A New Retirement Movement
Review of My Book by Nancy Collamer

Are "Cool Jobs" for Seniors Really Cool?

OnaWhimI recently became aware of a website called Coolworks.com which features temporary jobs, mostly in desirable travel destinations. The site even has a special section called "Older and Bolder" that targets seniors who might be interested in such jobs. On this page, the copy reads, "Opportunities for retirees in great places! Employers value your experience, worldview and work ethic!"

Out of curiosity, I perused the job listings. As you might expect, these are temporary, seasonal jobs. Dig a little deeper and you recognize another fact: They are largely menial, low-paying jobs. Common opportunities include desk clerks, hosts/hostesses, and kitchen help.

My initial reaction was negative rather than positive. If "employers value your experience, worldview and work ethic," why do they expect you to work for $8 per hour with no benefits? Even though you may be working at a job in a desirable vacation destination, will that really make a difference if you're washing dishes eight hours a day? Washing dishes is still washing dishes, even if it is in the Grand Tetons. Granted, some of the jobs also provide housing, but it isn't free and the accommodations are spartan at best.

I'm not suggesting that some of these opportunities might not be worthy of consideration. They could provide income for seniors looking for a short-term commitment who are also interested in seeing a different part of the world. But it is curious that employers are now turning to seniors who have been pushed out of the job market to fill these positions; in the past, these jobs would almost certainly go to high school and college students on their summer breaks. Is it because these jobs are too menial even for today's kids -- or have employers realized that they can get the "experience, worldview and work ethic" of seniors at a bargain price?

If anyone has had an experience working at one of these "cool jobs," I'd love to hear about it. 

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