Just because you are retired does not mean you have to give up a weekly paycheck. And, it also means that you can be choosy when it comes to what you do. Whether you’ve never worked at all or are exiting a 50-plus year career, the following part-time positions can help you make the most of your time away from the nine-to-five grind.
In an age where people would rather order online than shop in the store, demand for delivery drivers has never been higher. As a senior with a clean driving record, you can make $10 an hour or more working as a delivery driver. Many local businesses, including flower shops and dry cleaners, utilize in-house delivery services instead of UPS or FedEx.
If you would rather drive around full-time, UPS looks for drivers who are physically fit and comfortable roaming the roads in all weather conditions. You’ll need to be able to lift at least 150 pounds, and you can’t have a beard or visible tattoos.
As an insurance sales representative, you are in control of your income. You are probably already familiar with the kinds of products you would be selling. Many insurers pay by commission, but products such as burial and life insurance, are virtually always in demand.
Be cautious before joining up with any insurance company, and make sure to check their reputation before you decide to work for them. Companies such as Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance can be found on Glassdoor, a website that lets you see reviews from workers on the inside of a particular organization. Do your research and find out as much as possible about their pay structure, management, and business practices.
If you love coffee, working on the side as a barista might be the perfect way to combine your passion and your desire to supplement your retirement income. Even if you don’t have any experience, many coffee shops will happily provide training as long as you’re cheerful, pay attention to details, and are, most importantly, reliable.
Starbucks, which you probably have many of in your hometown, is considered one of the best companies to work for, particularly for seniors. Most part-time employees have access to benefits, which include health coverage, stock, paid days off, and financial assistance for employees experiencing a crisis situation.
Do you have your own tools? Are you the first person that your friends and family call when they need something done around the house? If so, you may be able to capitalize on your home repair and maintenance skills. Before you start posting flyers, however, Warrior DIY suggests getting familiar with the local laws regarding handyman services. You may find that you need a license for things like electrical and plumbing work.
Something else to consider is your ability to connect with your potential clients. As a business professional, it is your responsibility to communicate regarding projects. You will need a reliable mobile phone, preferably one that fits your budget and is available through a carrier with an affordable data plan. The Apple iPhone 8 Plus is a fairly affordable option and has a nice 12-megapixel camera and almost a full day of usage time. Similarly, Samsung’s popular Galaxy S10 also has a great camera, which is important for taking before and after photos of your work.
If none of these options are appealing, there are plenty of other full and part-time gigs that are easy to get into during your retirement years. You might work as a senior caretaker, at an oil changing facility, or grooming dogs. Look at your likes and dislikes, and choose based on what you think will make you the happiest. Remember, the point of retirement is to enjoy your best years. If you don’t like what you do, the money won’t make you happy.