While you may have enough retirement savings to meet your monthly living expenses, there are other reasons to consider going back to work. Some may want a greater sense of purpose while others want to improve their cognitive health by taking on a job in their spare time.
In-person and work-at-home jobs for seniors are great ways to utilize your expertise and develop new skills. Are you ready to take a new, big step? Here are some of the top opportunities to explore:
1. Become a Freelancer
If you’re looking for work-at-home jobs for seniors, consider seeking freelance employment. You can work as a bookkeeper, writer, or professional consultant from your own home. AARP reports that seniors can earn an average of $17.72 per hour as freelance bookkeepers. Freelancing provides you with the opportunity to use your existing skills to earn income. Plus, you can have the freedom to choose the hours you work.
2. Work for a Law Firm
Another opportunity to consider exploring is remote paralegal work. More law firms of every size are turning to remote work. Many companies offer work-at-home jobs for seniors to help them meet the firm’s administrative needs.
You may only need minimal training to begin working as a paralegal and you can earn as much as $17.50 an hour. Paralegals do research, write reports, and conduct other interesting tasks related to the legal field.
3. Look for Work-at-Home Jobs for Seniors that Include Philanthropy
You don’t have to stick to the “help wanted” ads to find meaningful work or activities to enjoy in your free time. If one of your goals is to help others, you can look for other ways to give back to your community.
Volunteer with a local charitable organization or apply to work with an international charity that appeals to you. Many nonprofit organizations need remote volunteers to perform administrative or fundraising work.
4. Start Your Own Podcast
If you’re a tech-savvy senior with an entrepreneurial spirit, consider doing something of your own. With a small investment in equipment, you can start your own podcast or record videos to share online. Discuss any topic that interests you, and as users discover your channel, you’ll develop a larger following. Once you grow your following, you can monetize your channel and earn money by doing something you love.
5. Become a Sitter
Many work-at-home jobs for seniors aren’t advertised on typical job boards, so you might have to make an effort to find them. This is usually the case for jobs that don’t require heavy tech skills, such as babysitting or dog walking. If you enjoy spending time with children or pets, look for people in your community who need a sitter. You’ll get paid and will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people (and if you’re lucky, a furry friend or two).
6. Look for Telecommunications Work-at-Home Jobs for Seniors
Many commercial businesses are looking for people to communicate with their customers. To meet this demand, they’re offering these positions as work-at-home jobs for seniors. This job involves answering phone calls from customers and providing the desired responses. This type of position will help you stay social and flex your customer service muscles. For extra meaning, look for a company that shares your values.
7. Start a New Career
Launching a new career in your retirement doesn’t have to be the overwhelming venture you might imagine. There are many career paths that only require a few months of training to start. For example, you can get a license to sell real estate or work as a tax preparer in a short amount of time. When you begin a new career, you have the opportunity to pursue something that’s both interesting and challenging. Your new path can be an empowering change.
8. Help Others
You don’t have to work for a nonprofit organization to help others in your community. Volunteer with a literacy program to teach others how to read. You can also get involved in organizing food drives, litter pickup events, or other types of fundraisers. Look for more opportunities to help children, veterans, or low-income families in your community.
Whether you live independently or in an assisted living community, you can find more paid or volunteer activities to help you feel engaged and empowered.
Ask your family, caregivers, or friends for suggestions if you’re unsure about what you can do. Taking that first step will lead to opportunities for connecting to your community while positively impacting your well-being.