Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing
There's no denying it: America's shaky economy has U.S. workers worried. In the midst of this uncertainty, baby boomers, in particular, are feeling more torn than ever. Many want to retire, but have significant doubts as to whether or not they can afford to withdraw from the world of work.
One solution to this dilemma that is becoming increasingly appealing to baby boomers is to stay in the workforce, but scale back from the demands of their current career. In doing so, many are opting to search for new jobs that are less stressful, while still providing the security needed to weather the current economic climate.
Career expert Laurence Shatkin identifies many rewarding, low-stress occupations in his recently-released book "150 Best Low-Stress Jobs."
Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing
There's no denying it: America's shaky economy has U.S. workers worried. In the midst of this uncertainty, baby boomers, in particular, are feeling more torn than ever. Many want to retire, but have significant doubts as to whether or not they can afford to withdraw from the world of work.
One solution to this dilemma that is becoming increasingly appealing to baby boomers is to stay in the workforce, but scale back from the demands of their current career. In doing so, many are opting to search for new jobs that are less stressful, while still providing the security needed to weather the current economic climate.
Career expert Laurence Shatkin identifies many rewarding, low-stress occupations in his recently-released book "150 Best Low-Stress Jobs."
"Many of these occupations have a high concentration of older workers because their low level of stress permits them to avoid burnout and postpone retirement. Some of these jobs might be good choices for baby boomers planning a career change late in life, perhaps in retirement," Shatkin says.
After determining which jobs were associated with the least amount of stress, Shatkin identified the best occupations for people age 55 and older, according to a combined score based on each job's annual earnings, percent growth and annual openings.
Here are Shatkin's top 10 low-stress jobs for baby boomers:
1. Civil engineers
Annual Earnings: $68,600
Percent Growth: 18.0 percent
Annual Openings: 15,979
2. Construction and building inspectors
Annual Earnings: $46,570
Percent Growth: 18.2 percent
Annual Openings: 12,606
3. Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
Annual Earnings: $37,660
Percent Growth: 11.5 percent
Annual Openings: 25,428
4. Industrial machinery mechanics
Annual Earnings: $41,050
Percent Growth: 9.0 percent
Annual Openings: 23,361
5. Maintenance and repair workers, general
Annual Earnings: $31,910
Percent Growth: 10.1 percent
Annual Openings: 165,502
6. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
Annual Earnings: $40,440
Percent Growth: 12.3 percent
Annual Openings: 11,037
7. Curators
Annual Earnings: $46,300
Percent Growth: 23.3 percent
Annual Openings: 1,416
8. Librarians
Annual Earnings: $49,060
Percent Growth: 3.6 percent
Annual Openings: 18,945
9. Water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators
Annual Earnings: $36,070
Percent Growth: 13.8 percent
Annual Openings: 9,575
10. Farm, ranch and other agricultural managers
Annual Earnings: $52,070
Percent Growth: 1.1 percent
Annual Openings: 18,101
Next: Best Cities For Retirees >>
Find a Job
Search by Company | Search by IndustrySelena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. Her articles help people find meaningful work, develop their career and life plans, and carry out effective job search campaigns.
Copyright 2008 JIST Publishing.
Sep 28th 2009 @ 10:33AM TheDoo
My problem is I'm an office worker, secretary, clerical, etc., etc., all the jobs that are being created are for men! I'm single and cannot buy a job...40 yrs of experience in this field...been looking since December, 2008...not just my area, but in 6 states....
Reply