Best Part Time Retirement Jobs to Supplement Your Income

February 20, 2023/Peter Grantham

Ah, retirement. After years of hard work, you’ve looked forward to this time. You’ve saved, you’ve planned, you’ve checked off your bucket list items and now you’re ready to enjoy the leisurely lifestyle your hard-earned money can provide.

But wait…The reality of retirement sets in, and suddenly you realize you’ll need more money than you thought to make ends meet. If you’re looking for a way to supplement your income and add structure to your day, consider a part-time retirement job!

When I retired, after a while I started considering part time jobs, mainly to keep me active and sharp.

In this blog post, I’ll provide information on some of the best part-time retirement jobs to supplement your income. Perfect for retirees looking to boost their bottom line and stay connected to the work world and their communities, these satisfying retirement job choices can help stave off boredom and even lead to a rewarding second career. Read on to find out more!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

The best part-time retirement jobs vary based on the individual’s interests, skillset, and retirement goals. Popular options include freelance writing, consulting, tutoring, online teaching, and retail sales.

Why Choose Part-Time Retirement Jobs?

Deciding to work part-time in retirement has many benefits, including reducing stress and depression, staying mentally active, and boosting both health and financial security. For those who are either burned out from decades of hard work or just want to spend more time enjoying activities outside of their job, part-time retirement jobs can help them balance their professional life with the rest of their lives.

On one hand, opting for part-time retirement jobs can bring a sense of routine and structure to the retiree’s day while allowing them to continue challenging themselves professionally. Working those few hours each week can provide retirees with continued learning opportunities that help to stay sharp and prevent boredom or loneliness. It can also help improve socialization by giving retirees a chance to interact with colleagues as well as customers.

On the other hand, part-time retirement jobs do not necessarily offer much in terms of financial security. A fixed income is still necessary for many retirees who take on part-time jobs, since wages can be unpredictable or inconsistent, depending on the job. Additionally, taking on this extra work may significantly reduce time spent on leisure activities, which is an even larger detriment to those already limited resources.

Regardless of whether it’s worth pursuing, having a part-time retirement job is something that must be carefully considered beforehand. Now let’s move onto suitable part-time jobs for retirees – ones that offer flexibility, decent wages and some meaningfulness to their lives.

Suitable Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

For retirees looking to supplement their income, part-time jobs offer valuable opportunities for financial, mental, and social benefits. Part-time work can provide a sense of connection to the outside world, as well as provide retirees with a reliable source of income. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to part-time jobs for retirees, some roles specifically suit their needs better than others.

For example, if physical labor is not an option, working in retail or customer service can be helpful. Such jobs often pay by the hour and require little to no prior skills or experience. Additionally, these roles also give retirees access to other job seekers who may have similar interests and experiences, making them a great way to socialize during retirement.

On the other hand, those looking to travel may be interested in seasonal positions such as working at a ski resort or serving on a cruise ship. These jobs provide a more flexible schedule than more traditional part-time roles and usually include accommodation, so retirees don’t have to worry about finding lodging. Plus, with all of the sightseeing opportunities associated with these types of positions, they also provide an opportunity for retirees to explore new places and cultures.

No matter which type of job retired individuals choose, part-time work offers an invaluable opportunity for retirees to make use of their skills and remain connected with their communities. Now that we’ve discussed suitable part-time jobs for retirees, let’s discuss how consulting can be a great source of supplemental income for retirees in our next section.

Consulting

Consulting can be a great way for retirees to supplement their income. Becoming a consultant requires expertise in an area or field, and it is a perfect job for those who have valuable experience from their professional career that they can share with others. Consulting jobs typically involve helping clients solve problems, developing strategies, and making decisions. Many times, these consulting gigs require independent contractors to work remotely, making it easy to fit around your life’s other responsibilities.

In terms of the benefits of being a consultant, retired individuals can usually set their own rates, determine their own hours, and often pick and choose the projects they work on – advantages which may not be available with other part-time retirement jobs. Furthermore, consulting provides retirees with a sense of autonomy and flexibility, which can be fulfilling and often makes financial sense depending on one’s skillset and clientele.

On the other hand, in order to be successful as a consultant, one must often invest in marketing efforts such as advertising and promotion. Ultimately, this means that consultants must pay out of pocket regularly before building a steady client base, something that retirees are not always prepared to do. Furthermore, many times task-based consulting jobs may not require long-term relationships with clients – meaning there is no guarantee of steady income. While some consulting strategies are well worth the financial investment by retirees looking to supplement their income in retirement, balance should be taken into consideration when taking on such a role.

