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For seniors who have retired from their main careers, sometimes retirement income isn’t always enough. In many cases, seniors begin to reconsider employment in order to remain occupied, and to continue to feel like the productive members of society they have 
been for so many years. Transitioning from working full-time to not working at all is a big change, and while many look forward to the day they can retire, some come to find that it’s not quite as fulfilling as they had originally anticipated.
There are quite a few alternatives available for retired seniors who aren’t quite ready to let go the working environment. Here are some options and why they’re ideal for people in this stage of their life.
1. Real Estate Agent
Real estate is a great area to explore if you’re looking to earn some supplemental income during your golden years. If you’ve been in the industry prior to retirement, that’s great, but even if you haven’t, there’s a good chance that this is a feasible path for you to take.
“Although becoming a real estate agent requires a license and some training, seniors have been in the workforce for years and can utilize many of the skills they may have from personal and career experience,” says Redfin’s senior’s guide to becoming a real estate agent. “If you have any business experience, your skill sets in negotiation, marketing and client acquisition will allow you to get the first jump on making money from your new 
career. Any senior with experience in customer service or working with people will have an edge in real estate because once you acquire clients, convincing them to buy a home with you is where you will make your money. Most seniors also have the personal life experience of purchasing their own home, allowing insight into the customer perspective.”
2. Retail
Retail is perhaps even easier to get into as a senior, regardless of what your original career was. Even better, retailers are almost always hiring for full-time, part-time, and even seasonal positions. One aspect of retail is that is especially favorable, is that there are typically a variety of positions seniors can potentially fill, such as greeters, clerks, etc. Grocery stores, for example, have numerous departments, and most likely have something you’re more than qualified for and will be able to sustain in the long term, and at any age.
3. Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is a great option if you have an aptitude for math and/or business experience. Keeping close tabs on expenses and other finances can also be a great way to keep your brain fresh and active, which can go a long way toward preserving your mental health as you age.
According to AARP Job expert, Kerry Hannon, bookkeepers who work for small businesses have the option of maintaining a broad range of financial records. Even processing payroll and purchasing office supplies are duties within the scope of the small business bookkeeper, in addition to tracking and maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable, and checking/savings accounts. Many bookkeepers also are responsible for generating financial reports, collections, and overseeing reviews and audits. What’s more, hours in the field tend to be quite manageable, varying by business, and frequently limited to just one week mid-month and one week at the end of the month for bill-paying and invoicing roles.
4. Tax Preparation
Much like bookkeeping, tax preparation is another numbers-based job that can be great for a retired senior, and the nature of the business might be just what you’re looking for when it comes to work frequency. Most of your work will occur within the first four months of the year, and you can also earn a considerable salary doing it.
While this is a good job for retired accountants, you don’t have to be a certified account to be hired as a bookkeeper. If you have a knack for numbers, you may still be able work in this field post-retirement on a part-time basis. You’ll need to register with the Internal Revenue Service and pass an exam, but you may able to work for an established business or even acquire work on your own through word-of-mouth.
5. Customer Service
If you’ve worked long enough to retire, chances are you’ve developed some great communication skills over the course of your career. Jobs that consistently require one-on-one conversation aren’t for everyone; however, if you consider yourself a “people person”, a job in customer service may be a great fit for you as senior. Another great aspect to this line of work is that there are usually an abundance of available positions. All businesses, especially any service-related organization, require a certain amount of customer service. This can also offer the potential opportunity to work with a business you already know and respect while being able to offer assistance to their clientele; and all the time earning some valuable supplemental income.
There are certainly plenty of other job options for seniors who have retired. You may even find yourself preferring to continue within your original line of work, even if it means fewer hours and responsibilities. Depending on your area(s) of expertise, there is always the option of working as a freelancer or as a consultant in your original field. You can also supplement your retirement income by volunteering for research with businesses or universities, or for working at a nonprofit organization that you find meaningful or fulfilling.
Contributing Author and Researcher, Lisa Gonzalez has had years of experience, volunteering in nursing homes and organizing local senior activities. Realizing that this was her passion is what got her involved with ElderCorps.org, a resource geared towards the care and well-being of the aging population.
Stewart, Cooper & Coon, has helped thousands of decision makers and senior executives move up in their careers and achieve significantly improved financial packages within short time frames. Contact Fred Coon – 866-883-4200, Ext. 200