(MONEY Magazine) – Whether you like it or not, you probably ought to expect to work beyond age 65. In the past decade, the number of employed "retirees" jumped 24%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and economists figure the numbers will accelerate over the next decade. Chances are you too will take on a retirement job to supplement your income or just to lead a more fulfilling life, as Harry Carlson, 86 (pictured at right), does. "Not long after I retired from Sears, I found I'd start reading the paper, only to discover the day had slipped away," says Carlson. "Now I work part time fixing clocks. If I just sat around, I'd go nuts." Carlson reports to John Swon and Bruce Hedblom, the co-owners of Kuempel Chime & Clock Works in Excelsior, Minn. Unlike other bosses, they prefer hiring retirees because they find older workers tend to be more reliable and conscientious.

Whether you'll be retiring in two years or 25, one of the most important financial steps you can take today is preparing yourself for a job you'll enjoy after you start collecting a pension. To work happily ever after, follow these tips:

--First, pick a field you love and, if necessary, prep yourself for a job in it. The idea is to select something you already like doing, so you'll be working because you want to, not because you have to. Consider turning your favorite hobby or a special skill into a paycheck. For example, if you're a computer programmer who'd enjoy teaching math to night students, call your local high school to see what experience is required and then get it.

You might even do volunteer work to try out a field that interests you. By volunteering someplace, you may become one of the first to hear about a paid job opening there when you're ready. Says Swon: "Being prepared for a second or even a third career is like defensive driving. You need to be on the lookout for what's ahead, so you can handle any tough swerves in the work road."

--At least a year before you retire, research your local job market. This way, you'll find out which types of employers are hiring. Stop by a university or community college career counseling center to find out where the best job prospects are. Or hop on the Internet and head for one of the dozens of employment bulletin boards to find a list of openings in your area. One of the most comprehensive: the Monster Board (http://www.monster.com/home.html). Understand, however, that being over 40 may work against you, since many employers prefer to hire younger workers. (For more, see our story on age discrimination in the work force, "Too Damn Old," on page 118.)

If you're still stuck, "Seek the assistance of a professional career counselor," suggests Sally James, executive director of Career Encores, a nonprofit Los Angeles firm that provides employment advice to folks over 50. To find a qualified pro, call the National Board for Certified Counselors in Greensboro, N.C. (800-398-5389). Expect to pay at least $300 for a detailed job-market analysis.

--When you start serious retirement job hunting, look for firms with plenty of gray heads around. "At this point in your life, fellowship is important," says Swon. "We like to think that working at Kuempel is like getting paid to come to a club. That's just the feeling older workers want."