The joy of your retirement party has faded and you feel restless. Perhaps you need extra money for health insurance or a cruise. 40 % of boomers intend to work part-time after retiring, according to recent studies. Many use skills from former jobs while some find new fields. The trick is finding jobs that are fun rather than a grind. Check websites of big package companies before applying. Some jobs worth going back to work for, are set out:
Interpreter/translator
Can you speak Vietnamese? Spanish? Turkish? In a multi-ethnic society, many institutions need assistance with languages for courts, customer service centers and social service agencies. You need certification which enables freedom to freelance at will. A translator’s job enables meeting fascinating new people besides learning new cultures. Check the website of American Translators Association, Upwork and Freelancer.com to help you find clients.
Tax-return preparer
If adept at numbers and computers, consider becoming tax preparers for firms like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt during the January-April peak tax season. To deal with straightforward returns, build some experience with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide that trains volunteers to help elderly people with tax returns. Check big firms’ websites for course details as companies expect you to take classes offered in the fall.
Park ranger
Maybe you love the great outdoors. The National Park Service/State Park Agencies always take on rangers for a summer surge or find employment in the park hotels and restaurants and if lucky, you work in a historical lodge. For seasonal positions/openings for park rangers, you should visit usajobs.gov and search “National Park Service.” For other jobs, visit the Aramark website, that NPS uses for its many facilities and concessions or your state’s parks department website.
Retail Cashier
If you love to remain busy and on your feet then working a check-out lane would make your time fly by. Demand at shops spikes at certain crucial times, but stores always need cashiers, and for security, shelf-stocking, and customer greeting. Be prepared to stand for hours and meet people. In the Older & Bolder website section of CoolWorks.com, senior workers can find placements.
Craft Worker
Some look forward to retirement to spend time in craft-work. Turn this crafty hobby into a business idea or sell your wares at a local craft fairs or even make an online store. Marketing is as important as making saleable products, providing challenges and satisfaction. ArtFire, Etsy and Bonanza are online markets where a lot of crafters sell creations. Check community websites for local craft fairs.
Package Courier
If heavy lifting to stay in shape appeals, delivery companies like FedEx and UPS constantly need truck drivers, mail sorters, and floor managers. Some positions are physically tiring and need you to lift heavy boxes and remain on your feet for hours.
Your old job done part -time
You negotiate a deal to remain at your work, possibly three days a week, with long weekends and time for hobbies. If someone at your workplace went part-time, how was the deal struck? Approach your boss with a specific proposal with days, responsibilities, etc. If expanding your horizons with a different employer, local staffing firms help find work.
Where the Jobs are for 55+ Workers (with percentages)
- Curators: 35%
- Clinical, Counselling and School Psychologists: 32%
- Instructional Coordinators: 34%
- Library Technicians: 31%
- Postsecondary Teachers: 34%
- Museum Technicians and Conservators: 35%
- Morticians, Undertakers and Funeral Directors: 42%
