“I’m in my 60s now. I retired in 2011, but got bored very quickly. I felt increasingly isolated. I started to notice older people more – in coffee shops, in the supermarket, particularly those with walking sticks – and thought that’s all that I had to look forward to. Home seemed too empty and quiet. But, I still had much to give. I’m still young and healthy. I registered with a temp agency for clerical/admin work, but they only managed to find me a couple of days work in the past 2 years. I was a mortgage underwriter for 20 years and have really good work skills and love the vibrancy of the work office environment. I’m professional and have excellent attention to detail.

I came across Trading Times in a u3a (University of the 3rd Age) newsletter and registered my skills and availability. The website is friendly and very easy to use, and I completed my profile in about 15–20 minutes. It doesn’t cost anything. 2 days later, I was invited to apply for an administrative job. I said ‘Yes’, and the next day I was contacted by the manager who invited me to interview the next day. He was very friendly and informal and I was offered the job straight away. It’s for just the right amount of hours and they’re very flexible. I’m also being paid more than I expected.

This has happened so quickly, I’m amazed – can’t really believe it – I thought I was going to register and hear nothing more. I was so wrong. I am now telling all my friends, neighbours and people at my line dancing classes to sign up with Trading Times. It’s been great for me, and you’ve got nothing to lose.”