. 

Baby Boomer Loving Work Cities

A woman over 40 sitting in a cafe with a cup of coffee in one hand while talking on her phone about a new job offer

According to a LinkedIn News article, the top five cities for job hunting are Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, and Nashville. This probably comes as no surprise since these cities, with the exception of Dallas, are popular for retirees, especially those from the Northeast and Midwest who are looking to fill up their time with a job. 

The most common jobs for those over 50 in these cities include consulting, as well as professional work such as management, law, finance, and the like. Consulting is a logical progression due to the extensive knowledge and experience that someone with 30+ years of experience brings to their industry. Not to mention the above-average social and people skills that people who grew up in the pre-internet era possess.

If you’re looking to move and find a job at the same time, consider one of these 15 cities as an option due to greater job opportunities:

  • Austin, Texas
  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Cape Coral, Florida
  • Denver, Colorado 
  • Houston, Texas
  • Jacksonville, Florida
  • Minneapolis- St. Paul, Minnesota
  • North Port-Sarasota, Florida
  • Orlando, Florida
  • Phoenix, Arizona 
  • Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Tampa,  Florida

50+ and Job Hunting?

A handyman over 50 holding up an electronic screwdriver in one hand and with his other hand is giving a thumbs up

Whether you’re looking for a job in your dream city or looking for work before choosing the place, Shyft has put together some top tips for job hunting as an experienced individual. Consulting might seem like an obvious choice, especially if you have a wealth of experience in a certain sector. However, there are many other unexplored options that you could consider for a post-career. Some popular options include pet-sitting, retail work, and teaching, amongst others. You can even start a new mini-career or even a full-blown one after your 50s. 

Harland Sanders or more commonly known as ‘Colonel’ Sanders, who founded the popular fast food branch, KFC, only became a millionaire at the age of 74. There are many examples of over 50-year-olds who carried on to reach their dreams and goals. You can join the list, but you have to apply.

A close-up of hands typing on a laptop, working on their CV for job hunting after 50

Nowadays, looking for a job is a lot easier with the help of technology. Online resources are a go-to for anyone looking for work. A great idea would be to create, if you have not yet done so, your own LinkedIn profile. This will help you apply for jobs on LinkedIn, the social media site for professionals. It’s easy to navigate, just upload your CV, and even join online groups with other like-minded people. 

You can also decide to “play the field” by becoming a freelancer. There are plenty of sites that cater to freelancers looking for jobs. Consider Moonlight and UpWork. Both sites are trusted and very easy to use, but it may take you a while to land your first job. Keep trying and it will come.  

What is more, you can also ask around to see who is hiring. Ask your past colleagues, friends, and family members if they know of any job openings inside their workplace or even outside of it. If you have family living in your city of choice, ask them for help. You can stay with them for interviews, or even while you’re on the job hunt. The more ears to the ground, the higher the chances of finding work.

How To Find The Right Work City

A couple over 50 walking hand in hand down a cobbled walkway on their vacation with their dog on a leash beside them

It’s all well and good wanting to move; however, putting together a list of factors that you need from your new city will help narrow down the search. This list can include practical information such as the availability of jobs, cost of living, and tax laws. It can also include factors such as desired climate, access to facilities, and access to like-minded people or places that interest you (museums, gyms, hiking trails, and the like). Certain cities can be more crowded than others such as Jacksonville compared to Miami. You can keep this in mind if crowds are obviously not your thing. You can do some research, or throw caution to the wind and just go for it.

Moving to Your New City With Shyft

 A close-up of a woman in her 60s face who has a jacket on but enjoys the sunny day outside

When you figure out which Baby Boomers’ haven you wish to live and work in, now comes the time to get moving. You can do the move yourself, as you did before, or you can move with AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft. Shyft is a tech-driven company that organizes people’s moving processes for them. Shyft has a very large network of moving companies that are independently verified, as well as being very experienced. The best part about letting Shyft help you with your next move is that if you are an AARP member, then you are entitled to $250 off any move booked with Shyft. 

There are two ways to start the process of your move with Shyft. Go onto the website where you will have an option of completing your details on the short form provided or calling Shyft directly at 1-888- 838- 5981. After this initial contact, a Video Chat with your Move Coach will be scheduled at a time that is most convenient for you. To complete this video call, you will be required to download the ShyftNext mobile app, which is available on iOS or Android. The app is important as it allows your Move Call to record an accurate inventory of your move to give you the most accurate pricing.

During this video call, your Move Coach will get to work on making your inventory list. This is a simple process where you show them the items you need to move via the video chat. The Move Coach will also confirm your move details. The inventory list is 95% accurate. When the call is finished you will get your inventory list within half an hour. This is so you can check it, and make the list 100% as you want it. You can add items, take off items, and even leave notes and certain pieces.

With The Inventory List and Your Moving Information, Your Move Coach Gets to Work

A woman in her late 50s laughing while talking on her mobile phone with her family while sitting outside next to her plants

When you are satisfied with your inventory list, send it to your Move Coach. They will take your list, along with the details of your move to Shyft’s secure bidding platform. Your personal details are not included in this process. The secure bidding platform is where the large network of moving companies that are independently verified, and experienced, meet to bid on projects, including yours. 

This is done so that the price of moving is driven down, as well as to be paired with the moving company that is right for you. Shyft will present many moving quotes from different moving companies along with the information about them to you. You can make an educated decision on which one to work with. The company that you decide to go with becomes locked into you as soon as you let Shyft know. All the quotes are fixed meaning that there are no hidden costs to sneak up on you on moving day.

If you have any questions or concerns you can reach out to your Move Coach any day during the working week, over the weekends, and even in the evenings at any time. 

While starting a new job or even a new line of work can be exciting, it is also important to let yourself relax before you start your first day. Shyft can help you relax by taking on the task of organizing your move to your work haven for you. This is so that you can be ready for your first day on the job, all while knowing that Shyft has your back to get you there safely while saving you money.

Good luck with the job hunting process and anyone would be happy to have your knowledge, and experience on their team. When you know where to move to, contact Shyft to take care of the rest.

Two men in their late 60s sitting at a table in the outdoors playing a game of chess
Get Free Moving Quotes