Although we all look forward to relaxing after retirement, many retirees are choosing to return to work during their golden years. In fact, 55 percent of Americans plan on working after retirement according to a recent study. Whether it is to earn extra cash to supplement your income, preserve your retirement funds, stay active, or simply because you miss social interactions, there are many fun jobs available to you after retirement. Here are a few low-stress jobs that cater to a wide variety of interests.
Solo Pursuits
Repair Work (Computer, Car, Home)
If you have honed technical repair skills, there is a high demand for your expertise. In particular, there is currently a huge market for cheap computer repair skills. Since there will also continue to be a need in the years to come, these jobs are also a fairly reliable source of income. Service and simple repair jobs are also a good outlet for those who like to work with their hands. The luxury of repair work is that you can scale back or increase your workload based on what you feel you can handle.
Freelance Writing
If you have a knack for composition, freelance writing is a great way to earn extra income after retirement. Not only can you work from anywhere, but it also allows you to apply your knowledge in a new way. You can browse through the different contracts online to see if your skill set matches their needs. If you find something that piques your interests, put in a bid and see if writing jobs are right for you.
Landscaping and Gardening
For those who enjoy the outdoors, landscaping and gardening are a great way to stay active and enjoy nature. You could check with local companies for openings or start a garden if you have a green thumb. There are plenty of opportunities to sell your home-grown produce at the farmers market or set up a roadside stand. Of course, you should check local regulations, but it is a good source of fresh vegetables and cash.
Arts and Crafts
If you are the creative type, you can try selling your works of art as a side job. It lets you turn your hobbies into fun jobs after retirement. Online marketplaces like Etsy allow you work from home and reach a wider customer base through their websites. You can also attend local or seasonal craft shows to help you sell what you make. When it comes to selling arts and crafts, your revenue potential is only limited by your own imagination.
Social Jobs for Retirees
Teaching
If you have an advanced degree, teaching jobs could be a employment option after retirement. Many educational institutions seek out instructors who have a wealth of real-life experience. Reach out to schools or local learning institutions that you would be interested to work with. There are also ways to earn income by developing and selling course content based on your career expertise. Sites like Udemy.com help you earn more passive income after retirement.
Driving
One job will always have great security, because there will always be a need for drivers. With ride share and delivery apps like Lyft , Uber, and DoorDash, there are more options to earn money from side jobs than ever before. All you need is a car, a valid driver’s license, and the time to do it. The best part is that you determine how often and when you want to work. For the social butterflies, it is also a great way to meet new people from all walks of life.
Caretaking
Caretaking is a great option for both temporary and long term income revenue. You can look for part-time jobs that offer flexible hours or more permanent positions with steady income. Search for babysitting jobs if you enjoy spending time with children. There also find positions to assist with elder care to ensure they receive the attention they need. Animal lovers can offer services to pet owners who want to avoid expensive kennel fees. Caretaking jobs are a great way to meet both your social and financial needs.
Retail
If you want to work in retail, there are many fun jobs for you after retirement. Check for part-time or seasonal positions at your favorite stores. Retail jobs can help keep you sharp and meet new people. Although they are physically taxing at times, they also have many social benefits. The bonus of working in sales is that stores usually offer an employee discount as well.
Fun Jobs for Travelers
House Sitting
Since you have plenty of free time to travel after retirement, you have flexible hours that are perfect for housesitting. There are several websites posting positions to watch people’s homes while they are away. Some are temporary positions for only a week or two, like annual vacations. Others are seeking more long-term employees for vacation homes and rental properties. You can also search out these jobs in vacation destinations and help cover your travel expenses.
Tour Guide
Tour guides have fun jobs after retirement. It is the ideal job for those who live in places that attract many tourists every year. It does require a combination of skills, but these types of jobs allow you to teach, socialize, and get outdoors. You also get to do something you enjoy while getting plenty of physical exercise. Working as a tour guide could also be an interesting way to learn more about where you live.
Consultancy Jobs after Retirement
The best paying job for retirees are usually consultancy positions. For those who are highly trained or have years of professional experience, you can contract out your special skills. You could use your knowledge to find business solutions or develop structured frameworks for businesses to follow. Since these jobs are largely dependent on your networking and technical skills, there is more variation in how much they bring in. However, you have more marketability if you are familiar with software applications. The greatest draw to consulting work is that you can choose which clients to work with and determine your own schedules and fees.
If you are seeking new job opportunities after retirement, there are many opportunities available to you. Depending on your interests, needs, and skills, there are many fun jobs after retirement that could provide extra financial and social benefits during your golden years.
Read More
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- 3 Ways to Address Financial Strain During Retirement
- Investing Beyond Retirement, the Do’s and Don’ts
Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.