Just because you are retired, and your kids are grown, doesn’t mean you can’t share the skills and talents you’ve developed during your career with the rest of the world. There are many jobs available to and suitable for retirees that are fun and fulfilling that also provide a little extra spending money. Though COVID-19 may have put a pause on some part-time positions, there are still many opportunities worth exploring if you want to get out and be a part of the community again. 

The website Sixty+Me (https://sixtyandme.com/9-fun-part-time-jobs-for-retirees/) has a list of nine jobs for retirees don’t have to be boring. A few on the list include:

Craftpreneur: If you have a hobby for making things — whether jewelry, soap, knitted or crocheted items, or other homemade goods, Sixty+Me says there’s a market for such gifts with a personal touch. The e-commerce website Etsy enables artisans to sell their goods (with a service fee) to customers worldwide! The global marketplace known as Etsy (www.etsy.com) is “home to a universe of special, extraordinary items, from unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures.” Just peruse the online shops and you will see the one-of-a-kind items sold; from doll clothes and crocheted baby blankets, handmade jewelry and accessories, to personalized clothing or home goods … there’s a niche for everyone! The site even has quite a few shops that sell fancy face masks! Get in on “the game” and let your talents shine while making some money as an artisan/craftpreneur! To find out how to sell on Etsy, go to the homepage and scroll to the bottom and click “sell on Etsy.” 

If you prefer to sell your goods offline, visit the website Visit Annapolis (www.visitannapolis.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/) to find information about local events, festivals, craft fairs and even the annual Renaissance Festival.

Blogger or Freelance writer/editor: The creator of Sixty+Me notes that her website started as her own “personal part-time retirement job” that has flourished over time with an increased audience and even a moneymaking aspect through advertising. She advises those with writing and editing abilities, and the desire to share information or creative projects, to start their own website. If starting your own website blog seems daunting, check out The Blog Starter (www.theblogstarter.com/) for six simple set up tips.

Seasonal Worker: The website CoolWorks.com “connects people seeking meaningful and exciting work with the employers who are looking for their enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge.” The website even has an “Older and Bolder” tab with resources and guidance for retirees who have the time and desire to take on seasonal jobs that are more like adventures.

CoolWorks features job opportunities in places that range from summer camps and national parks to dude ranches and ski resorts and more. If you want to find a seasonal job in a specific place, visit www.coolworks.com/job-map or simply type in a desired job title in the search bar on the homepage coolworks.com to see what’s available and where!

If traveling to a new place isn’t for you, there are many other options for seasonal work right in your hometown. If numbers are your thing, the website RetiredBrains (www.retiredbrains.com/seasonal-jobs.html) says the IRS has seasonal jobs for data transcribers, clerks, tax examiners or contract representatives during tax season — January through May. Visit www.jobs.irs.gov/careers/work-type/seasonal for more information. If you want to try something totally different from your career, just think about what you love or enjoy and see if there’s a job that relates to it. For example, I have a good friend who had a long career as an advertising executive that, once she retired decided to pursue her dream of working with dolphins. So, she started out volunteering at a nearby aquarium and a few months later she was hired to work part-time. In addition, she found seasonal work as a ticket taker for the local amphitheater’s summer concert series. So, she makes a little extra spending money while catching some great shows!

Charity thrift store/nonprofit worker

If you want to combine making some money while also serving the community, investigate area nonprofits that have thrift or retail stores that donate the proceeds to charities or fund their own community services. My mother-in-law retired a little over 10 years ago after a long and successful career with the Small Business Association. Despite being officially retired and a grandma, she finds the time and energy to co-manage a thrift store associated with a local church. She works three to four days a week managing volunteers, creating and monitoring schedules, sorting through donated inventory, pricing merchandise, taking photographs for the website, and serving as a cashier or floor person. Not only does it provide her with extra money that goes into a vacation/cruise fund, but it also keeps her active and engaged with co-workers who have become friends. Above all, the satisfaction of knowing her store donates to the local food bank, schools and other charities, is the biggest reward of her post-retirement employment. Last year, despite the COVID-19 lockdown, her thrift store donated $96,000 to those in need!

There are endless possibilities if you have the time and willingness to put yourself back out in the community. My father, a retired naval intelligence officer, is 72 and still teaches tennis lessons to young people and serves as the head coach of a high school girls’ tennis team! Now talk about a fulfilling and invigorating way to make some extra dough and stay active! So, good luck on finding work that will be gratifying and fun during this important chapter of your life!

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