When you’re sweating out the last lap of your career, anxiously awaiting retirement with unbridled joy, at first you may not even consider going back to work, even part-time. However, after a few months of not working, many retirees return to, least part-time employment.
There’s a growing trend among newly retired people to pursue new employment, which affords not only a paycheck, but flexibility as well. In fact, one out of three Americans (aged 65 and older) works after retirement, according the National Council on Aging. What’s more, 55 percent of baby boomers nearing retirement say they’d work part-time.
What are some good jobs suited for retirees? That depends ofyou’re your financial needs, health, as well as other factors. Here are some good jobs and tips for returning to work part-time…
During my ten years of substitute teaching I frequently ran into seniors who enjoying making extra money subbing in their public school districts. If you dread job interviews, then take heart. Most public school systems are desperate for substitutes. Basically, all you need to do (in most situations) is go for an interview at your local public school headquarters and get fingerprinted at your local police station.
The beauty of subbing is the flexibility of the job—not only can you choose where you want to sub, you can also work whenever you choose to work. Many school systems call substitutes through an automated calling system, so there’s no fear of turning down a live person, if you don’t’ want to take on a particular job. After all, there’s no sweat punching a number, saying a “no” to a computer system.
If you’re more of the sweet grandmotherly type who enjoys reading stories to little children, then consider subbing in the early elementary school grades. On the other hand, if you’re tough enough to handle adolescent sarcasm and enjoy learning, then choose middle school and high schools.
If you don’t want a classroom, then explore the “specials” such as art, music, library, and gym. On the other hand, in some school systems, such as the South Windsor, Connecticut Public Schools where I subbed for seven years, there’s a great need for subs for paraprofessionals of special needs children. This was my preference as I do better working one on one with children, rather than standing in front a classroom all day.
If you enjoy writing and always dreamed of making money writing in the comfort of your own home, there’s an abundance of online writing opportunities. If you’ve never been published, then you can start building up a portfolio by joining writing groups such as Helium and Associated Content. No only will you get some clips for your writing, but can also receive valuable feedback from other writers, networking through message boards and reviews of your work.
Retirees can also make extra cash selling their arts and crafts. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find art associations that offer arts and crafts shows in your area where you can market your artwork and/or handicrafts.
Tour Director
Retirees who love history, as well as meeting new people and answering their questions, should explore tour director openings in their local communities. My friends, Tom and Gloria Ranney, of West Hartford, Connecticut, not only earn extra cash as tour directors at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, but also are energized interacting with tourists. Both former educators, they’re still learning and teaching others as they lead tours several times a week.
If you have trouble standing a lot, then clerical and office work is a good choice as you can sit down as you work. Answering phones, as a receptionist is also a good choice, as well as telemarketing jobs, where you can sit as you work.
Consulting Work
Just because you retire, doesn’t mean you’re still not a professional. Consulting is simply providing business services to people and/or businesses that need them. It could be anything from wedding planning to career counseling. When my husband worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, he knew of many retired engineers that found a rewarding part-time in consulting. To get started you could either solicit work from an existing company or start your own business.
These are just a few of the many part-time job opportunities that retirees are finding enjoyable. If you still need help finding what part-time jobs are available in your area, network with other seniors, as well as ask for help from a senior-based organization. Most of all make sure to find what works best of you, your needs, and your lifestyle. The important thing is to remain content and still feel neededd and productive, after you’ve retired from your lifetime career.
