In the past, hitting 65 meant retirement parties and never working again. But with life expectancy increasing, do you really want to spend 30 years doing nothing? Plus, living longer means more expenses. It’s easier to afford a 10-year retirement than a 30-year one. And let’s not forget the trend of older workers being forced out of their jobs before they’re ready to retire.
So, it’s time to rethink retirement. Consider a "rolling retirement". A 2018 study found that a third of baby boomers have nothing saved for retirement and only 40% are currently contributing to retirement plans. Even those with savings aren’t faring much better. The median savings for those born between 1954 and 1959 was only $209,246, which only generates about $697 per month.
Working longer isn’t just about the salary. With health insurance premiums skyrocketing, employer-sponsored health care plans are invaluable. Plus, the later you start taking Social Security benefits, the more money you receive. Working also provides intangible benefits like purpose, structure, intellectual stimulation, and social interaction.
Americans are generally working later in their lives. Even among senior citizens 85 and over, employment is at a record high. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep grinding away at your high-stress job. Instead, consider a post-retirement career — a fun, low-stress job that leaves you energized and excited rather than exhausted at the end of your workday.
Here are 18 post-retirement jobs to keep the income tap running — without the stress.
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Negotiate a Pullback With Your Current Employer: You don’t need to change careers entirely. One option is to negotiate a new arrangement with your employer. That could mean switching to part-time work hours, telecommuting, or simply reducing your responsibilities.
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Become a Consultant: You know your industry inside and out by now. One way to capitalize on your expertise and network is to sell your services as a consultant.
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Become a Personal Coach or Mentor: Younger adults need the knowledge and wisdom you’ve accrued over the last few decades. You can do this on a volunteer basis or charge for it and earn some extra money.
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Become a Sports Coach: If you’re sick of the business world, you could become a coach for a sports team.
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Write: If you’re interested in becoming a freelancer, start with this guide to finding freelance gigs and earning more money.
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Drive: Driving is one of the most popular side gigs in America today. You could drive for Uber or Lyft, deliver for companies like DoorDash or Instacart, or deliver parcels for UPS or the postal service.
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Pour Wine at a Local Winery or Wine Bar: This is a quiet, easygoing gig where you get to talk to people about wine all day.
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Work for a Nonprofit: Nonprofit organizations tend not to pay well, but working for them can be incredibly rewarding.
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Work as a Hotel Concierge: As a concierge, it’s your job to know the local area’s restaurants, tours, and other tourist attractions.
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Work as Resort Staff: You could live a leisurely lifestyle working at a beach resort, spa retreat, wine country getaway, or any other type of resort.
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Start Your Own Bed-and-Breakfast: Many older people have fun hosting a bed-and-breakfast as a retirement gig to bring in some extra income.
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Tutor: Tutoring doesn’t come with any benefits, but you can set your own schedule, choose your own clients, and set your own hourly rate.
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Be a Substitute or Part-Time Teacher: Substitute teaching doesn’t pay particularly well, but it’s one way to keep your foot in the door of education.
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Become a Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents enjoy autonomy, flexibility, and a job largely spent out of the office.
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Invest in Real Estate: As a real estate investor, you’re effectively self-employed.
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Rent Out Your Car: This is like Airbnb for cars. You own an asset, you rent out short-term use of it, and you laugh all the way to the bank.
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Offer Handyman Services: Are you handy around the house? Your services are in demand.
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Start a Business: Many of the ideas above are self-employment, solopreneur-style small businesses. But your choices are endless and range far beyond the bounds of this list.
So, forget the outdated cake-and-gold-watch retirement model. Instead, start brainstorming ideas for a second career — one that shuns high stress and long hours and instead delivers passion, flexibility, and fun. This time around, just enjoy the ride.
