Retirement is meant to be the best years of your life. Working in retirement might seem like an oxymoron, but today’s retirees and near-retirees are redefining what it means to transition into the next phase of life.
When you got your first job as a student, the allure of extra pocket money was a thrill. Then, somewhere along the line, you realised that you had to do this whole "work" thing for the rest of your adult life and it was only the sweet promise of retirement that kept you going.
Before you start your job search, it’s important to take a step back and think about what type of lifestyle you want. Create a budget for all the things you’d like to do and then work out how much money you’ll need to maintain it – is it achievable or is there a shortfall?
Start with what you love
Retirement is the perfect opportunity to try something new – especially if you have a burgeoning passion. Whether it’s baking cookies on the weekend, playing a musical instrument or making your own clothes, turn that hobby into a little money-spinner.
While it’s never going to replace a full-time income, if you’re excited about your hobby you can make some decent money from it. It’s about looking at your past career and what you like, and finding out how these aspects can be applied to a new job. If you’re doing something you love and you’re willing to persevere at it then everything else seems to fall into place.
Network
with everyone
Ease your way into your job search by starting with contacts you already have. A lot of people tend to target large chain employers such as Bunnings and Woolies and, while that’s fine, everyone else is applying there. So it makes
it difficult to stand out from the
crowd.
It’s better to look around your local neighbourhood and target smaller businesses because they don’t have hundreds of people applying for the same position.
Consultant/Freelancer
Working for yourself is a great way to earn extra money on your schedule. There are freelance jobs available for just about any skillset, so keep an open mind. Freelancing gives you a way to do what you want, as well as to boost your earnings.
Pet Sitter
If you’re an animal lover, you can get started as a pet sitter in a variety of different ways. Family, friends, and neighbors may need someone to help out when they are at work or away on vacation or business.
You could start your own pet sitting business, or you could work for a company that provides animal care. You can sign up to be a dog walker or pet sitter. If you have extra time, consider volunteering for your local animal shelter. Even though you won’t get paid, it’s a great way to help out, and shelters do occasionally hire paid employees.
Substitute teacher or aide
When you’re interested in working with children and want to work on your schedule, consider a job as a substitute teacher or aide.
Once you’re hired, you’ll be able to choose to accept an assignment based on your availability. In addition to teacher positions, there are many other school job options which include food service and cafeteria positions, and monitors, and administrative jobs.
Caretaker/house sitter
Caretaking and house sitting are great ways to travel without all the expenses. If you’re part of a couple, you may both be able to get hired. Many caretaker jobs offer positions for both. You can find short term or long-term options, and, if you’re very flexible, you could use work as a house sitter as a way to see the world. Search Google using terms like “house sitter” or “caretaker” to find sources of job openings.
Hotel concierge
When you live in a town or city you know well, consider a concierge job at a hotel. The hours are flexible though you may need to work weekends. You’ll be helping guests choose restaurants, tours, events, and activities.
If you know all the best things to do and places to go, consider a second career as a concierge.
Author
Writing can be creatively rewarding, and there many options for inexpensive self-publishing. Amazon is one of the most high-profile and has a simple how-to guide from its Kindle Direct Publishing group.
Bookkeeper
If you’ve got admin skills from a previous career, put them to good use by taking on clerical work. Skills and experience from your work history are valuable and transferable.
It will help you stand out and slip straight into your new role. It also keeps your mind active while you earn extra money to put towards something nice.
Volunteering
Retirees with an empatheticdisposition can enjoy volunteering positions like working with animal shelters or charitable organisations. Volunteering work includes teaching under-privileged children, working for the upliftment of women, rescuing animals, medical internships etc. One can also donate one’s time and money to charitable organisations nearby; it only takes a good heart to help another human being.
Earning through Social Media Platforms
Do you have any skills or contentwhich will connect with the masses and a unique personality to match it? Thensocial media is the place for you. Online platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Facebook etc. have made celebrities out of regular citizens and if you thoughtsenior citizens were not in on the trend then you couldn’t be more wrong.You can also start writing blog.
Many grandparents upload recipes of their delicious food, some review shows on Netflix while others enjoy making videos on TikTok. Social media is one place where good content rules irrespective of age, language, gender or religion.Being constructively active on social media gives you purpose and keeps you onyour toes as you compete with younger influencers and if the channel is monetised, then one can earn good money also.