How to Find the Best Retirement Jobs After Retiring

For those who made it to the age of retirement and have no real desire to actually quit being involved, there are a multitude of job options available to keep going strong in your later years.

I’ve had many clients who still have a passion for staying active in their golden years and figure they might as well get paid for it, too.

For those who need the financial security working provides, there are still options that can make for a happy retirement while earning money at the same time.

What Kind of Jobs Are Out There?

From retail to consulting, the amount of work opportunities available today is considerably higher than in previous decades. Thanks to the Internet and other advanced technologies, retirees can seek out their niche in just about any way – even from home.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) compiles lists of the top retirement jobs available. These popular jobs offer different kinds of benefits for retirees whether it be solely financial or for personal satisfaction. The top industries where retirees are finding job after retirement include:

• Healthcare/Nursing

• Teaching Aides

• Consulting Work

• Temporary Work

• Bus Driver/Transportation

• Retail/Specialty Merchandise

• Accounting/Tax

• Banking

Within these industries are opportunities for part-time or full-time work suited to older individuals who have already retired from their careers.  And if it’s needed many of these jobs also offer health insurance.

Finding Your Niche

With the widespread availability of jobs that did not exist just a few years ago, many retirees have also been afforded the opportunity to become their own bosses, keep a flexible schedule, and still earn the income needed to continue on with daily living. Entrepreneur-minded individuals have opportunities to start international companies that can operate from their own homes without having to commute on a daily basis.

Ideally, the best retirement jobs will be relevant to a person’s true passion. In this respect, many retirees still looking to stay active and earn an income have chosen to turn to the things they love most for the second half of their work life.

Here are some of the ideas retirees have been developing for their second career endeavors:

Business Consulting

For those with a long history of a certain type of career, retirees can find another life operating as a consultant on a variety of issues and subjects. Depending on their experience, consultants can earn a very good living, especially in light of the tremendous amount of downsizing at companies around the country.

I’ve had several clients who became consultants for the field in which they spent most of their careers.  The perks consist of not having to learn a new field and it typically doesn’t require a full-time commitment.  That way you can still plan vacations and time away with the family.

Hobbies

A favorite kind of second career relates to the things you love most. Many retirees have achieved success in turning lifelong hobbies into profitable businesses. Those involved in crafts, woodworking, and other hobbies have been successful in selling wares online, at craft fairs, local markets, and even in larger retail spaces.

Contract Worker

Retirees that have experience with certain trades such as an electrician or plumber may be interested in continuing to utilize their skills for their own benefit. A handyman is often needed in local communities. Word-of-mouth advertising and a good reputation can lead to opportunities for a profitable second career.

Finance Professional

There is still a need for professional assistance in personal financial matters. Those with qualifications in finances, accounting, and taxes may find a successful second career as an independent tax preparer or a bookkeeper for small businesses.

Franchise Owners

For those interested in starting their own business and who have the financial capabilities to do so, a franchise opportunity may be the ideal situation. Depending on your interests, an investment made into an already established company franchise can be a financially rewarding and personally fulfilling experience. There are many companies that offer franchise licenses for sale and with the right amount of time and money investment, a franchise can be an excellent second career move.

Administration

For those who have the know-how to get around an office, there are often opportunities for full or part-time administration and clerical work. Those who are looking for light-duty work to keep their mind active and stay social may find a number of clerical and administrative positions within their own community.

Business offices, churches, schools, and other companies are often looking for assistance.

Retail

Retail opportunities are especially plentiful during the holiday seasons. Jobs in retail usually offer flexible scheduling, store discounts, and the ability to socialize with others on a regular basis. Some retail stores have also expanded their selection of store positions to cater to the needs of older, retired persons.

Store greeters, grocery baggers, cashiers, office assistants, and inventory personnel are often positions filled by those who have retired.

Food Service

There are opportunities in food service that range from waitress positions in restaurants to lunch supervisors in elementary schools, Depending on your needs and capabilities, the food service industry has plenty of positions to choose from and offers benefits outside of a paycheck such as discounts within the restaurant.

Fast-food locations are often looking for experienced personnel to oversee operations and staff.  I know that if was retired and looking for a new job, I would love to work at In-N-Out Burger.  🙂

For those who have a love of baking and meal-making, it may be time to venture into the self-employment world by starting a bakery, catering company, or other niche food industry service that would make good business sense in your local community.

Customer Service

There are all kinds of industries that rely on customer service representatives to assist the public. Many of these positions are light-duty, desk positions that do not require hard labor. Companies offer varied schedules and steady work for those individuals looking for work.

Customer service representatives afford an opportunity to utilize good communication skills and are available in many different kinds of markets from manufacturing to technology.

Temporary Work

There are agencies that help employers find substitute employees on demand. This affords opportunities for retirees to work a variety of jobs within the course of a year. Temporary jobs usually last for a few weeks or a few months at a time but also open the door for retirees to stay on permanently at jobs they love.

Teaching

For those retirees who have niche experience in a certain field, there may be paying work as a teacher for a trade or technical school. Many of these schools employ experts in a field to teach up-and-coming professionals.

High schools and trade schools employ experts on a part-time or full-time basis. Some community centers also employ hands-on teachers for special classes, training, or seminars.

Non-Profit Work

Non-profits often rely on the help of volunteers to spread their message and help where it is needed. However, many of these non-profit agencies also have paying positions for those who want to get involved. Non-profits are involved in many types of causes from animal care to cancer awareness. If there is an event, charity, or issue that is close to your heart, a position working directly with people involved in the cause can be highly rewarding.

Have you retired and started a new job? Share your experience in finding a job post-retirement.