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Key Takeaways:
- Part-time work in retirement is common; 27% of pre-retirees plan to work part-time and 19% of retirees already do, so options are plentiful.
- The list highlights nine flexible ideas: driver, small business owner, freelancer, pet or babysitter or caregiver, substitute teacher, accountant or bookkeeper or admin support, tour guide, film extra, and mystery shopper.
- Concrete perks and platforms are provided for each role, such as Uber and Amazon Flex for drivers, Upwork and Fiverr for freelancers, and Rover and Care.com for pet sitting and caregiving.
- Pay examples help with expectations: substitute teachers average about 127 dollars per day, film extras about 170 dollars per day, and mystery shoppers about 18.31 dollars per hour.
- The core advice is to follow what naturally lights you up so work supports your energy, health, and lifestyle rather than feeling like a job.
One of the best parts about retirement is that you have more time on your hands to do what you want.
And while we highly recommend balancing your life across the 5 Rings of Retirement and finding clarity first before attempting any sort of job hunting, there are some who are looking for a fun stress-free part-time gig.
Working part-time in retirement is somewhat common. According to a survey on working after retirement, 27% of pre-retirees said they plan to work part-time in retirement and 19% of retirees are working part-time.
There are many positions available that can fit into this mold, so as you read through our list of part-time gigs for older adults, keep in mind our broken-record mantra:
Lean towards what naturally lights you up. This list is simply a resource to get your ideas flowing, so you can look further into part-time opportunities that truly excite you.
It’s vital to find a job that doesn’t feel like a job (but still offers financial support).
That being said, here’s our list of 9 fun part-time jobs for retirees.
So let these late bloomers serve as an inspiration to start your own business.
As they say, do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. Just turn your passions into a business. For instance, if you:
As a freelancer, you can enjoy contributing your skillset and work on projects that interest you, while still gaining flexibility over your schedule. Not to mention the financial benefits of freelancing in retirement.
For those with specific skill sets that match these platforms, like writing, photography, or graphic design, this is an ideal part-time option.
Regardless of your preference, there are plenty of beings that would appreciate your help and companionship.
Once you square away the logistics, it may be well worth the effort.
Not only does teaching offer an alternative source of income but it also provides social interaction with young people who need mentors in their lives.
Even though you can become a bookkeeper without any certifications, we recommend getting certified by an institution like the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
Another option is to help businesses with admin support. Admin tasks can vary across the board, so there’s bound to be something that piques your interest – whether it’s the work environment, the mission of the organization, or the actual admin task, such as:
If you’re wondering about earnings, on average, you can expect to get paid about $170/day as a movie extra. Just be aware that all agencies charge a small fee to include you in their database.
A small fee that may be worthwhile, since you may get to rub elbows with celebrities and up-and-coming stars.
There are many positions available that can fit into this mold, so as you read through our list of part-time gigs for older adults, keep in mind our broken-record mantra:
Lean towards what naturally lights you up. This list is simply a resource to get your ideas flowing, so you can look further into part-time opportunities that truly excite you.
It’s vital to find a job that doesn’t feel like a job (but still offers financial support).
That being said, here’s our list of 9 fun part-time jobs for retirees.
#1 Driver
Many retirees are looking for part-time work so they can stay active, healthy, and engaged. So it’s important to find a job that won’t take up too much of your time or energy. Luckily, there is one option perfect for people who want the benefits of working without all the hassle or crazy time commitment: driving. The only thing you need is a driver’s license and a car. Here are some companies that are always looking for drivers: Being a driver is the perfect part-time job for retirees looking for more flexibility and freedom. You have the freedom to clock in and out whenever you want. Plus, it’s a great way to meet interesting people.#2 Small Business Owner
If you’re thinking you’re too old to start a business, think again. According to Kauffman’s survey, 26.7% of new entrepreneurs are between the ages of 45-54 and 24.5% of new business owners are between the ages of 54-65. In fact, according to a recent study, the average age of a successful entrepreneur is 45 and a 60-year-old startup founder is 3 times more likely to found a successful startup than a 30-year-old.
