After you’ve spent much of your life working and saving for retirement, the last thing you may want in your golden years is to re-enter the workforce. However, a recent survey on retirement showed that approximately 19 percent of retired respondents were already working part-time—and about 27 percent of pre-retirees planned on working at least part-time once they did retire.
Whether for financial or lifestyle reasons, there are many reasons to work after you retire—especially if your retirement savings are lacking, you need medical coverage and you’re too young to qualify for Medicare, or you’re looking to keep your mind engaged by exploring a new line of work. Plus, plenty of flexible job opportunities are available so you won’t miss out on the best of your senior years. To explore some of the best career opportunities for retired seniors, read these tips from the California Council on Gerontology & Geriatrics.
Teach Others
If you’re an expert in a certain area, have a teaching background, and/or you enjoy helping others, becoming an academic tutor or teacher could be the perfect post-retirement job for you. If you worked as a teacher prior to retirement, for instance, you could look into private tutoring, test preparation, part-time substitute teaching, or you could become an online tutor if you like the idea of working from home. While not all teaching and tutoring positions require a related background, many require a bachelor’s degree.
Assist Others Virtually
If you worked as an administrative assistant or secretary before retirement and you’re comfortable writing and using technology, taking on a part-time role as a virtual assistant could be ideal for you. To work as a virtual assistant, you typically need a reliable internet connection, access to phone and email, strong organizational skills, and experience using Microsoft Office.
Walk Dogs or Sit for Pet Owners
If you love animals and you’re looking for active work that gets you out of the house and moving around, the perfect post-retirement job for you could be a part-time dog walker or pet sitter. Plus, mobile apps like Rover, Wag, and Fetch connect you to pet owners in need of these services—and you can set your own hours and rates.
Start a Business
Whether you’ve recently retired or you’ve been out of the workforce for years, retirement is the perfect time to start a business of your own. Starting a business allows you to use a special skill or expertise to supplement your retirement income—all while setting your own hours and pace.
One important step in starting a business is choosing a business entity, such as an LLC or corporation. With a California LLC, for example, you get tax perks, meaning that your business is exempt from federal taxes. You'll also be in good standing with the government and can avoid potential penalties if you register your LLC early on.
Also, keep in mind that all working professionals—especially small business owners—need a reliable mobile device that allows them to stay in touch with their customers, respond to email inquiries, and monitor their company’s online presence. If your current phone is old, outdated, or doesn’t connect to the internet, it’s time to upgrade to a reliable smartphone that comes equipped with everything you need to successfully run a business in your golden years.
Set Up a Home Office
If your new career allows you to work from home, you should dedicate a space in your home that's quiet and provides privacy. You'll want quality equipment to help with productivity. It’s also a good idea to invest in comfortable furniture. For example, an ergonomic office chair can improve your posture and minimize the likelihood of joint pain.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Golden Years
In conclusion, if you’re going to work in retirement, doing something you enjoy is crucial. However, working in retirement isn’t ideal for everyone, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of doing so before deciding whether a part-time job will be right for you.
If you’d like to learn more about how the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics provides support to seniors, please visit our website or contact us at (888) 963-9123.
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