Working in retirement might seem counterintuitive, but for many retirees, a part-time job can offer several benefits while still allowing for plenty of leisure time.
Part-time jobs for retirees are common for many reasons. You might want to make a little more money in retirement. You might want to stay active and socially connected. Maybe you just can't sit still and you're looking for a sense of purpose. Working in retirement could also help you delay receiving Social Security benefits, which would give your benefits a little boost each year until you turned 70.
Looking to get back to work? Here are five common part-time jobs to consider. Hourly rates listed are subject to fluctuations.
1. Substitute Teacher
Schools need substitute teachers to fill in for full-time teachers every day, and these positions don't always require subject-specific training. Depending on the school district, duties might include taking attendance, teaching a planned lesson or keeping students busy with planned activities. The work might involve standing, walking, crouching and bending.
This is a good job to consider if you're available on short notice and enjoy working with children or young adults. Contact nearby school districts and ask how you can apply to become a substitute teacher. The average hourly rate in the United States for a substitute teacher is $15.35.
2. Coaching/Consulting/Contract Work
Working in retirement doesn't have to mean doing something new. You might find that a lifelong career has given you a skill set and experiences that you'd like to impart to others. Scaling back to part-time or contract work could keep you in your field of choice, but with less stress and time away from leisure activities.
Use the contacts you have to forge your ideal scenario, whether that's consulting or creating a scaled-back version of your career. Compensation for this kind of work depends on the industry and your expertise. Searching jobs by industry can give you an idea of what to charge.
3. Pet Sitter
One of the biggest advantages to pet sitting is that you can create your own schedule. You could also work out of your home or travel to clients' homes to walk and feed pets.
To sit for a pet, you'll have to be mobile enough to handle them and meet their physical needs. But that can also be good exercise. The average hourly rate for a pet sitter in the U.S. is $11.99, but you could charge more based on your location and the services you provide.
4. Driver
Driving can be a flexible and varied job, depending on the type of driving you're doing. Usually, it involves using a navigation app to get customers where they want to go via the fastest route possible.
This is a good job for retirees who aren't as mobile yet can still drive and enjoy meeting people. You might need a special permit; you need a special license to become a school bus driver, for instance. Contact your local school district for requirements.
The average hourly rate for a driver in the U.S. is $14.86.
5. Babysitting/Child Care
If you love kids, babysitting or working in child care might be the ticket. Parents are always looking for reliable babysitters, and day care centers are usually looking for part-time help. You could provide child care in a family's home, your own home, a community center, a health club or gym, an after-school program or at a child care center. Physical mobility is important in this job — you'll need to keep up with young kids.
The average hourly rate for a babysitter in the United States is $18.04, but your rate will depend on where you live and how many kids you're looking after.
Do What You Love
Part-time jobs for retirees aren't limited to these five options. The best part-time job for you is the one you'll love to do. This might be the first time that you can do something you enjoy without worrying about drawing a salary or advancing your career. Maybe you have a once-elusive dream job or a hobby you'd like to turn into a small side business.
Think about what you want to do and what your ideal schedule looks like, then start narrowing down the jobs you want to pursue.