The situation is particularly acute here in the Lakes where the tourist season now extends across most of the year. We at the LDHA know that the industry has a wide range of opportunities suited to the 50+ age group. They might be looking for a new post, or they might be early retirees who may be looking to top up their income, keep socially active but only work limited hours a week.
A more diverse workforce has benefits for businesses, including better problem-solving, increased productivity, and smart decision making. It’s acknowledged that older workers may pick up skills from younger employees while, in return, younger ones can benefit from the experience of older colleagues.
There are recognised benefits for people to continue working as they grow older. You don't have to retire when you reach State Pension age and there are many advantages to working in later life. But it’s not just about money, about topping up an income. If you’re still fit, enjoy your role and want to keep working, there may be other benefits for your wellbeing, including mental stimulation, a structure to your days, social contact and friendship, status and identity, and a sense of purpose.
The key is to do something that keeps you busy but doesn’t add extra stress to your life. And working a part-time job after retirement gives you the chance to meet new people and make new friends. Like retired businessman Stuart who moved to Kendal. Now he works Fridays and Saturdays for Windermere Lake Cruises, based at Waterhead near Ambleside. He sells tickets, serves refreshments, helps tie up the boats, and crews for skippers out on the lake on the launches. “There’s never a dull moment. I love chatting with the tourists on board, I’m able to answer questions that they have, it’s a really enjoyable job.”
Then there’s Dorothy Chittenden, 68, who has no intention of retiring yet. She’s a duty manager at the Burn How Garden House Hotel in Bowness, and is 15 years into her second stint of working there, having spent 13 years at the hotel earlier in her career. “I love working and it definitely keeps the brain active as well as the body.”
Mark O'Toole, 61, from Barrow, is a staff minibus driver for the Lakeside Hotel at Newby Bridge. He’s been with them for 16 months after previously working as a private hire driver, and now does a minimum of 30 hours a week. Mark says it’s important to keep working as you get older. “It’s the social aspect. I wouldn’t want to become isolated.” He drives staff in from a wide area of the South Lakes and Cumbria, including Barrow, Ulverston and Walney Island, so his daily routes are across the best scenery.
The LDHA organises regular information sessions for people interested in working part-time at a range of hotels and other tourism businesses across the Lakes. Keep an eye on local media and our facebook page for forthcoming dates.