Freelancing is another popular way for retirees to supplement their income while also enjoying flexible working hours and opportunities.

Key Points to Know

Consulting and freelancing can be viable options for retirees seeking to supplement their income in retirement. Though it allows them to take on projects with autonomy, flexibility and the ability to set their own rates, potential financial investments in marketing, lack of long-term relationships with clients, and irregular income may present obstacles.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great solution for retirees who want to make some extra money on the side. Freelancing can be done from home, which makes it an ideal choice for retirees who prefer to stay in their own environment. Plus, with freelancing, you get to choose the projects you take on and set your hours as contrasted against being employed by someone else and having to work within their schedule and parameters.

On the other hand, being a freelancer means being entirely responsible for finding work. You have to have highly-defined skills or departments of expertise that you can offer prospective clients in order to become successful – or, alternatively, demonstrate value without spending too much time delivering whatever product or service it is that you are offering. You also should be prepared with a portfolio of prior work if possible, since this is what employers generally look for when hiring freelance professionals. Keeping up with the everchanging trends of industries and markets also requires a great deal of research and knowledge that takes time if done effectively.

Despite these challenges associated with freelance work, the potential rewards are still numerous. After all, freelancers get to choose the job they do and they get paid based on what they deliver– not on their number of hours worked! Overall, freelancing can be a great source of revenue for those looking to supplement their retirement income while simultaneously enjoying flexible working hours.

Having explored the possibilities of freelancing, let’s shift focus now and examine some other career opportunities that could provide similarly flexible schedules for retirees seeking part-time incomes.

Other Career Opportunities

One option that retirees can consider is continuing in their current field or a field related to their prior job. Many of these opportunities offer part-time, flexible hours, and other appealing benefits for those who are transitioning from life before retirement. On one hand, those with specific industry experience may find a wealth of opportunities that could fit their skillset and provide an additional income stream. However, along with a potential wage increase comes the possible stress of juggling a career after years away from it and potentially even in a new field altogether. It is worth carefully considering whether the career move is beneficial enough to be worth adding back into life at this stage.

Another option available to retirees is consulting work. Episodic roles like these are becoming increasingly popular, as companies often prefer outside consultants given the stability and cost savings associated with utilizing them over full-time hiring. Consulting provides retirees with the opportunity to bring their expertise to wider business needs without having to commit to a long-term. On one hand, if the project changes or ceases completely, the retiree can choose to move on or take another episodic role elsewhere. On the other hand, depending on how many episodic roles a retiree takes on throughout the year, it can still prove to be quite demanding when combined with daily living commitments.

No matter what options appeal to retirees seeking part-time retirement jobs for a supplemental income, it’s important for them to evaluate all aspects beforehand and seek out whatever resources they need accordingly. As discussed above, there are numerous ways for retirees to supplement their retirement income through part-time positions that can provide both financial and emotional benefits. Next, we will cover how retirees can go about finding part-time retirement jobs that best suit their needs.

How to Find Part-Time Retirement Jobs

When it comes to finding part-time retirement jobs, there are a wealth of options available for those looking for supplemental income. Many retirees turn first to traditional job search outlets such as job postings, career fairs, and job websites. Working with a staffing agency can also be helpful, providing job seekers access to candid hiring conversations and additional knowledge about industry trends. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when looking for the right job at the right time — retirees may have to consider many different avenues and forms of employment before they land in their ideal position.
At the same time, social media is becoming an increasingly effective way of finding retirement jobs. Platforms like LinkedIn enable job seekers to connect directly with potential employers and recruiters. Job searches through social media channels leverage existing contacts and personal relationships to help retirees find job opportunities that span different industries and sectors. For active users of these platforms, networking with peers opens up connecting pathways which can eventually lead to fruitful employment.

Retirees are also advised to network broadly in their local community for part-time jobs that match their skillsets or interests. Depending on its size, a community may have several hidden part-time opportunities that could have gone unadvertised. Plus, through forging relationships via the town’s various professional sectors (e.g., churches, educational institutions, service organizations), a retired individual can open the door to more opportunities than would have been available if they had simply stuck to responding to ads alone in their job search.

While expanding one’s network is important for exploring viable options, it should not be at the expense of one’s health and general wellbeing. When searching for part-time retirement jobs there are a variety of expendable stresses that can contribute to strain on the body. Thus, it is crucial that any work acquired is never at the risk of personal health or overbearing fatigue while still producing adequate income.

