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August 1, 2023 • 12 minutes
Reaching retirement doesn’t have to mean that you’ll never work again. In fact, it might be a great opportunity to work on your own terms. Part-time work can help you improve your retirement income, keep you active, give you purpose and be fun all at the same time.
While there are many reasons to work beyond money, you may want to know if you need supplemental retirement income. The best way to find out? Creating and maintaining a comprehensive retirement plan. The Boldin Retirement Planner makes it easy to see the impact of part-time work on your lifetime financial outlook. The tool will help you consider the extra costs of health insurance.
However, many people work for the satisfaction and fun of the job. Plus, work is proven to keep people feeling younger and vital.
And, a part-time job gives you the best of both worlds: work and plenty of time for leisure.
Here are 20 of the best part-time jobs for retirees – great ways to earn part-time income to help you with a more secure retirement and enrich your current life as well.
Phasing out of your job — going part-time before retiring completely – may be the best of all possible part-time retirement jobs (assuming you like the work and the people).
You’ve probably acquired a lot of skills and maybe mastered some hobbies that other people could benefit from. When you retire, you could turn that knowledge into a money-making business.
If you play piano, knit, crochet, sew, work with wood, bake, make beaded jewelry, or any number of other things, there are people who want to learn what you know.
You can hold classes or workshops, or take on individual clients, and help more people learn your art or craft.
Tutoring is another growing opportunity.
Do you enjoy kids and were a pretty good student back in the day? Wyzant is a platform that connects tutors to kids who need help. From teenagers who need support with AP statistics to grade school kids who just need to get through their homework, tutoring is a great way to make money and be among the young — keeping you young at heart!
Choose to offer in person or online sessions.
Golf is the cliche retirement past time. However, the golf range can be a great place to get a part-time retirement job. You might even get to play for free.
Build a retirement plan that’s right for you.
Passive income for retirement are income sources that you benefit from without too much effort — the money just flows in.
Here are a 12 plus ideas for how to create passive income for retirement or any financial goal
After years working in an industry, you’re probably filled with valuable knowledge and lots of experience to go with it. But just because you retire, that doesn’t mean you have to stop working in your industry altogether.
As a new retiree, your combination of talent and fundamental understanding of the job can help teach new people entering the industry. Start a consulting business and you could still work doing what you love, but with part-time hours. And if there’s work that could be done from home, don’t discount the possibility of freelancing.
Nearly everyone loves the idea of a vegetable garden or beautiful landscaping. But not everyone has the time to give it the attention that it needs. If you have a knack for horticulture, your skills are worth money.
You don’t have to push around a lawnmower or weed trimmer, not if you don’t want to. Offer specific services, such as shaping rose bushes and deadheading flowers or tending and harvesting vegetables from a backyard garden. You can convert this into a teaching opportunity, too.
Do you love nightlife? Bartending might be the gig for you.
Bartending school doesn’t last long, and it can help you earn quick cash on little hours. Reputable schools take about 40 credit hours to complete. Some states don’t even require you to have a license, so if you already know your way around cocktails you could pick up extra work tending bar.
Bartending can be tough work standing on your feet, and it usually calls for nighttime hours. But, it’s often a lively environment where you’ll meet lots of people, and the tips for a weekend night could be worth it.
As pet owners become more attuned to the needs of their furry family members, more of them are less inclined to leave them alone all day. Kenneling pets is expensive, and it’s not always fun or healthy for the animals. Pet sitting is a great alternative for keeping pets in a happy environment when the owners are away at work or on vacation.
If you don’t want to commit to sitting, dog walking is another part-time possibility. Fifi might be able to wait until Mom and Dad come home, but getting a midday walk means there’s less stress on the pet and more money in your pocket.
One of the best things about part-time work is that you have more control. You aren’t committed to the typical 9-5, and you don’t even have to work in an office. There are lots of ways to convert something you love into something that pays you back.
Sound good? Rover is an online site to help you find gigs.
Retail jobs are relatively abundant, especially at holiday times. If you are social and enjoy customer service, retail can be a wonderful way to spend some time – especially if you find a job selling products that you love.
Did you know that there is a teacher shortage in the United States? And, finding a substitute is almost impossible in many school districts – especially a particularly good one.
Substitute teaching is not the easiest job, but it is highly flexible and can be incredibly rewarding – especially when you become a regular at certain schools.
Licensing requirements vary widely by state but are sometimes waived due to high demand for subs. You can learn more at the National Education Association.
Meet the newest way to plan for retirement.
If you have a financial background, you might want to look at bookkeeping or tax preparing. Small businesses often have a real need for someone to manage their financial record keeping.
Specialize in Taxes: Tax day is April 15. And, January, February and March can sometimes be miserably cold months when you could use your time snuggled up preparing taxes.
H&R Block (and others) offer efficient tax preparation courses.
If you own a car and are a good driver, you might consider becoming a driver. New services like Uber make it easy to start making money by using your own vehicle as a taxi service.
