Are you a senior who is thinking about returning to work part time? If so, then you will be pleased to know that you are not alone in choosing this path. Over 8 million Americans of 65 and older are in employment as of 2016 – an increase of 35% from five years previous to that. It seems as though seniors choosing to remain within employment past their retirement age is a growing trend. For some retirees, this is a purely financial based decision, but for many, it’s a lifestyle choice brought about by wanting to meet new people, to develop new skills, to feel productive or from sheer boredom.
The figures show that seniors are finding work – with the level of experience a senior can bring to a company, it stands to reason that employers are hiring seniors more than ever before. Below are seven of the most popular jobs for seniors looking to get back into the work place:
1. Consultant
Companies are always looking for ways to improve their products and services, or to streamline their operations. If you have experience and a proven track record within a particular industry, then consulting could be a good idea for you.
As a consultant, you will be able to set your own rates and your own hours, making this a perfect choice for seniors who still want some free time too. And with plenty of years of experience, consulting can definitely be a great earner.
2. Ride Share Driver
Working for a company like Uber or Lyft is the ultimate in having the best of both worlds. You set your own hours, only working when you want to, leaving you free to plan in non-work related activities at your leisure.
The money you will earn isn’t fantastic, but you will be sure to meet plenty of interesting characters along the way.
3. Bartender
While the average hourly pay for a bartender is only a little over ten dollars, the real money to be made bartending is in the tips. If you can make a drink quickly, are good under pressure and have excellent social skills, then you can earn a lot of money fast this way.
You are also pretty much guaranteed to meet new people every day you work.
4. Private Tutor
If you have a background in education, or a particularly sought after skill, then working as a private tutor can be a great way to pull in some extra cash while also getting the satisfaction of knowing you are helping someone else on the path to being successful.
Rates vary from $30-$85 dollars per hour depending on your education and experience. As a senior, you have a great advantage here as your experience will definitely put you in the higher earnings bracket.
5. Babysitter
While this is often a job associated with teenagers, think about it for a second. If you love children, this is a perfect way to spend some quality time around them, and having someone with some life experience looking after their children will undoubtedly give parents’ more peace of mind, meaning you have a really good chance of finding plenty of work in this area.
The average salary for this kind of work according to a 2017 survey is $16.20 per hour.
6. Customer Service Rep
If you can keep your cool and reach people who are often angry and talk them down, then this could be the right position for you. You will most likely be working in a call centre, or you could even find some companies who outsource their customer services and work from the comfort of your own home.
The average salary for a full time customer service rep is just over $35K per year.
7. Dog Walker
Obviously this job is only suited to dog lovers. It’s an ideal opportunity to make some extra cash for any seniors who want to get plenty of exercise and fresh air, and dog walking is a great way to meet new people if you go to places such as specific dog walking areas and parks.
On average, you can expect to earn around $14 per hour for dog walking, although you are free to set your own rates and times, so the earning potential here is quite high.
