Career Counseling For Baby Boomers

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Career Counseling for Baby Boomers 2 Background To be considered a baby boomer, one must be born between 1946 and 1964. They are called baby boomers because there was a boom in the number of births after World War II. According to MetLife Mature Market Institute, about 45% of the oldest baby boomers are in retirement, 24% are still employees full time and the rest are working seasonally, self employed or looking for work The average age Boomers currently expect to retire is 69, The average age of retirement for Boomers has increased since the last survey in 2008. The delay in retirement is due often to the continued need to supplement social security and retirement income and to pay for additional health and prescription coverage. Other reasons are that Boomers prefer to stay active. Others prefer to share wisdom and knowledge by mentoring the youth. As retirement funds decrease and social security age continues to be pushed back it is imperative that we do not overlook the growing career needs of the Boomers as they live longer and more productive lives. (Emily Brandon | U.S.News & World Report LP ). Five personality characteristics have been attributed to later life satisfaction. Extroversion which include people that are outgoing, positive and active, usefulness and competence which provides a higher level of involvement with others and renders purpose and structure to use of time (Ranzijn, Keeves, Luscz, &Feather, 1998). Optimism is another where a belief that ones’ decision will lead to positive outcome and last is a sense of control such as engaging in leisure activities or determining when to retire. (MCConatha, Jackson & Bergman,1998) For those who already possess these goals, career counseling for this population should be a more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately some Boomers have issues such as neuroticism, have physical health impairments
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