These Careers Provide Great Options for Older Workers During the Pandemic

• Author: Monica Jackson
• Posted: 2024-02-17

For older job-seekers, COVID-19 has been extremely challenging. Those over the age of 55 are currently struggling with higher rates of unemployment than their younger counterparts. Right now, most of the fields hiring tend to be in retail or labor intensive delivery jobs, which may not be ideal for older people. Those concerned about COVID-19 may struggle to find a job that pays the bills while keeping them safe. However, things are not entirely hopeless for older job seekers. Here are some hot hiring fields that may address older job-seekers' needs.

Remote Healthcare Support

Of course working directly in healthcare right now is far too risky for many seniors, but if you have experience in this field, there are still some other ways to stay involved. With all the strain COVID-19 is placing on the healthcare system, a lot of companies are hiring remote workers to fill various positions. Some of the areas with the highest number of jobs are in insurance and case management. These jobs can often be done from home, and they can put your healthcare experience to good use. Many care providers are also experimenting with telehealth right now, which involves patients talking to their doctor over video and phone calls. If you are qualified as a nurse or doctor, consider looking into one of these positions as a way of staying safe while helping others.

Tutoring and Education

With many schools still operating remotely, parents need more help than ever educating their children. Many children are falling behind in their schoolwork while their parents are too busy working to provide the one-on-one instruction students need. If tutoring sounds rewarding to you, there are all sorts of great opportunities for older adults who would like to share their wisdom with the younger generation. The simplest way is contracting through a tutoring website, where you are connected to students who need assistance with your area of expertise. If you are comfortable with in person work, there are also many parents in need of tutoring locally. Consider advertising your services on local Facebook and LinkedIn pages or check to see if local tutoring companies are hiring.

Accounting and Finance

If you have any experience in these fields, now is a great time to apply for these jobs. As the holiday season approaches and the year draws to a close, there will be more businesses than ever that need help with their finances. This is a great field for seniors who want to work remotely since almost all the work can be done without having to leave the safety of your own home. Sadly, older adults may struggle in these fields because ageist hiring managers may assume seniors are behind on technology. Using your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience remote working and using various software can help emphasize your technical knowledge.

Customer Service

COVID-19 might have shut down a lot of retail and restaurant businesses, but online shopping is booming. Stores are starting to permanently transition towards online shopping and curbside pickup models. With the holidays causing even more shopping, many companies right now are looking to hire more customer service workers. These employees do things like handle complaints, help clients struggling with an online order, or explain new services to customers. If you are a people person who is comfortable chatting over video, phone, or email, this can be a great job opportunity. Most companies right now are happy to allow remote customer service work because it keeps their employees safer and cuts back on operational costs for the company. There are all sorts of excellent positions to choose from depending on your level of experience. Those new to customer service can find work answering phone lines while those with plenty of experience may be able to find managerial positions.

Ultimately, it can be a little harder to find jobs during the pandemic, but older adults do not need to despair. There can be great opportunities if you know where to look. Consider reaching out to your friends and family for help, so you can get insider support when applying. To increase your chances of getting hired, be sure to emphasize your comfort with technology, your willingness to work remotely, and your unique strengths.