With today’s inflation and rising cost of living, the concept of working past age 65 is no longer unusual. Especially after the uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic brought on, more seniors are putting off retirement or choosing to go back to work in their golden years. Research shows that a third of seniors plan to work past retirement age or not retire at all.
For some seniors, the additional income is intended to offset the costs of healthcare and other unexpected retirement expenses. Others may enjoy the social stimulation and mental challenges that working provides. A job after retirement gives you the chance to try new things and interact with new people, which can offer mental and physical health benefits to seniors.
Today, there are more flexible work options available than ever before. You can set your own hours in a freelance role, work 15-20 hours a week in a part-time job or even pick up a seasonal role during peak periods of the year. If you’re looking for a new opportunity in retirement, these are some of the best part-time jobs for retirees:
- Administrative Assistant
As a secretary or administrative assistant, you’ll aid office workers by completing organizational tasks, making meeting or travel arrangements, managing phone calls and supporting the daily operations of the company. This is a great career for seniors who are looking to contribute their talents to a business in a supporting role. To be an administrative assistant, you must be skilled in time management, communication and organization.
- Retail
There’s no shortage of retail positions. From cashiers to greeters to sales associates, the availability of jobs in retail makes it a popular choice for seniors. A retail job’s flexibility makes it easy to set hours that work for your schedule and still maintain some freedom in retirement. Plus, if you work at a store that aligns with your interests, you can spend time around people who have similar interests or enjoy the same types of activities. Some examples include working at a bookstore, a craft store or a health food store. Jobs in retail may require you to stay on your feet for long shifts, however, so those with limited mobility may want to explore other options.
- Substitute Teacher
Working in a school is a great way for seniors to pass on their knowledge to the next generation. As a substitute teacher, you don’t have to commit to a regular Monday through Friday work schedule. You can accept and deny assignments as you like, meaning you have the freedom to work only a few days per week. If you aren’t prepared to teach, being a bus driver, food service worker or student aide are a few other good job opportunities for seniors at a school.
- Craft Seller
Is making art your hobby? If so and you find you get bored during retirement, you may be able to make some money selling your creations. On sites like Etsy or eBay, sellers set up virtual storefronts to list homemade jewelry, soaps, paintings, quilts, pottery and other handmade items. Selling your creations helps recover some of the costs of materials and offers compensation for the time and effort you spend doing what you love.
- Bookkeeper
For those good with numbers, bookkeeping is a low-stress job that allows you to capitalize on your accounting skills by managing finances for a business. Many bookkeeping jobs are part-time, allowing you to enjoy your retirement while still using your mental skills to make some extra money.
- Customer Service Representative
If you have limited mobility or transportation and you want to work from home, being a customer service representative might be the best job for you. This job involves talking with customers and helping them solve their problems, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy being social and assisting others. It also requires lots of empathy, patience and the ability to solve problems.
- Consultant
If you’ve spent most of your working career in the same industry, you’re likely an expert in your field. As a consultant, you can offer guidance and provide your experience to businesses looking to grow or solve problems. This job allows you to put all of the knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your career to good use and utilize the professional connections you’ve built over time. If you’re looking for retirement jobs that pay well, being a consultant should be at the top of your list of jobs to consider.
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