5 good reasons to work (at Sépaq) during retirement

Ding, Dong! It's finally time to retire! How you've waited for this moment! And now it's here, and fortunately, you're still feeling fit as a fiddle. Maybe you want to stay active and useful, socialize with people, get some fresh air, do new things, or make a dream come true.

Whatever your situation, there are many excellent reasons to continue working, even after retirement. And even more so in an inspiring environment such as Sépaq's magnificent, vast territories with their oh-so-many attractions.

Every year, more and more people, retirees just like you, join the Sépaq family. Among our 46 establishments all across Québec, you're sure to find one right nearby! Some folks come for seasonal employment (ah, those snowbirds!). Others stay longer, because they really like it! Here are five reasons to follow their lead.

1. Keep in shape

Maybe you've been dreaming of retiring and relaxing all day long. We understand: sitting on the couch and watching TV is nice. But let's be honest, in the long run, it's a bit of a bore.

You'll probably want to move around a little bit more. And it's no secret that staying active keeps you in shape. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to remain alert and full of beans! One of them is simply to get in touch with nature.

And the good news is that nature provides physical benefits for overall health, proven by studies (document in French only). Reduced heart rate and blood pressure, lower levels of cortisol (a stress indicator), and so many other rewards!

The presence of majestic trees, colourful flowers, radiant natural light, the sound of animals or streams, the fresh scents carried by the wind... it all feels so good!

2. Liven up your mind

Who hasn't heard the phrase "a healthy mind in a healthy body"? Being close to nature also has psychological benefits, such as reducing anxiety. Imagine working in the realm of Mother Nature! You'll keep your mind at rest, but alert. What's more, you'll maintain structure in your daily routine by continuing to set yourself concrete goals.

The job also gives you an active and interesting social life, with enthusiastic colleagues. As a bonus, the cheerfulness of our customers - who are often on vacation or on leave - is highly contagious!

Continuing to learn not only trains your brain, but also helps you feel younger and keep your childlike heart. What's more, passing on your knowledge to new generations makes a big difference to the customer experience.

At the Parc national de Frontenac registration centre, Sépaq employee Esther takes pleasure in carefully advising campers. She passes on her "grandmother's tricks" for keeping wasps away during supper or helps them identify the plants they've seen during the day. In short, her previous career as a techno pedagogue and her life as a seasoned camper serve her well on a daily basis.

3. Personal and professional fulfillment

Feeling useful boosts confidence and gives meaning to life, nothing less! Contributing to society and being involved in the community enriches daily existence. Working during retirement will allow you to discover a new career, develop unexplored interests, take on new challenges, and open up your horizons. It's the perfect complement to an already busy life.

The icing on the cake is being able to work for an organization whose mission is close to your heart and consistent with your values. In short, a way of life that reflects who you are! You can then get back to your roots, your true nature, reinvent your world, or get closer to your passions. Smiles come more easily this way.

Take Tony, for example. After 20 years working in a steel manufacturing plant - including as a quality control manager - he needed "a change, some serenity, and some fresh air." He chose the job of certified maintenance worker at Station touristique Duchesnay. He now does a wide range of maintenance work, including painting, carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and snow removal. "There’s lots of work to do, but it's no longer an assembly-line slog," he says.

4. Save up for a project or to make a dream come true

As human life expectancy increases, a part-time, contract, or full-time job can provide some financial security. What's more, this extra income can help you complete one of your precious projects or make a dream come true.

As Sépaq is a state-owned enterprise, the pension plan for its employees is the same as the public service plan, i.e. the Régime de retraite du personnel employé du gouvernement et des organismes publics (RREGOP). So, if you previously worked in the health and social services network, the education network, or the Québec public service, you keep the same "pension fund" and continue to accumulate your years of service, where applicable.

In addition, new tax measures at both levels of government make it more advantageous to work during retirement. As of January 1, 2024, workers aged 65 and over can apply for exemption from paying contributions to the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). In addition, a new career extension tax credit is now available for experienced workers aged 60 and over.

Each case is unique, so it's important to do your own calculations. The Work income kept on retirement calculator, created by the Ministère des Finances du Québec, can provide more clarity. A financial advisor can also help you determine the best strategy.

5. The Sépaq experience

That's it! You're now (almost) ready to take the plunge. But why should you choose Sépaq?

First of all, you need to know that we particularly appreciate people like you, who have a life pathway replete with learning and knowledge. Your experience is rich and will certainly be valued. If you wish, we'll even offer new challenges so that you can flourish and grow.

With over 200 different positions, we have a wide variety of tasks to suit your skills. There's bound to be at least one that suits you, right? If you wish, you can also work part-time. Our schedules can be quite varied. Many of our jobs are seasonal or occasional, giving you great freedom and flexibility. Why not work for a few months and take advantage of the rest of the year to go on an adventure? Some of our snowbird employees have adopted this lifestyle, allowing them to travel.

Our Employee Program also enables you to enjoy your leisure activities at lower cost and make new discoveries. It not only gives you free access to all our national parks, but also to a number of exciting activities. These include cross-country ski centres; cycling and snowshoeing trails; Aquarium du Québec; ASTROlab at Parc du Mont-Mégantic; the cable car at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency; and the Miguasha Natural History Museum. Discounts of up to 50% are also available on lodging, equipment rentals, activities, restaurants, and boutique purchases. With all of these perks, you'll be well equipped to make stimulating discoveries and keep good and busy!

Finally, what can we say about an environment that fosters happiness, fishing with colleagues after work, wildlife watching in your "office" - in short, pleasure in everyday life?

According to various testimonials (see references below), Sépaq employees feel privileged to contribute to a noble mission, to learn, and to share their knowledge. They also enjoy being in contact with nature and people, combining work and passion, and being at the top of their game. As Amélie, an activities attendant at Réserve faunique des Laurentides, says, if you're counting the days until you retire, it's time to consider a career at Sépaq!

In short, working (a little) during retirement, especially at Sépaq, is undoubtedly a choice that makes sense. Looking for a rewarding retirement experience? Explore your options today!