By 2033, about 30 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 are expected to still be in the labor force, while 10 percent of people ages 75 and older are expected to still be working, according to projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that 57 percent of workers across all generations plan to work in retirement either full time (21 percent) or part time (36 percent).
Why retirees work
Most workers who plan to work after retirement cite financial reasons, according to the Transamerica study. Many fear that Social Security will not be there for them in retirement. Others may not have saved enough in a retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or Roth IRA, during their working years.
Some retirees may need group health insurance benefits because they’re not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare. Others simply enjoy working because it keeps them active, gives them a sense of purpose and helps them stay socially connected.
Renée Ward — founder of Seniors4Hire.org, a career center for people 50 and older — says the pandemic opened legitimate work-at-home job opportunities for older workers who, she notes, are more tech-savvy than they get credit for.
Before you begin your job search, decide on the work schedule you want, how much responsibility you’re willing to accept and how much money you want to make.
“Really define what you want to do,” Ward said. “Narrow your focus, and be very targeted.”
Here are some part-time jobs for retirees.
1. Teacher or tutor: Many organizations need instructors. For enrichment classes that are not for credit, experience is often the key credential required. Try the local college or university, arts center, or parks and recreation center.
Or start a teaching program based on your skills and interests. A retired law enforcement worker, for example, might teach personal safety courses or driver’s education.
If you have the skills and experience, you can tutor students in math or English. Connect with your local school district to get started. You can also find opportunities at online tutoring companies like Wyzant.
2. Consultant or freelancer: Many companies hire people with specific skills based on their projects’ needs. Organizations that are downsizing sometimes need freelancers to fill gaps in their staff.
Retirees with vast experience are often prime candidates to fill consulting or freelance positions. Upwork is one of the many companies connecting freelancers with people seeking their expertise.
3. Customer service: Many older workers can find “help desk” jobs that require the kind of knowledge they acquired over decades of work. FlexJobs.com, for example, lists companies that hire remote customer service representatives.
4. Do what you did before retirement, just less of it: Many professional positions allow for phased retirement, in which you work fewer hours each year over several years.
Alternatively, you could explore switching from a full-time role to a part-time position with a previous employer. Someone who had a career in public relations, for example, might find part-time work with a former client. In short, tap into your network for opportunities. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for that.
5. Researcher for universities, businesses: Information gathering is a skill that is useful in many fields, such as medicine, science, politics and technology. For example, some researchers help scholars collect the data they need to complete academic projects.
Maybe you’ve worked as an investigative reporter, done research at a university or collected data for a political organization. You can use your ability to delve for information in various industries.
6. Government jobs: The U.S. government offers many part-time jobs, from clerical work to more specialized roles. Your state, county and city governments may provide additional employment opportunities. You can search for seasonal and part-time work at USAjobs.gov.
7. Monetize your skills and hobbies: Some people don’t want to do the same work they did before retiring. They are attracted to jobs that involve interacting with others or participating in a hobby they can enjoy.
Think about what you’re good at, and find a way to make money from it. You may find work doing odd jobs, like putting together bookshelves, hanging pictures or doing minor home repairs. TaskRabbit, an online marketplace, matches handy people with customers seeking help.
Similarly, if you’re good at pottery or other art forms, you could sell your creations online. Etsy is an online marketplace where creative sellers list their products, from jewelry to personalized gifts.
8. Sell your expertise online: Maybe you’ve traveled the U.S. in an RV and know all the tips for great RVing. Or perhaps you’re an expert gardener who wants to share your knowledge. To create a source of passive income, you could make an online course or establish a web presence around your area of expertise and sell ad space or sponsored content.
YouTube, an online video-sharing platform, has become the global destination for broadcasting tips, tutorials, guides and other valuable content.
9. Pet sitter or house sitter: Caring for other people’s pets while they’re on vacation or away on business can be a great side hustle for retirees who love animals.
Word of mouth is a good way to get started. Let your family and friends know you’re available to pet-sit or house-sit. Post a flier on a community bulletin board. Or explore working part time at a business that cares for animals, such as Rover, or coordinates house sitting, such as TrustedHousesitters.
10. Translator/interpreter: If you speak a foreign language, you can seek work as a translator or interpreter. Customer service centers, courts and social service agencies often need people with these skills.
Translators work with the written word, whereas interpreters translate the spoken word. Professional translation companies like Gengo offer flexible schedules for multilingual people. These skills are in high demand.
11. Usher, ticket-taker or museum guide: Many performing arts centers and local theaters use part-time workers to show audience members to their seats, collect tickets, or sell beverages and snacks.
If you have a background in art history, you might make a good museum guide.
Airbnb, an online marketplace for short- and long-term homestays, is one of the many companies connecting travelers with locals for unique experiences, such as museum tours.
12. Courier, light deliveries: Retirees can make extra money shopping for and delivering groceries, medicines, gift baskets and other items. Many people use services such as Instacart, DoorDash, Shipt and Uber Connect.
Alternatively, you might know people who don’t drive and are willing to pay someone to grocery shop, run errands or take them to appointments.
13. Direct sales: Companies such as Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chef and Amway often recruit retirees because they have flexible schedules and can work from home as sales representatives.
With a phone, internet access and minimal startup costs, you could sell products online or host parties.
Select a product you like, and make sure the company is reputable. Also, before you sign on, ask whether the company buys back unsold products in case you decide this is not for you.
14. Temp worker: Temporary staffing companies connect their clients with qualified temporary hires.
Temp agencies offer a variety of positions — office jobs, health care work, skilled labor positions and much more — and can be a good path to a permanent job if that’s your goal.
Temp work also allows workers and businesses to see if the arrangement is a good fit before committing. Robert Half is among many companies placing skilled talent in temp positions.
