21 of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

For many of us, the thought of retiring and having more free time to engage with things we truly enjoy and value sounds like an alluring prospect.

However, for some, the idea of having all that spare time on top of the potential loss of income might be slightly daunting.

While it is important to enjoy the freedom you have earned and all of the benefits that go along with this, there is no reason that you can’t take on some flexible, part-time work as well, should you choose to. This could improve your social life, enable you to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, all while earning some extra money.

Whether you are of traditional retirement age, preparing to take control of your free time and embark on a new project, or you are looking to retire early but still want to engage in tasks or projects that are rewarding and can be monetized, there is bound to be something in this list of jobs for retirees to suit you.

Part-Time Jobs for Retirees

Here you will find 21 different part-time jobs which can be accommodated to fit in with your availability and interests:

1. Transcriptionist

In a time when we rely more heavily on machines and technology for many office-based tasks, it may be surprising that transcription jobs are actually in high demand, and the work is becoming a popular choice amongst a wide range of people.

The main benefit of this kind of work is flexibility. With most online transcription jobs, the hours are extremely flexible and you are free to work from anywhere, so long as you have a computer or laptop and a stable internet connection. There are also other pieces of transcription equipment you might consider investing in such as a headset and foot pedal.

Of course, you’ll need some typing skills in order to work as a transcriptionist, but this is a skill that can be improved with a little bit of practice if you want to become a transcriptionist and benefit from one of the best jobs for retirees.

Many websites allow you to take on project-based transcription jobs as a freelance transcriptionist, meaning there is no need to get tied into a contract, allowing you even more flexibility.

2. Flea Market Flipper

This is an especially good option if you have an eye for antiques or can turn your hand to upcycling furniture. Flea markets and yard sales are great places to find well-loved or slightly damaged items that could potentially be turned into something more desirable and profitable.

This can be an extremely rewarding and fun hobby, which could end up earning you some extra money, and potentially a very good income. Even if you don’t yet consider yourself to be an expert when it comes to flipping furniture, clothes, or any other items, this still might be a good opportunity to learn a new skill and generate some profit.

By keeping an eye on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, you can easily gain an understanding of the type of items people are willing to pay good money for.

Rob and Melissa Stephenson are experienced six-figure flippers and they offer a free online workshop that will show you how to start a profitable reselling business in as little as 14 days.

If you enjoy browsing yard sales and flea markets, this could be the perfect way to earn some extra money in retirement.

3. Virtual Assistant

Online virtual assistants  (VAs) are in high demand and this type of work has grown considerably in recent years. With many businesses moving online, particularly in the current climate, more and more employers are looking for reliable and skilled individuals to assist with their administrative online needs.

The obvious benefit of working as a virtual assistant is that you are able to work from home, or wherever else you choose. This makes it easy to fit the work around any other commitments you may have, whether it’s children, grandchildren, other jobs, socializing, or general housework.

Even with little administrative experience, you may find that by offering a cost-effective service, employers are still inclined to offer you work. The work could be project-based, or you might find ongoing employment with one company or client. It depends entirely on your own preferences and availability.

Working as a virtual assistant is one of our top recommendations, for retirees or anyone else, because of the flexibility, demand, and income potential.

4. Author

Post-retirement, you might find that you finally have the time to get on with that book you’ve been thinking of writing for so many years. This is the perfect time to set yourself a new challenge, be creative, and accomplish something you’ve always wanted to do.

Whether it’s a five hundred page novel, an autobiography of your life and experiences, or a short how-to guide based on skills and expertise you possess, writing a book is extremely rewarding and provides a legacy through which your words and thoughts can live on indefinitely.

With programs like Amazon KDP, it couldn’t be easier to write and self-publish your own book or ebook, and you never know, you might have a future bestseller on your hands. By selling through KDP, you won’t need to spend any more on inventory. You can sell ebooks and paperbacks that are printed on-demand as they are sold. There’s never been a better time to become an author.

5. Freelance Writer

As a freelance writer, you have the flexibility and freedom to work whenever and wherever you like. Being self-employed means you are free to set your own payment rates, choose your own hours, and take on projects that you feel will be of particular interest to you.

Whether you are an expert in gardening, fishing, or any other area, there are bound to be websites, blogs, or magazines looking for writers to contribute to their platforms. Even if you don’t have a specific area of interest in mind, writing gives you the opportunity to research and learn about an endless number of topics and subjects.

Sites like UpWork make it easy to engage with clients looking for freelance writers. This is a great way to utilize your skill for writing while also gaining knowledge at the same time.

6. Blogger

Similarly, starting a blog allows you to share your expertise and thoughts with others online. Many people look to blogs for information on a host of topics. Blogs might center around lifestyle, health and wellness, food, nature, or any other subject you choose.

