According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 70 percent of people over the age of sixty-five will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime, but many fail to adequately prepare for the cost of that care. When it comes time for them to move into an Assisted Living or Independent Living community, many seniors turn to financing methods such as life insurance, Medicaid, and reverse mortgages to cover the costs. Seniors who plan ahead can take a more proactive approach by finding a part-time job after retirement, allowing them to continue to save while finding a productive way to use some of their free time. Working after retirement not only supplies supplemental income but also provides a great opportunity for you or your loved one to keep the mind engaged and stay active in the community. Below are ten exciting part-time jobs for retirees.
Librarian Assistant
As a librarian assistant, your duties may involve shelving books, checking out patrons, answering questions, and cataloging items. This position is ideal for friendly, patient, and service-oriented people. This title typically provides a peaceful, low-stress atmosphere along with all the books you can read.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers usually handle a full range of financial records in addition to other tasks such as purchasing office supplies, processing payroll, and overseeing audits. This part-time job is ideal since the work hours are often limited to one week during the middle of the month and one at the end of the month for invoicing and bill paying.
Tax Preparer
An ideal job for retired accountants or anyone who excels at numbers, tax preparers can work at an established franchise or simply provide services on their own to friends and family members. This seasonal position typically begins in January and ends in April, making it a perfect part-time job for seniors.
Community Expert/ Tour Guide
There is no better way to share your knowledge and love for a place than as a community expert or tour guide. Museums, historical associations, wineries, and breweries require experts to guide tourists through their exhibits and provide knowledgeable information. These establishments typically only offer tours during daytime hours or on the weekends, and employees often get private access to behind-the-scenes special events.
Non-Profit and Charity Work
Most non-profits do not rely solely on unpaid, volunteer work and usually have a paid staff for day-to-day operations. Organizations such as Goodwill, the Red Cross, local shelters, and environmental groups often hire part-time workers. This is a good way to make some extra money and feel good about the positive impact you have on the community.
Retail Clerk or Greeter
Many seniors work at companies such as Walmart, Macy’s, IKEA, and Target. Some positions include greeting guests as they enter the store, assisting customers, processing payments, and stocking inventory. Working in retail provides a great opportunity to meet new people and gain access to great employee discounts.
Restaurant Host
As a host, you are the first friendly face that guests see as they walk into a restaurant. The typical job duties include greeting and seating diners, taking reservations, and processing to-go orders. You normally have your choice of night, weekend, breakfast, or lunch shifts along with free (or discounted) meals.
Usher
Many sports stadiums, movie theaters, and performing arts venues offer part-time usher positions. As an usher, your job requirements include showing fans to their seats, answering questions, collecting tickets, and handing out programs. You will likely enjoy job perks such as free tickets, merchandise discounts, and backstage passes.
Golf Course
Many retirees enjoy positions that range from pro shop staff to golf course maintenance. The hours are ideal for part-time workers since golf-courses typically only operate during daylight hours and experience seasonal peak times.
Crossing Guard
Local government offices and school districts hire part-time employees to help pedestrians cross the street during prime traffic hours. This job allows seniors to interact with members of the neighborhood while also keeping them safe.
Though a part-time job is a great method for saving for future senior living care, remember to check your Social Security benefits before applying. While you can receive Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time, you could experience a reduction in your benefits if you are younger than the full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit.
10 Senior-Friendly Part-Time Jobs to Help Save for Senior Living