15 Hot Jobs for Retirees

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Laura Berlinsky-Schine2.3k
Updated: 7/19/2021

Can you get a job after you retire? Of course! 

Even after retiring from their careers, many people take on new gigs or continue old ones in different capacities. There are numerous jobs offering flexibility for seniors who want to work part-time while traveling, spending time with their families, and enjoying their less hectic lives.

Here are just some of the best retirement jobs out there.

15 Hot Retirement Jobs

1. Substitute Teacher

For retirees who love working with children, substitute teaching is a flexible job with minimal education requirements. Some school districts may require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, while others only require a high school diploma. You can accept your assignments as your time allows.

2. Driver

Driving through sharing apps like Uber or Lyft enables you to work as much or as little as you want and meet people all while earning money in your retirement.

3. ESL Teacher

English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers work with non-native-English speakers, helping them develop conversation and communication skills. Most ESL teachers will need to have a bachelor’s degree, and there may be other requirements depending on the organization or facility for which you work. Still, this can be a very rewarding job, especially for people looking to help others. 

4. Seasonal Worker

For those looking to work during specific times of the year, seasonal employment can be a good option. Seasonal workers assist organizations with busy times. For example, retail stores may be need of salespeople during the holiday season, parks and resorts often have plenty of positions during summers, and so on. If you’re a skier, try your hand at offering lessons in the winter. This is a great way to stay active and work on your own time.

5. Entrepreneur

Want to start your own business? Believe it or not, many people do so later in life. This is a terrific opportunity to use the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your career and create something new.

6. Crafter

People who have a knack for making things—art, jewelry, clothing, and more—have many outlets for earning money while doing what they love. Perhaps it was a hobby while you were working full-time, but now you can dedicate more of your time to creating and selling your goods through platforms like Etsy.

7. Blogger

If you have a passion, advice to give, or a lot to say, blogging can be an outlet for your ideas and creativity, as well as earn you money. It’s pretty easy to start your blog, and you’re bound to find an audience that appreciates what you have to say. Blogs that really take off can gain a wide readership, as well as advertisers who will pay to advertise on your site.

8. Dog Walker

People who love animals can find a lucrative job or side hustle walking dogs. There are many companies and platforms that can help you find clients. Plus, you’ll be able to get some exercise and do something you really enjoy.

9. Housekeeper

Cleaning and tidying homes, office spaces, and other facilities will help you stay active. Often, you can make flexible arrangements with clients and take on jobs according to what’s best for your schedule.

10. Animal Rescue Shelter Worker

Do you love animals? Then working in a rescue shelter could be for you. You’ll help out by cleaning, feeding, and keeping the animals comfortable, among other tasks. Depending on your specific role, you may also interact with potential adopters and talk up your new friends.

11. Proofreader

Calling all grammar aficionados! If typos bother you more than you are willing to admit and you have strong feelings about the Oxford comma, proofreading may be the gig for you. You can find work proofreading a wide variety of texts, from websites to advertising collateral to articles and books.

12. Freelancer or Consultant

Your career doesn’t need to end just because you left your full-time job. Continue your work as a freelancer or consultant, working on a part-time basis or advising organizations on your area of expertise. These positions are often high-paying, too.

13. Volunteer

If you aren’t looking to earn more money but still want to interact with people, stay involved, and help out in your community, volunteering is an ideal way to spend your time. You can spend your hours assisting in a place you love, such as a library, community center, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, school, and more.

Since you’re volunteering your time, you’ll also have maximum flexibility in terms of what you do and the hours you work.

14. Camp Counselor

Love working with kids? This is a great job for retirees, especially those who love leveraging their creativity. Since it's seasonal, you'll still have plenty of free time to explore other interests (or work). 

15. Caregiver

If helping people is your calling, then becoming a caregiver to elderly and impaired individuals could be the perfect second career for you. In many roles, such as care attending, you don't need to be certified, although other roles do require certification. 

FAQs 

• Where can I work after retirement?

Legally, work facilities may not set a maximum age restriction on who is eligible to perform work. (However, if you are unqualified for the position or cannot meet the physical demands, that’s a different story.) This constitutes ageism or age discrimination. That means there are many options available for you if you want to continue working after retirement.

• How can I earn money after retirement?

If you’re looking for other ways to earn money beyond working after retirement, here are some ideas to consider:

1. Manage your investments.

Continually review, cull, and update your investment portfolio, staying cognizant of what’s doing well and what’s not.

2. Rent your space.

If you travel a lot or have extra space in your home, consider renting it out to others through platforms like Airbnb. Usually, you can vet potential guests, so you know your home is in good hands.

3. Sell what you’re not using.

Is your sheer volume of stuff cluttering up your home? Try selling it online through eBay, Amazon, or other services. Alternatively, you could take your items to consignment or used goods stores or have a yard sale.

Of course, you should also be considering how to maximize your Social Security benefits by choosing the best time to retire, as well as using senior discounts and Medicare, assuming you qualify. These are small choices that can add up to big earnings and savings.

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