By Sharon Wagner
If you find that you have too much free time after declaring yourself retired, a job might be the perfect solution. Flexible, employee-focused jobs are ideal for older adults who want some extra income while still reaping the benefits of retirement. Here are the top five industries for retirement jobs.
Seniors Excel in the Insurance Sector
Careers in the insurance sector are often flexible, with the ability to set your schedule and work from home. Because most insurance jobs involve local training, you receive the support you need to excel in your role as an agent. Plus, many insurance jobs offer incentives like trips, bonuses, and more.
Before you start applying for insurance jobs, check out a resource like Glassdoor that provides reviews of companies from employees. You can find details on insurance companies like LHLIC and more, plus background information and honest employee feedback.
Hospitality Roles Are Ideal for Outgoing Seniors
If you thrive in social situations, hospitality jobs are perfect for your retirement. From hotels to campgrounds to managing vacation rentals, hospitality roles are an excellent fit for seniors.
Plus, there are benefits to a job that offers socialization. One study from the Journal of Gerontology tracked a group of women for four years, noting their social interactions and happiness levels. The results were clear: The women who spent more time interacting with others were happier overall.
Being a Tour Guide Lets You Share Your Knowledge
As an older adult, you have a wealth of life experience to share. Perhaps you even have expertise on a subject that’s particularly relevant to a local museum or historical landmark. If that’s the case, then a tour guide or docent position might be the ideal fit.
Not only are tour guide jobs social roles, but you may learn something new, too. As Psychology Today notes, lifelong learning can help reduce cognitive decline in older adults and help seniors avoid depression. Plus, as Forbes highlights, older workers who learn new things are even more productive than those who continue to perform repetitive tasks.
Older Adults Are Excellent Caregivers
For seniors who are drawn to caregiving, there are many roles where you can help others. From in-home caregiving for the elderly or people with disabilities to joining a daycare as a staff teacher, you can exercise your nurturing tendencies and get paid to do so.
Working with younger generations may be especially appealing—and your investment of time and attention especially benefits underprivileged children. Stanford News explains that seniors who work with kids find emotional satisfaction in their work, while the children reap the benefits of having stable mentors in their lives.
Nature and Wildlife Jobs Offer Perks
Though you may find tour guide roles at National Parks, other nature and wildlife jobs can also be good options for seniors. Getting outdoors enhances cognitive function, improves mental health, and even increases social engagement in older adults, Nature Sacred explains.
Helping wildlife or performing gardening tasks may feel like second nature to you. You can take advantage of such talents by seeking out roles with conservancy foundations, local animal rescue agencies, or educational nature organizations.
Getting Tech-Ready for Work
Though making an honest living is nothing new, technology has likely changed since you began your first career. And while the Pew Research Center notes that 80 percent of seniors said they owned a cell phone, less than half owned a smartphone. Ensuring that you have a fast and reliable device can make a big difference in connecting with clients and even coworkers.
If you need an upgrade, consider a device like the iPhone XS Max. Its speedy interface, dual cameras, and long battery life (up to 13 hours) make it easier to work on the go. If you prefer Android devices, try the Nokia 7.2. Its triple camera takes quality photos, and the battery life can give you up to two days of usage without recharging.
The decision to keep working past retirement age is not rare—one survey found that at least 20 percent of working seniors said they probably wouldn’t ever retire. That means you’ll be in good company as you begin your new career.
Photo via Pixabay