Some Great Jobs for Retirees

Today's seniors may either feel the pinch of the economy or be bored at home initiating the desire to return to the workforce. Volunteer work has been the standby for many retirees, but many are looking for second careers and, in some cases, a way to supplement their retirement income by getting a part time job.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20 percent of Americans 55 years and older will be working by 2015. Many post-retirees want to utilize their experience while allowing part-time or flexible hours.

Here we suggest some employment alternatives for seniors looking to get back into the workforce.

Corporate Assistant
Many corporate and small business offices have job-sharing programs for their office/clerical employees. Some great part-time office jobs include Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, and General Clerk. This can be a great part-time job for retirees because you only have to work four or five hours each day, and you can typically choose your shifts or rotate them with other employees. Employers benefit by not having to pay benefits to the part-time staffers.

Assistant Librarian

You might consider a part-time job as an assistant librarian. The hours tend to be flexible although the pay is not extremely high. Generally you do not need any previous experience to work as an assistant librarian. However, due to low funding, some small libraries will work only with volunteers. Consider pursuing a job in a university or specialty library where the pay rates might be higher. A librarian is a great job for retiree because of the flexible schedule and easy work load.

Substitute Teaching

School systems are often looking for reliable substitute teachers. If you think you possess the patience required to assist in the classroom, this job might provide the flexibility that you need. Substitute teacher requirements may differ form state to state, so be sure to research specific requirements in your area.

Medical Records Transcriptionist

Medical Records Transcriptionists transcribe medical dictation by physicians and other medical practitioners pertaining to patients' assessment, diagnostics, therapy, and other medical reports. Often, employees are required to have taken coursework in medical terminology. Many of these jobs are offered on a part-time basis and as a home-based work opportunity.

Consultant and Freelance Work

If you enjoy setting your own pace and your own hours, consulting is a great part-time job for retirees. You don't have to take any job that doesn't interest you and you can put your personal expertise to good use. Some consultants work for themselves while others find part-time work with large corporations. 

If you're technologically inclined, you can start a consulting business with your home computer. If you enjoy writing, there are many online writing opportunities to explore. If you create arts and crafts, check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find art associations that offer arts and crafts shows in your area so you can market your artwork and/or handicrafts

Pros & Cons of Home Based Careers

While there are some great companies and programs out there, it's important to evaluate your needs and desires in a home based career. I see too many people jumping into the first opportunity they see, simply because it promises great income. Money is definitely a major part of our reason for working, but is it the most important? You need to choose the option that will serve all of your needs, not just the financial ones.

How do you know which option is best for you? Consider the typical qualities of telecommuting jobs, home business opportunities and home businesses started from scratch:

Telecommuting Jobs
Pros - With jobs you will usually have less responsibility than a home business, plus a steady paycheck and a structured work schedule. If you are very efficient, organized and "production-oriented", this could be good for you.

Cons - You will have less flexibility and freedom than you would with a home business. You will not be encouraged to "do it your way" -- you will instead need to follow your employer's instructions. Your workload is not guaranteed. Business can slow down and you'll have no work to do, which means no income. If you are very creative and free-spirited, and you want to earn a big income, a job might not be right for you.

Home Business Opportunities
Pros - More flexibility and freedom than a job, more opportunity for larger income, less chance for business to slow down benefit from being part of a team of like-minded people that support you and help you to grow your business. No need to create your own products and marketing materials, as the company provides them for you.

Cons - Less flexibility and freedom than starting your own business, as the company may have restrictions on how you run your business, how you can promote, etc. You may have sales quotas you need to meet, or other limitations. Choosing a company that has been around for a long time may result in oversaturation of the market, while choosing a newer company may result in instability or the company going out of business.

Your Own Company
Pros - Complete freedom and flexibility in the products you create or services you offer, as well as the ways in which you choose to market. No quotas to meet, build it big or keep it small. Set your own schedule and determine your own income. Be as creative as you wish.

Cons - Great responsibility. You are the President, CEO, General Manager, Sales Director, Marketing Manager, Production Manager, Comptroller, Personnel Director and everything else for your company. No one else is there to help or cheer you on.


There are certainly exceptions to the qualities listed above. Perhaps you can find a great telecommuting job that allows you complete flexibility and creative work. Maybe some of the "cons" I listed above would actually be considered "pros" to you, or vice versa.