You might be looking to engage with a wide range of people from all around the world, or your blog may be targeted at your close friends and family, as a way of keeping in touch and updating them on your life. Either way, this is a great way to share information while gaining or enhancing skills in web design, writing, and photo editing.

Many people also make money through blogging by enabling advertisements on their site or gaining traction with audience engagement. So if you dedicate a lot of time to your blog, you might also be able to monetize this hobby.

7. Proofreader

If you are particularly skilled in editing documents, you might choose to take on some part-time work as a proofreader. Again, this work is often project-based, meaning no long-term contracts or commitments. You are able to work from home and can usually choose your own working hours.

Proofreaders are generally required to edit and provide final quality checks of written documents before submission or publishing. Online services such as Grammarly have grown in popularity in recent years, however, many people still prefer to rely on human proofreaders for this kind of work.

As this is considered a skilled job, so the pay is good, and if you choose to work as a freelancer, you are free to set your own rates. So if you have experience in this field, there is a good chance you could earn a considerable amount of extra cash taking online proofreading jobs.

8. Bookkeeper

Alternatively, if your experience and skillset lie more-so with numbers and finances, you could consider becoming a bookkeeper for different businesses or individuals.

Again, this is a skilled job, meaning the pay is generally good and the work is in high demand. With dedicated freelancer sites, it is easy to connect with clients looking for bookkeepers on either a long or short-term basis. Like the aforementioned options, Bookkeeping often allows you to work from home and provides flexibility in terms of work hours and the kind of projects you choose to undertake.

9. Consultant

Working as a part-time consultant allows you to utilize all of the professional expertise you have accumulated throughout your career, making it one of the best jobs for retirees. Whether you are an expert in financing, marketing, education, law, or any other area, there is likely to be a business that needs your skills and advice.

Most consultants are employed on project-based contracts. This is good in that it gives you the freedom to choose projects that suit you and work in engaging environments that are compatible with your working style. The work is generally carried out remotely and offers a good deal of flexibility.

After working for many years building your knowledge and experience, why not use these skills to earn some extra cash and assist up-and-coming or established businesses in your chosen field. Consulting also offers excellent income opportunity, so it’s a great use of your time.

10. Photographer

In this day and age, almost anyone can try their hand at photography. Unless you’re looking to invest in some top-quality equipment and make photography your full-time career, you could get started using equipment you may already have.

Most smartphones come equipped with high-quality, built-in cameras. If you’re just getting started with photography and don’t want to layout a sizeable amount of money in the early stages, this is a great way to get started.

You might practice photography as a personal hobby to capture memories of loved ones, nature, or anything else that takes your interest. You might also look into working as a freelance photographer for events or portraits. Either way, this is a great way to exercise your creativity and practice a new skill, with the added potential to earn some extra money while doing so.

11. Delivery Driver

With more and more of us choosing to order goods online rather than purchasing in-store, delivery drivers are in demand now more than ever.

Opportunities like DoorDash, Amazon Flex, and Instacart make it easy for anyone with a smartphone and a mode of transport to sign up as a delivery driver. Depending on the area in which you reside, this could be a lucrative opportunity.

As well as earning some extra money, this is also a good way to get to know your local area better by traveling around making deliveries.  The work is flexible and easy to come by, so long as you are open to some basic background checks prior to being approved. 

12. Dog Walker

For many dog-lovers, the prospect of spending some free time walking dogs each week is likely to sound like a dream come true.

Whether you own a dog and are able to take other local dogs along on walks, or you are unable to own a dog of your own but love the idea of getting out in nature while caring for someone else’s, this is a great money-making opportunity.

Rover enables dog walkers to connect with local dog owners. Not only does this allow you to earn extra money while spending time with some furry-friends, but it is also an excellent way to get in some daily exercise. Walking outside in nature is a sure-fire way to boost your mood and increase your fitness.

Overall, this is a great job for retirees or anyone with some free time on their hands, and using Rover means it is easier than ever to get started.

13. Pet Sitter

Rover also helps pet owners who need to find a pet sitter. Freelancers can advertise their services and connect with local pet owners looking for someone to care for their dogs or pets while they are away or working.

You’re free to set your own availability hours, rates of pay, and can choose the size and breed of dogs that best suit you. As part of this service, you may be required to simply drop by someone’s home and check on their dog during the day, or you might be required to care for the dog overnight in your own home. Again, all terms are negotiable and are ultimately decided by you, the freelancer.

If you love dogs and have the time and facilities necessary to care for them, why not get started with Rover?

14. Voiceover Artist

Ever been told you have an engaging, powerful, or memorable voice? Why not utilize your skill and earn some extra money from it? Voiceover artists are generally employed in marketing to create effective advertising or informative content.

