Advice for Ricochet Retirees

Before you seek new employment, have a clear idea of how much you want to work, how far you're willing to commute and how much flexibility you need, advises Michael Jalbert, president of MRINetwork, a professional-staffing firm. You'll be miserable if you land in the same overextended, high-pressure situation that made you savor early retirement. Other thoughts for boomerang retirees:

Start with the company you're leaving. See if you can find a role as a consultant or as a trainer to help orient your replacement. Short-term assignments can morph into longer-term engagements.

Look to the suppliers that your company uses. Assuming you have no conflicts of interest, your expertise and experience could be extremely useful to such an organization.

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Tap the network you've developed. Contact colleagues from professional organizations and tell them what you want to do. Keep an up-to-date résumé.

Consider other outlets. Many retired boomers are turning up as teachers, from elementary school through college (see www.teaching-jobs.org).

Try job-hunting Web sites that are geared to older workers. RetirementJobs.com sponsors an age-friendly-employer certification program. H&R Block, Borders, Marriott, REI and Staples make the grade, as do regional employers that are committed to meaningful work, development opportunities, and competitive pay and benefits for workers 50 and older. Other age-targeted Internet job boards include: SimplyHired.com/fiftyplus, RetiredBrains.com, SeniorJobBank.com and Seniors4Hire.org.