Personal Finance

The 7 Best Retirement Jobs You'll Actually Enjoy

Kristin Hitchcock

Published: December 5, 2024 11:46 am

Last Updated: December 14, 2024 6:17 pm

Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of work—it can be a chance to find fulfilling opportunities that bring purpose and a little bit of extra income. For many, working during retirement is just about the paycheck, but it doesn’t have to be! Working can also help you stay active and engaged with your community. 

There are tons of different job options available for retirees that are flexible. Here are some of our top choices. That said, remember that the best job for you will be one that’s connected to your passions and life purpose. 

24/7 Wall St. Key Points:

• Retirement jobs are a great way for retirees to stay connected and get a little extra income. We’d argue that many of the benefits go beyond a paycheck, though. 
• When looking for a job, consider your passions and interests. 
• Also: Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire (Sponsored)

Why Work in Retirement?

Retirement is often viewed as a chance to relax and wind down. However, working also has several other benefits:

• Social Engagement: Many jobs help you connect to others and combat isolation, which can be a serious worry for retirees. 
• Flexible Schedules: Many retirement-friendly roles let you choose your hours, allowing you to still travel and enjoy your retirement. 
• Supplemental Income: Extra earnings from a job can help cushion your retirement budget or fund hobbies and extra travel. 
• Sense of Purpose: Many people find purpose in their jobs, and those in retirement are no different. 

The key is to find a job that aligns with your needs and passions. Consider some of these to get started:

1. Consulting

You can leverage your years of professional experience to become a consultant. For instance, a retired teacher could help with curriculum development, or a former marketing executive could advise startups. 

Either way, consulting often allows you to work on your terms, making it great for retirees. 

2. Teaching or Tutoring

You can share your knowledge by teaching part-time or tutoring students. This is a great way to have meaningful work with the younger generations, and you can teach about any topic you’re interested in. 

3. Freelancing

Consider pursuing freelance opportunities in writing, photography, or any other creative field you enjoy. If you worked in a creative field previously, freelancing is an easy option as you retire. However, even if you haven’t worked in a field previously, freelancing is a way to turn your hobbies into a profession. 

4. Seasonal Work

Seasonal roles allow you to only work during busy periods of the year, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your year doing whatever you want. There are many seasonal jobs that take place outdoors, like park guides. However, you could also consider working at a holiday market or assisting with tax preparation in the spring. 

Consider seasonal roles within your industry or that align closely with your passions. 

5. Part-Time Roles

Many part-time roles work great for retirees, as they require fewer hours. Consider getting a part-time job in a field you’re passionate about. For instance, a gardener might like working part-time at a local nursery, or an art enthusiast might like working in a museum. 

6. Nonprofit and Volunteer Roles

If a particular cause is close to your heart, consider working at a nonprofit or even volunteering. Often, nonprofit roles are rewarding and offer flexible scheduling. If you don’t need the income, serving as a volunteer can fulfill many of the other benefits of working while retired. 

7. Customer Service and Hospitality

Social butterflies who enjoy interaction and want to work somewhere warm may want to consider a part-time job in the hospitality industry. For instance, you could work at a visitor’s center or host guests at a bed-and-breakfast. 

Tailoring Jobs to Your Interest

The best job for you will be one you’re interested in. Which jobs fit that category will vary widely from person to person. Here are some ideas for different passions that you can use as inspiration:

• For History Buffs: Work at a museum or as a historic side guide. 
• For Nature Lovers: Become a park ranger, wildlife volunteer, or garden center employee.
• For Bookworms: Work at a library or a bookstore.
• For Sports Fans: Coach local teams, referee games, or assist at sporting events.

Start by identifying what your passions are, and consider what jobs would let you engage with that passion more. If you already have a job you love, you may want to consider cutting back instead of retiring completely. This is a common recommendation for those struggling to transition into retirement-mode.