You could also look at opportunities with local bus companies and traditional taxi and limousine services.
You might be retired, but you are probably still pretty young and healthy.
Jobs taking care of the elderly – especially home health aids – are plentiful.
While the work can sometimes be emotionally taxing, it can also be incredibly rewarding to help someone in so much need. You can also learn a lot by enjoying the company of these people.
When you hear part-time, you probably think working 20 hours a week or less. However, what about working full time for 3 months of the year.
Popular part-time / seasonal retirement jobs include: working at summer camps or ski resorts, retail during the holidays, participating in harvest activities in the Fall, hosting at a campground and more.
Are you a natural leader and like sports? Are you looking to make an impact on people’s lives? Coaches can be some of the most helpful people in an athlete’s life.
Working as event staff at your local arena or concert hall is a great way to have fun making a few extra dollars.
Travel is the number one goal for most retirees and cruises are popular.
Have you considered getting a job on one of these ships? It can be hard work, but depending on the job fun too. Many cruise lines employ people to lecture on subjects, take photographs, teach dance classes, work in gift shops and more.
Workampers typically live in an RV while working at campgrounds, amusement parks and other fun locations. Check out Workamper.com for current opportunities.
Owning and operating a business can be all encompassing, but with the right experience and discipline, you can limit your hours. And, older entrepreneurs are proven to be the successful ones.
Here are: 12 ideas for starting a business after 50 and surprising facts about older entrepreneurs
Whether you are going to work for yourself or someone else, here are some organizations that may help you find a job or resources you need for work:
Great Part-Time Jobs for Retirees: Flexible, Fulfilling, and Worthwhile
Working part time in retirement is more common than ever. Whether you’re seeking purpose, extra income, social connection—or all three—there are many flexible, good-paying retirement jobs that fit your lifestyle. The best part-time jobs for retirees are those that align with your energy, interests, and schedule. From retail jobs for seniors and tutoring gigs to semi-retirement careers in consulting or customer support, the opportunities are broad and growing.
In fact, part-time retirement jobs can offer more than just income. They’re often a key part of staying mentally sharp and socially active in retirement. Whether you’re recently retired, semi-retired, or just planning ahead, it’s worth exploring roles that feel meaningful and manageable. That includes everything from local retail and remote jobs to interesting side gigs, cool retirement jobs, or part-time careers for retirees looking to stay professionally engaged.
If you’re a retired man looking for hands-on work, or someone in early retirement exploring career pivots, there’s a post-retirement job out there that fits. Even fun jobs in retirement—like working at a golf course, garden center, or museum—can offer purpose and a paycheck. From pre-retirement planning to fully retired and looking for work, there are thousands of retirement job ideas out there.
A: Retirees often thrive in roles that offer flexible schedules and low stress—like tutoring, consulting, customer service, freelance writing, or driving services such as rideshare or delivery. The key is choosing work that meets your interests and energy level.
A: Start by identifying skills or hobbies you’d like to use. Use job platforms like AARP’s Work & Job Center, Indeed, or flex work sites, and consider local openings at libraries, community centers, or retail. Networking and talking with friends or volunteer organizations can also help.
A: Look for jobs that balance earnings with your desired time commitment. Pay rates range—some positions offer hourly wages ($15–25/hr), others provide per-project or seasonal income. Be sure the hours fit your routine and that work doesn’t impace your Social Security or other benefits.
A: Yes—beyond income, part-time work helps maintain structure, purpose, and social connection. It’s also tax-efficient if managed properly. Many retirees report improved well-being and engagement when working a few hours a week.
A: Reflect on what you enjoyed most about your career—people, skills, or tasks—and look for roles that align with those strengths. For example, former teachers can tutor, former managers can consult, and retired admins can assist nonprofits.
A: Flexible part-time jobs include tutoring, bookkeeping, rideshare driving, retail roles, and remote customer service. These jobs allow retirees to set manageable hours and work at a comfortable pace, making them ideal for post-retirement income and lifestyle.
A: Yes. Retired professionals can often find high-paying part-time roles in consulting, teaching, freelance writing, or contract project work. Even certain retail or seasonal jobs offer competitive hourly wages and flexible shifts.
A: Semi-retired people often thrive in roles that use their previous experience but with reduced hours. These include part-time consulting, nonprofit board work, adjunct teaching, or small business support jobs.
A: Absolutely. Many early retirees pursue flexible second-act careers in coaching, crafts, hospitality, or online businesses. These jobs support both financial needs and a continued sense of purpose.
A: Look on job boards like AARP’s Job Center, Indeed, or local listings for “retirement part-time jobs near me.” Community centers, libraries, and nonprofits also frequently hire older adults for part-time support roles.
Take financial wellness into your own hands and do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable.
Planning retirement? This list might inspire you to include post retirement work. Already retired? You might be choose to return to work.
Explore 12 ways to make great passive income for retirement. Get detailed resources for your retirement plan. Read now!
You might be surprised by the facts of being an entrepreneur after 50! Financial success later in life is FAR more common than you might think.
