There are numerous reasons someone might go back to work after they retire – they may be excruciatingly bored, need the money or need to find a sense of purpose.
“I will admit that I probably retired too soon,” says Jon Gideon, a 64-year-old former financial planner in Rochester, Minnesota. “I volunteered for a while at the library and did a little bit of financial consulting for others but eventually, I found myself working at a bookstore and I am still there, three years later and I love it – 20 hours a week or so and it’s enough to get some extra cash and more than enough to keep me feeling like I have something I can still offer to others.”
Today, more retirees than ever – like Gideon – hold part-time jobs. In fact, 60% of workers say they plan on working part-time in retirement to cover expenses or stay active, according to AARP.
Here’s a look at some of the best options out there:
- Consulting: Retirees with years of experience in a specialized field – finance, law, engineering, healthcare or education – can offer their expertise as consultants. Many businesses value seasoned professionals for short-term projects or advisory roles.
- Teaching or tutoring: With a lifetime of knowledge, retirees can teach at community colleges, give guest lectures or tutor students needing extra help in subjects like math, science or languages. Online platforms allow for remote tutoring, making it even more flexible.
- Freelance writing or editing: For those with strong writing skills, freelance work in journalism, blogging, technical writing or proofreading can provide income while allowing retirees to work from home.
- Customer service representative: Many companies hire remote customer service representatives. This job offers flexibility and the ability to work from home while helping customers resolve issues.
- Real estate agent: Becoming a real estate agent is a popular choice for retirees interested in flexible schedules and social interaction. Many retirees take real estate courses and get licensed to help buyers and sellers navigate the housing market.
- Seasonal jobs: Seasonal jobs like tour guides, tax preparers and retail workers are ideal for those who want to work only part of the year.
- Substitute teaching: Helping schools cover for absent teachers allows retirees to work occasionally while enjoying the classroom setting. It’s a great option for those with a background in education or who enjoy working with young people.
- Nonprofit and charity work: Many retirees find fulfillment in working for nonprofits. Opportunities include administrative roles, fundraising, event planning and volunteer coordination. Some positions are paid, while others offer stipends.
- Pet sitting or dog walking: For retirees who love animals, pet sitting and dog walking offer a great way to earn extra income while staying active. Websites and apps make it easy to find clients.
- Library or bookstore assistant: Libraries and bookstores often hire part-time workers to help organize shelves, assist customers and run community events. It’s an ideal job for book lovers.
Tribune News Service