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Seniors and Retirees Step Up Hunt for Jobs in Bad Economy

The Los Angeles Times, 11/6/08

Abstract:

It sounds like an oxymoron, but working in retirement is fast becoming the norm for many older Americans -- forced by dwindling financial resources and a recessionary economy to stay in or return to the job market.

Longer life spans and a desire to remain productive and connected already had begun pushing the number of older workers higher.

Now the financial crisis is accelerating interest in working later, with career sites and organizations for seniors and older workers reporting a surge in job-hunting efforts.

Marian Austin of Alfred, Maine, is among those who need to work again just to make ends meet in retirement. In this economy, her late former husband's Social Security isn't nearly enough.

"It's been difficult," said Austin, 63, a former gift shop owner and retail manager who retired two years ago. "I don't know how I will pay for fuel oil for heating. I can't walk into a grocery store and buy what I want. I don't look forward to Christmas because I can't buy gifts this year."

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