Whether you need the income or simply feel too young to retire just yet, there are a number of opportunities for today’s retirees.

Many employers now value an age-diverse workplace and realise the benefits that older employees can bring, including fresh perspectives, experience and resilience.

What are my options?

There are a number of employment options you can consider:

• Stay with your current employer. The first option to consider is whether you should stay with your current employer? It's unlawful to discriminate against workers on the grounds of their age. This doesn't mean your employer has to keep you on, but it does mean companies can't use age as a reason not to continue to employ you.
• Choose another company to work for. Maybe you fancy a change? Something completely different? There are many companies that specialise in recruiting retired people and using their wealth of knowledge and experience to help new and established companies. 
• Running your own business. Many retirees, cushioned by the State Pension and their company pensions, use retirement to set up a small business, perhaps around an interest or hobby. If this is something you'd like to pursue then reach out to local business groups to explore your options. You'll need to evaluate your skills and experience, think about your work life balance and of course consider how you might fund your new business. Take your time to explore what fits best with your lifestyle and personal circumstances. 
• Voluntary work. If your main motivation isn’t money, but the opportunity to help others, you could consider the voluntary sector where there are any number of opportunities to work full time or part time to suit you.

What are the pitfalls to beware of?

There are a few pitfalls you need to consider if you’re planning to take on paid work after you retire:

• Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA). If you've flexibly accessed your pension after you start taking benefits, then your annual allowance is restricted to £10,000. You can find out more about the MPAA by visiting MoneyHelper.
• Means tested benefits. If you receive or anticipate receiving means tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, then your entitlement could be affected if you work beyond retirement.
• Higher tax band. If you continue working, but also take your State Pension and/or any private pension, this may move you into a higher tax bracket.

For further information, please visit Working after State Pension age.