So let these late bloomers serve as an inspiration to start your own business.
As they say, do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life. Just turn your passions into a business. For instance, if you:
- Like cooking start a food truck
- Have an eye for design become an interior decorator
- Like crocheting start selling your products online
- Have a passion for yoga, consider becoming a local yoga instructor
- Want to solve one of the world’s problems, start an organization that helps solve it
- Have a ton of passion and knowledge to share, publish a book, blog, or podcast
#3 Freelancer
If being your own boss and having a flexible schedule is up your alley, becoming a freelancer is another great job for retirees. Actually, freelancers are expected to become the U.S. workforce majority in the next decade. Which makes sense when you think about the perk of not having to do as much of your own marketing to attract clients. To find new gigs, check out these top freelancer websites:
As a freelancer, you can enjoy contributing your skillset and work on projects that interest you, while still gaining flexibility over your schedule. Not to mention the financial benefits of freelancing in retirement.
For those with specific skill sets that match these platforms, like writing, photography, or graphic design, this is an ideal part-time option.
#4 Pet or Babysitter (Or Caregiver)
Taking a pet or babysitting gig takes the prize for the cutest part-time job for retirees on our list. Of course, only if you’re into animals and kids. Looking after a furry (or not so furry) baby will not only serve as a job, but it will also help you fight loneliness. The best sites to find your adorable pups and babies to take care of: What better way to nourish your nurturing side and give back to your community than to become a pet or baby-sitter? Alternatively, if you’re more drawn to mature audiences over pets and babies, consider helping older adults as a companion or part-time caregiver. Sites like Care.com and VisitingAngles.com also allow you to help seniors in need of companionship, transportation, or simple errands, for instance.
Regardless of your preference, there are plenty of beings that would appreciate your help and companionship.
#5 Substitute Teacher
The benefits of intergenerational relationships are endless. And can you think of a better way to connect with younger generations than to transfer your knowledge and wisdom to them in a classroom? Apart from getting to decide when and how much you’d like to work, substitute teaching pays well. On average, substitute teachers make $127 daily. If this seems like just the job for you, read up on the requirements to become a substitute teacher in different states. You can check to see the minimum degree level required, and if your state requires a substitute teacher license or any additional requirements.
Once you square away the logistics, it may be well worth the effort.
Not only does teaching offer an alternative source of income but it also provides social interaction with young people who need mentors in their lives.
#6 Accountant, Bookkeeper, or Admin Support
Accounting and bookkeeping are great job options for those with a knack for math and business expertise. And they come with their own set of unique perks. Accountants actually live longer than other professions. It’s actually because of the low stress and high autonomy of the job. Plus, high-challenge activities keep your brain younger for longer and increase brain plasticity.
Even though you can become a bookkeeper without any certifications, we recommend getting certified by an institution like the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
Another option is to help businesses with admin support. Admin tasks can vary across the board, so there’s bound to be something that piques your interest – whether it’s the work environment, the mission of the organization, or the actual admin task, such as:
- Data entry & data analysis
- Research
- Organization
- Marketing support
- Scheduling
#7 Tour Guide
Do you dream of traveling in retirement? Wouldn’t that dream be even better if you were paid to do it? If you’re a storyteller with a passion for history and a lifelong learner, check out these companies for openings: Or follow our first tip for the best part-time jobs for retirees and start your own tour business. Alternatively, you can give tours and educate visitors inside local venues, like museums, historical sites, exhibits, activity centers, and rec centers. Another option is to be an usher at local performance venues like theatres and concert halls. If you’re a patron of the arts, this may be a great option to be around the performances you love.#8 Film Extra
If you’re looking for unique retirement jobs that are short-term or project-based, becoming a film extra might be right up your alley. Especially if you’re a movie buff. Start by researching different casting agencies and then sign with them when you find a good fit. You can check out several casting agencies in your local area of consider larger ones like:
If you’re wondering about earnings, on average, you can expect to get paid about $170/day as a movie extra. Just be aware that all agencies charge a small fee to include you in their database.
A small fee that may be worthwhile, since you may get to rub elbows with celebrities and up-and-coming stars.
