Looking for Something To Do? 15 Unconventional Jobs for Retirees
Retirement used to be viewed as when one exits the workforce for good and enjoys not having to report to work anymore. It was a rite of passage workers looked forward to.
There has been a noticeable shift in how workers approach retirement. Instead of spending their golden years traveling or relaxing, they’re putting their skills to work for a second act.
Retirees still have much to offer and are willing to apply their vast work and life experiences to new and unique careers. These unconventional jobs are ideal for mature workers who want to keep working.
1. Housesitter
Temporarily taking care of someone else’s house is an excellent job for retirees who don’t mind moving around from place to place, all while providing a valuable service. Good housesitters are in demand, and mature workers are often preferred.
What does being a housesitter entail? It involves living in a property while the owner is away. You may have to water the plants, take care of pets, and retrieve the mail and packages. As part of the payment, housesitters get to live onsite for free.
2. Consultant
Consulting is an excellent way for retirees to use their work and personal experiences to guide others. As a consultant, they can advise companies or government agencies on various topics to help them achieve their objectives.
Since they’re not employees, consultants don’t have the same constraints. They have the freedom and flexibility to choose which jobs to accept and what kind of schedules they want to work.
3. Public School Teacher
Retirees who enjoy being around young people can consider entering the field of education by working as a public school teacher. There’s a nationwide shortage of teachers, and an influx of qualified retirees would be welcomed.
The education and licensing requirements vary by state, but those who meet the educational standards and are interested in teaching may be able to obtain a temporary certification to work as a full-time or substitute teacher.
4. Tour Guide
If you are interested in a particular location, knowledgeable about it, and wish to share that knowledge with others, you should consider becoming a tour guide. It’s a fun job, especially if you have strong interpersonal skills.
Different types of guide positions are available, including bus, walking, train, and even boat tours. You can also work in your local area or in a different region. No specific experience is required except your knowledge and enthusiasm.
5. Artist
Do you have a flair for creating jewelry, paintings, knitted and crocheted items, carvings, or sculptures? You could turn your hobby into an occupation, and a rather lucrative one at that.
As an artist, you would have your own schedule. You could work as little or as much as you want, and you could work from home or an art studio. Your works can be sold online, at craft shows, and other venues.
6. Library Assistant
Book lovers could do much worse than getting a job as a library assistant. Library assistants perform a variety of duties, such as helping library patrons find books, assisting with book checkouts, and sorting and shelving books.
You can have any educational or work background and become a library assistant since the library likely provides training. You can work as an assistant in public community libraries or at the colleges and universities in your area.
7. Animal Caretaker
Taking care of animals is one of the highest callings a person can answer. It takes a big heart and kind nature to provide nurturing, compassionate care to them.
Animal care can take place in different settings, such as animal shelters, farms, and veterinary practices. It’s the work where you know you’re making a positive difference.
8. Arts and Entertainment
I love the arts, but aren’t they the type to weave baskets, knit afghans, or paint? There are other ways to have fulfilling careers in the arts without being an artist yourself.
Museums, concert halls, and theaters often need people to seat patrons or provide other assistance. This type of work’s fringe benefit is free entry to exhibits and performances.
9. Transportation
Some retirees enjoy being on the road, and one way to earn money is to become a driver. Numerous driving options are available, depending on personal and scheduling preferences.
You can work as a delivery truck driver, and if delivering packages doesn’t suit you, you can drive for a rideshare service. Other options include public transit or school bus driving.
10. Adjunct Professor
Just like you can use your career and life expertise and enter the field of K-12 education, you can also leverage them, along with your educational background, to become an adjunct professor. You’d be amazed at the available teaching opportunities.
Adjunct professors work at junior and community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. You’ll have to check with the specific institution for their teaching requirements. If you have an area of specialization, you can teach it.
11. Patient Advocate
Patients of all ages and their families may need assistance communicating with healthcare providers and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. This is where a patient advocate comes in.
Patient advocates support patients throughout their care and perform activities such as setting up appointments, conflict resolution, and finding resources. They’re a critical part of a care team.
12. National Park Worker
The National Park system in the United States includes some of the most stunning natural monuments in the country, if not the world. There are plentiful opportunities to choose from at the 430 parks.
There are year-round and seasonal opportunities within the National Park system, ranging from tour guides to servers and cooks to cleaners. In addition to getting paid, you get to see a beautiful site for free.
13. Real Estate Agent
If you’re a homeowner, you were likely a home buyer at one point. Remember the excitement you felt from finally getting the keys to your house? Imagine working with prospective homebuyers who feel that same anticipation.
Working as a real estate agent allows you to help others realize their American dream. You can work independently or with an agency, and licensing requirements vary from state to state.
14. Tutor
Working with students of all ages isn’t limited to being a teacher or an adjunct professor. Working as a tutor is an excellent way to share your skills and knowledge with others outside the classroom.
There are many ways to work as a tutor. You can be a freelancer, work through a tutoring website that provides online and in-person sessions, or work at a college or university.
15. Petsitter
Pet owners away from their fur babies due to work or an extended period want to ensure they’re well cared for in their absence. Petsitters are here to save the day.
Sitters may be tasked with walking and playing with dogs, feeding pets, and ensuring all their needs are met. A love for animals is obviously a must, and if that describes you, this is a perfect job.
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