There is a huge range of sites that enable artists to engage with clients and take on jobs that are secure and project-based, with Fiverr being a popular option. This type of work is often really fun and challenging, and you might uncover a talent you never knew you had.

Depending on the specific job and the number of jobs you choose to take on, the pay can be very good. In most cases, you’ll be able to work from home using some basic equipment. Either way, it’s well worth checking out the Voiceover work that may be available to you.

15. Tour Guide

Tour guide work is versatile and calls on a wide range of skills and expertise. You might have experience in acting, history, arts and culture, geography, or a myriad of other areas. Each of these skills lends itself well to the role of a tour guide.

In general, working as a tour guide requires a good level of physical fitness, and an ability to keep audiences engaged, making learning as fun and interesting as possible. Given the nature of the work, it is at low risk of being digitized, meaning the jobs are often fairly secure.

This is a particularly viable option if you live in an area with high levels of tourism. It’s a great way to make some extra money and engage with like-minded people while also possibly learning more about your area of interest.

16. Customer Service Rep

As is the case with virtual assistants, more and more companies are looking to employ remote customer service representatives to aid the running of their business. You might be providing assistance over the phone or online, and in some cases, both of these methods will be incorporated into the role.

While some customer service experience may be helpful, most businesses will offer basic training prior to starting work. Again, you might be employed on a long-term basis as part of a wider team, or you may work as a freelance customer service rep.

17. Handyman

Finding work as a handyman/handywoman is fairly easy and is a great way to put your skills to good use. By advertising your services on local Facebook groups, Craigslist, or sites you’re able to quickly engage with other locals who may require help putting up a shelf, painting some walls, or fixing household appliances.

Aside from being an effective and easy way to earn some extra money, starting a handyman business is also a rewarding job that enables you to help out local people in your area. The rates of pay you charge are likely to reflect your level of experience and often word of mouth is the most effective marketing tool in this line of work. So building a good rapport and working relationship with clients is advisable.

18. Tutor

This option is especially fitting if you have experience in teaching, lecturing, or any other type of education. With students under pressure to achieve high grades at all levels of learning, many people turn to private tutors in order to enhance their knowledge.

As a tutor, you might choose to offer one-on-one sessions or small group sessions. You could tutor in almost any subject: Math, History, Sports, Musical Instruments, etc. Many students and parents are willing to offer good pay rates for high-quality tutoring. The work is part-time and allows you to offer availability when it suits you.

This is a job that can be done in-person with local clients, or it can be done online. There are a growing number of websites that can help you to find online tutoring jobs and match you up with students who are looking for your services.

19. Substitute Teacher

If you are experienced in education and teaching, but prefer a classroom environment to the one-on-one sessions a tutor may provide, taking on work as a substitute teacher is a good option.

Generally, substitute teachers are represented by an agency that presents them with available jobs. You then have the choice to accept or decline. You’re likely to find yourself teaching a wide range of different subjects so versatility and the ability to improvise are important skills.

If you enjoy teaching and find sharing and inspiring younger generations to be a rewarding way to pass time and earn extra money, signing up to become a substitute teacher is likely to offer all of these benefits.

20. School Bus Driver

Working as a school bus driver can be a fun and gratifying job. Creating a safe and comfortable environment in which children are transported to and from school is extremely important. This job comes with a great deal of responsibility, but for the right person, it could be an excellent opportunity to feel that you are making a positive contribution to your community while also earning some extra money.

Of course, there are several pre-requisites that accompany this job. Having experience driving a bus or another large vehicle is advantageous but not necessarily essential, as well as having a good understanding of the local area and traffic conditions. You will also be required to pass several background checks as a vital part of your enrolment into this line of work. These may be carried out by the specific school or by the agency you choose to work for. It’s very common to see ads or signs from school districts that are looking to hire bus drivers, so there are definitely opportunities available.

21. Survey Taker

Online surveys are a vital part of market research. As a consumer you’re able to give your opinions and feedback on products and services, possibly making a real difference in the way things are advertised or produced.

The other benefit that comes along with online surveys is the monetary rewards. Many surveys pay consumers for their time. While you are unlikely to make a fortune by partaking in paid online surveys, it is a good way to earn a bit of extra money in your otherwise free time.

Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars make the process extremely quick and easy. Many of these sites also offer a plethora of other money-making tasks and opportunities, so they are well worth checking out if you’re looking for a new hobby or source of income.

Conclusion

Whether you are an avid dog-lover, an aspiring writer, or someone looking to learn a new skill, there is something on this list for you. Your time is precious and it’s important to spend it doing things you find value and enjoyment in.

By utilizing expertise or knowledge you already possess, or taking a leap of faith and trying out something completely new, you could find that one of these jobs for retirees leads you to a great new hobby or pastime, with the added benefit of some extra cash too!