Retirement is a huge milestone, no matter your age. After years of hard work, people are glad to celebrate their career achievements and enjoy the rest of their years away from a traditional 9–5 job. However, though retirees might be officially “off the clock,” many pick up part-time work on the side for a number of reasons.
Some retirees might want or need additional income after retirement, while others may want to stay active or have a sense of purpose. The key is to find work that is engaging but not too strenuous or time-consuming. With this in mind, here are some of the best part-time jobs for retirees.
Retirees Can Use Their Knowledge as Consultants
Retirees looking for part-time work can pick up work as a consultant on the side. Many companies hire people with specific skills and knowledge for certain projects. Some organizations also look for freelancers to fill in the gap with staff, especially those who are downsizing.
That means that retirees can use their years on the job as experience. In fact, their own former companies may be interested in hiring them as consultants.
Selling Crafts Online May Be a Fun Outlet for Retirees
For retirees who are crafty and enjoy making pieces of art, they may be able to sell them through online stores like Etsy or Shopify. For these services, they can make and sell their crafts a few at a time. They may also choose to create a batch amount to sell.
Another great idea? Round up a small group to work on this project together. For example, if retirees know a few friends who like to crochet, they may be able to join forces to work together. Once they’ve ironed out the details, they may be able to create their own side business.
Retirees May Find Joy in Substitute Teaching
Teaching the next generation is a great privilege. For those retirees who were in the education field, they may enjoy picking up a few hours in the classroom now and then.
With substitute teaching, retirees would choose to accept an assignment based on availability. In addition to teaching positions, there are many other school job options which include food service and cafeteria positions, bus drivers and monitors, and administrative jobs.
Childcare Services Are Always in High Demand
Another great part-time gig for retirees is childcare. As many adults work regular jobs, they rely on school or babysitters for their children. Retirees may be able to pick up babysitting work in their own neighborhoods, particularly if they already have a good standing relationship with a family.
Other retirees may enjoy watching their own grandchildren as their children go off to work. In fact, with more time on their hands, retirees might enjoy fostering even better relationships with their families.
Retirees Who Drive Can Pick Up Hours on the Road
For retirees who love driving on the open road, they may enjoy driving other people around town. This is a side job that can create a substantial amount of income, especially if retirees live in or near a big city.
For companies like Uber and Lyft, driving is a flexible job based on one’s availability. So long as retirees complete a background check and have access to a car, they can pick up as many or as few hours as they like.
Retirees Can Snag Retail Work Throughout the Year
Retailers are always hiring throughout the year, especially during the holidays. For those retirees who don’t want to commit to working in a store for too many hours, they could work during the holidays when stores are slammed with customers. Package delivery services like UPS and FedEx also hire thousands of people around the holidays.
A perk of retail jobs is that retailers often have discounts and other perks for employees. Another one is that you get to engage with customers. For retirees that have been stuck at home, it will be nice to talk to people during their shifts.
Customer Service Jobs Are Always Open For Retirees
Another great part-time gig is working in customer service. Customer service representatives work in a range of industries. They help to assist customers, process orders and resolve any issues.
For retirees, they have the option to do this work in person or at home. Often, these reps are handling calls over the phone, through text or email, or over social media, so retirees may need to research what methods they’d be most comfortable with.
House Sitting May Offer Retirees The Chance To Travel
House sitting is a great side gig that isn’t too strenuous at all. People who are traveling for a certain amount of time may hire people to live in their homes and keep an eye on things.
Depending on where a retiree may decide to house sit, it may even be an opportunity to travel without having too many expenses. These positions can be both short-term or long-term, allowing retirees some flexibility depending upon their needs and interest level.
Work Part-Time Fixing Things For Others
People who are good with their hands may be able to find side work helping others fix things around their houses. Handyperson services are always in demand because people need maintenance on cars, air conditioning, and other items around the house.
It is suggested that handypeople get the proper certifications, licenses, and insurance described by the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals first. However, if this is something that retirees love to do, they could make a good amount of money just by fixing things.
Dog Walking is a Way to Stay Active
Those who have pets may not have the time to take their dogs out during the day. If this is the case, they often hire dog walkers, who help their canine companions get some midday exercise in.
For this job, retirees may enjoy fostering great relationships with animals. It also allows them to experience the fresh air and get some exercise in at a low-impact, comfortable pace.
