Sometimes when you retire, you have so much free time you just don’t know what to do with it all! And, even if going back to work seems like the last thing you want to do, it can have some really great benefits.
By enjoying part time work in retirement, you can keep earning some extra money, stay connected with people in the workplace, and retain the feeling of productivity all while still enjoying extra time to yourself.
If you’re thinking about how to keep working in retirement, we’re here to help you out. Here are eight of the best part time jobs to take on in retirement…
Research assistant
Many universities that have research programs look for assistants to help with filing, electronic data entry, reporting and organisation. Someone who has a lifetime of experience in the real world who is sharp, courteous and hard working is perfect for these kinds of roles. The necessary skills any candidate needs to have include attention to detail, computer skills, knowledge of the Microsoft suite and strong communication skills.
Hospital ward assistant
Ward assistants help the assistant and registered nurses perform day-to-day non-medical tasks. These may include assisting patient transfers, carrying patient files, assisting in cleaning, interacting with patients and supporting the nursing staff. These jobs are usually suited to someone who is fit and healthy who doesn’t mind staying on their feet for prolonged periods of time.
Turn your hobby into an online business
Websites such as eBay and Etsy have made life so much easier for people selling their hobbies such as art and crafts. If you create art, home wares, jewelry, furniture or clothes, then jump online and start turning your hobby into a part time business. You can make bespoke pieces and can have a create on demand system using either of these web platforms.
Tutoring
This is a job that will suit any previous teachers or educators that aren’t sick of their own voice (or kids) just yet! With education more important today than ever, tutors are in high demand. You can assist with specific tasks like assignments and exam preparation or you can work with people over long periods of time helping to teach them and refine their skill set.
Handyman
If you’re not too bad with a hammer, a drill or a saw then this might be the perfect job for you. Advertise in your local community with a letterbox drop or set up a Facebook page for yourself. You can offer whatever services you wish like repairs, painting, mowing and anything else within your skill set.
Bookkeeper or office assistant
Small businesses often need bookkeepers who can manage data entry and basic processes such as reconciliations and management of creditors and debtors on a part time basis. If you have previous experience and want the flexibility you could be perfect. A history of using software such as MYOB, Xero or Quickbooks would be preferable. Or, if you are good at organisation, diary management and file management an office assistant position in a small business could also be perfect for you.
Do the same thing, just less of it
If you’ve been working full time with a great skill set, you can keep enjoying the same type of work on a much less frequent basis by freelancing. Make sure you speak to your accountant and lawyer first so you know what your taxation and legal obligations are but this is a great way for you to keep enjoying your work while having a break from the full time rush.
Museum/Art Gallery assistant
If you are a history or art buff and have entertained it as a hobby for years, this could be the perfect job for you. Put all of that reading, walking and watching to use with an assistant job in your local art gallery or museum. You may only be keeping an eye on exhibits or helping to give directions or flyers out but it is sure is a great place to work… plus you get to see exhibitions for free!
So don’t think that retirement is the end of working… It’s just the end of working too much. You can still enjoy work but with better work-life balance and a lot more free time to enjoy the things you really love.
Have you got a part time job? What is it? How often do you work?