Ultimately, searching for part-time retirement jobs can be both rewarding and challenging – it requires commitment and perseverance, but with careful consideration of all the resources open to them, retirees can find something that suits them well. With these jobs often come flexible working hours perfect for maximizing leisurely plans while earning an extra income in an interesting capacity; this brings us into our next segment: balancing retirement income with flexible hours.

This video also some some interested ideas for jobs:

Balancing Retirement Income and Flexible Hours

Considering the unique financial circumstances of retirees, part-time retirement jobs can be an attractive solution. With flexible scheduling, balanced retirement income is more achievable than ever. It is important to weigh both the pros and cons before committing to a part-time job in retirement.

An advantage of balancing retirement income with a part-time job is having enough extra money for leisure activities or hobbies that can help foster mental and physical wellbeing. Additionally, if your savings have been depleted by healthcare costs, working a part-time job to supplement Social Security or other benefits could bring increased financial security. A disadvantage to supplementing retirement funds with a part-time job may be work-related stress and fatigue associated with taking on any new employment opportunity.

As you search for the right part-time job, it is important to recognize the importance of finding an adequate balance between supplemental income, physical energy, and quality lifestyle outside of your calling. By doing this, you will likely find that the best retirement jobs are ones that pay well without too many hours on top of all the various activities associated with being retired. In the next section we’ll discuss some tips to help you find appealing part-time retirement jobs that do not disrupt your current lifestyle.

Tips on Finding the Best Part-Time Retirement Jobs

When it comes to finding the best part-time retirement jobs, it’s important to do your research. Finding the right job will help supplement your income while also providing enjoyment and purpose. Employers are more likely to accept retirees since they often bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be beneficial to their organization. Here are some tips on how you can find the best part-time retirement jobs.

Tip #1: Research online job listings

The internet has made it easier for retirees to find an array of job opportunities. There are dozens of websites that offer an abundance of jobs for people seeking part-time work in retirement. Online job boards such as Indeed or Glassdoor can be great resources for retirees looking for part-time employment. Many employers also post job openings directly on their own website, so it’s worthwhile to look at specific companies as well. Additionally, freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr are great resources to find short-term projects that may interest retirees looking for flexible hours and attractive pay rates.

Tip #2: Networking is key

Networking can be invaluable in finding the right job opportunity. Reaching out to friends, family and former work connections can open up new doors and provide valuable insights into potential employment opportunities. It’s also worth considering professional associations in relevant industries with many offering memberships specifically for retired individuals. Meeting with contacts who have inside knowledge about certain sectors and organizations can be a helpful tool when searching for the perfect part-time retirement job.

Tip #3: Think outside the box

It’s important not to limit yourself when searching for a new job opportunity in retirement. Thinking outside the box can open up new possibilities that may fit your lifestyle and schedule better than traditional jobs. Consider non-traditional roles such as tutoring, consulting, or even remote work where you can work from home or anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you greater flexibility over your hours and environment.

It’s up to each person what they feel comfortable doing when considering a potential retirement job – just make sure you weigh out all the pros and cons before making any commitment. Being selective is key in finding the perfect match between enjoyment, income and flexibility when considering a retirement job opportunity.

Now that we’ve explored some tips on how to find the best part-time retirement jobs, let’s move onto our conclusion in the next section….

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 more than 8.6 million seniors were employed on a part-time basis.
A report published by AARP in 2018 indicated that nearly 50% of workers over the age of 65 work part time or are self-employed.
In 2019, the most popular job roles for senior citizens include cashiers, retail salespersons and receptionists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conclusion

Retiring from your full-time job does not have to mean the end of a steady income. Part-time retirement jobs can offer an enjoyable way to supplement one’s retirement fund and make a little extra money on the side. These jobs range from trading stocks or other investments to working as a consultant, virtual assistant, or tutor. There are also volunteer opportunities in many areas of interest that may provide seniors with a sense of purpose and personal satisfaction.

For those who would prefer to stay retired completely, there are endless ways to generate passive income. Investing in dividend stocks or real estate, creating and selling products online, renting out a spare room or car on websites such as Airbnb and Turo respectively, or peer-to-peer lending can all provide supplemental income without requiring much work or effort. However, it is important to note that these methods require significant upfront investment and planning in order for them to become successful sources of passive income.

Ultimately, whether you choose to pursue part-time work or a more passive way of earning additional income during retirement is up to you. Consider your financial goals, interests, and abilities before deciding on a course of action that is right for you.