The Benefits of Staying Busy: Why More Seniors are Choosing to Work in Retirement
Retirement is a time for seniors to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
But many seniors choose to stay busy and engaged by taking on part-time jobs or starting their own businesses. We discuss why some seniors choose to work during retirement, as well as the best types of jobs for seniors in retirement.
Disclaimer: All content provided is for informational purposes only. Please read my full disclaimer here for more info. Please note that this article is written on 3/25/2023.
Staying Busy and Engaged
Many seniors work during retirement because they want to stay busy and engaged. Having a job or business can give them something productive to do with their time, which can help them feel more fulfilled and purposeful. It can be an excellent way for them to make new friends, learn new skills, and stay active mentally and physically.
Supplementing Income
For some seniors, working in retirement is necessary in order to supplement their income. Social Security benefits may not be enough for them to cover all of their living expenses, so working part-time can help them make ends meet. This can also be beneficial if they want to save money for future goals such as travel or helping out family members financially.
Remaining Active and Independent
Working during retirement can also help seniors remain active and independent. Being able to contribute financially can give them a sense of pride while being able to take care of themselves without relying on others gives them a sense of freedom. Additionally, having an active lifestyle can help keep seniors healthy both mentally and physically which is essential for aging gracefully into old age.
Best Types of Jobs for Seniors in Retirement
Retirees have many options when it comes to finding part-time work that suits their needs. Some popular types of jobs include consulting/freelancing, tutoring, teaching classes, customer service positions, administrative assistant roles, delivery driver roles, pet sitting/dog walking, retail positions, home health aide, and virtual assistant roles. These positions offer flexible hours so retirees can choose how much or how little they want to work depending on what works best for them at any given time.
Freelancing Opportunities for Seniors
Freelancing has become an increasingly popular choice among retirees due to its flexibility when it comes to setting one’s own hours, rates, and clients. There are plenty of freelance opportunities available online including writing, editing, and virtual assistant gigs. If you are tech-savvy, then there are also lots of opportunities available such as web design, development, and coding. You just need access to an internet connection plus basic computer skills. Before getting started freelancing, visit Happier Freelancing for helpful tips and resources.
Why Some Seniors Choose to Start a Business
Starting a business in retirement has become increasingly popular among retirees who want more control over their income potential and schedule flexibility. When starting a business, write a business plan, develop a marketing strategy, and choose a business structure. Formalizing a business as an LLC provides personal liability protection, tax advantages, and increased credibility. This usually requires five steps, but the requirements vary depending on which state you reside in.
Working during retirement isn’t just about making extra money—it’s about staying busy, engaged, active, and independent while still enjoying the rewards that come with being retired. From online freelancing opportunities to starting your own business from scratch, there are plenty of options out there that allow retirees to earn extra income while still enjoying all the perks that come with being retired.
