At 75 will you be part of the 6.4 percent still working?

An AARP Bulletin article (Oct. 2007) gave the percentage of people over age 55 who are part of the work force. More older workers are in the work force today than 10 or 20 years ago. The average of all workers 55 and over is 38 percent, up from 30.1 percent 20 years ago, up from 30.3 percent just ten years ago. Today, of those 55-59, 72 percent work. From 60-64, 52.5 percent work. At 75 years of age, 6.4 percent are still working.

The article goes on to mention that it can be difficult for an older worker to find a job they want to do. AARP is testing a WorkSearch program to help you assess your interests and skills and connect you to local jobs where these skills are in demand. Their National Employer Team consists of employers who actively seek to hire older workers. At least a couple of employers have programs where RVers can move from one store to another.

Workers on the RV road are in a unique position when it comes to finding work. They are in demand at businesses that deal with the public. For those working at an RV park or resort, they can often find a job that includes a free RV site as well as pay. Expenses are less, plus money is coming in. Using a computer to make money is feasible now with so many more ways to stay connected to the Internet. RV workers with the right skills who are willing to go where the jobs are can earn even more.

We do hope that if you are still working or volunteering when you are 75 years of age or older, it is because you are doing something you love to do and are still having a ball! Jaimie

National Employ Older Workers Week

Yes, there is a "National Employ Older Workers Week" celebrated in the U.S. This year it is September 21-29. A few activities are listed at the U.S. Dept of Labor website, including job fairs for seniors and mature workers in several cities.

At the website for the Baltimore Employment Guide, I noticed some diversity job fairs that are "Official Older Worker on Board Job Fair Participants." One coming up on August 28 in Atlanta includes Home Depot, Babies R Us and Borders, companies who are on the AARP National Employer Team and who recognize that older workers make up a very important part of the workforce. At least Home Depot hires seasonal and temporary workers who can then transfer to other stores.

There are sorts of work possibilities for the worker on the RV road. The Employment Guide is one of several free employment newspapers found in many cities in newspaper dispensers and bins on street corners and grocery stores. Looking up their viritual job fairs led me to this information and other job ideas that RVers may not traditionally think of. Think outside the box! Jaimie

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.

More about trucks

The July/Aug issues of AARP has an article about retirees finding second careers driving big rigs. According to Rob Reich, vice president of recruiting for Schneider National Inc.- the largest trucking company in the United States - the trucking industry is short 20,000 drivers and will need 100,000 within ten years. One-third of Schneider's drivers are over 50.

What appeals to one couple who drives for Schneider's is the income, chance to travel and a strengthened relationship. An experienced driver (or team), driving 1,775 miles/week can earn $60,000. Of course, you do need a CDL (commercial driver's license). Schneider's even has a truck-driving school for qualified candidates that is almost no cost if you work for them afterwards.

Schneider's also participates in AARP's Mature Worker program and have a "home run" program which allows for 17 weeks off.

Drving a big truck may not be the relaxed way of traveling we RVers enjoy, but if you need to earn income for one reason or another, you can work as a team and still travel. Jaimie

For information on Jaimie Hall's recently revised book, Support Your RV LIfestyle! An Insider's Guide to Working on the Road, 2nd ed., see RVBookstore.com.