If you are at the stage in your life when you are already retired from your 9 to 5 job, but are bored silly at home with lots of time on your hands, there are some jobs  available that you may find meaningful and/or exciting. Here are some jobs  to check out to see if any of them can perhaps cure your boredom…

Job #1: Interpreter/Translator

If you speak a language other than English, you have a skill that is greatly needed as our society is comprised of individuals that speak different languages–Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, to name a few. There are several institutions that provide services to people who do not speak English, such as courts, social service agencies, customer service centers, and hospitals. Certification is needed. However, once you become certified, you have the choice to either freelance or take a job as an interpreter or translator. If you would like the opportunity to meet people and learn about different cultures, then this may be something to look into.  To get started, go to the website of the American Translators Association. Websites such as Upwork and Freelancer.com can also help you find clients.

Job #2: Tax Return Preparer

Have an affinity for numbers and computers? Consider becoming a tax return preparer for companies like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt. Tax preparers are in demand especially during the January to April peak tax season. To get started, you can check these firms’ websites for information for their training programs. AARP has a program in which you can build up experience called AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, which trains volunteers how to help seniors with their taxes.

 

Job #3: Ride-Hailing Driver

 

 

If you are the type of person who likes to be out and about meeting new people and exploring your neighborhood, consider becoming a driver for hire to work for ride hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. Basic requirements are that you need to have a good driving record and a clean, well-maintained and operating car. You have the choice to decide when you want to work by simply turning on the app and pick up nearby ride requests. To get started, go to the main websites for Uber and Lyft for more information.

 

Job #4: Dog Walker or Pet Sitter

 

If you basically love animals or even have a pet yourself, why not get paid to walk or sit with other people’s pets? Hard-working people who otherwise do not have the time to be with their pets as much as they would like will most likely pay for someone to do that for them while they are at work. Peak times for this service is during the summer, spring break, and the holidays, but this can be a year round gig as well. Both you and the dog will benefit by getting exercise. Getting started is usually by word of mouth. Suggestions include posting notices at the local pet store, or by using social media. To help you find clients, the website TaskRabbit connects people who need help performing certain jobs with those willing to do them.

 

Job #5: Craft Worker

Can you paint, knit, crochet, or make jewelry well? If so, consider using your talent as a way to make money. If you were doing this as a hobby during your leisure time from work, you can now transform your hobby into a business. Your craft work can be showcased either online or at local craft fairs. Getting started involves promoting your crafts on online markets such as Etsy, Bonanza, or ArtFire. The satisfaction would come from people buying and enjoying your crafts, perhaps even referring to you their friends and family.

Job #6: Package Courier

 

If you are relatively healthy and in good shape, perhaps you might consider working for companies that deliver packages for customers. Companies such as UPS and FedEx are most often in need for mail sorters, truck drivers, and floor managers. Keep in mind that these jobs may require heavy lifting and standing on your feet for long periods of time. Nevertheless, if you are up to the challenge, go to the main websites for UPS, FedEx or other big package companies for more information.

Job #7: Retail Cashier

 

If you are the type of person who likes to stay busy and loves to be around people in general, perhaps being a retail checkout cashier may be the job for you. Peak times for this job are around the major holidays, but department stores and supermarkets  almost always have a need for cashiers. Be advised that these jobs require long periods of standing as well as lots of patience as heavy personal contact may involve difficult customers from time to time. There are also jobs available in shelf stocking, security, and customer greeting. To get started, you can go to the Older and Bolder section of the website CoolWorks.com which helps older workers find job placements.

 

Job#8: Blogging and/or Affiliate Marketing

 

If you like writing or have a passion for a particular hobby or subject, perhaps you might consider starting a blog. Online blogs have exploded over the internet in the past couple of years. Blogging topics can be wide ranging–anywhere from providing basic information on health and fitness, weight loss products, and how-to’s. Most blogs currently online are monetized, meaning that the blog owner is either selling a particular product he/she owns, or is selling another person’s product as a affiliate. Blogs can also be monetized by placing ads (ie. Google Ads) selling similar to what the blog topic is.  Affiliate marketing is basically the process of selling another person’s or company’s product and getting paid a commission by that person or company for each sale made.  Sounds good, but don’t know where to start? I would recommend you start where I learned how to start this blog–the #1 community for aspiring bloggers and affiliate marketers.

 

Job#9: Your Old Job, Part-Time

If you have been one of the lucky ones to have had a job that you simply loved to do, perhaps your boss may be open to you working part-time instead of full time. If you know of someone else in your workplace who has done this, talk to that person and find out how they negotiated the deal. If not, then you will have to be your own advocate and approach your boss with a specific proposal. The proposal should include how many day per week you want to work, and what responsibilities you are willing to keep, etc. You also have the option to work in your field but with a different employer. For instance, FlexProfessionals, a staffing firm based in Washington and Boston, can help people find work in those cities. Other websites that cater to older workers include: www.workforce50.com and www.seniorjobbank.org. Temp staffing agencies may also be a viable option to consider.

Final Thoughts

Whatever path you choose to take regarding life after retirement, make sure that it is something you enjoy doing and is as stress free as possible. Nothing can be more depressing than to be over 50, either working at a job you hate because you really need the money, or sitting at home feeling bored with nothing to do. Your golden years of life should be filled with the freedom to do what you want to do and  when you want to do it. If you still want to work, find a job that is satisfying and makes you feel happy. If you do not wish to work anymore, that’s okay too. Just find some hobby or something to do that makes each day a positive one. Take a moment to ask yourself some basic questions regarding whether you need to reorganize yourself and determine what you want to do.

Please feel free to comment below as I am always interested to know your thoughts about what I have discussed in this post. Have a great day!

Source: “10 Jobs Retirees Should Check Out” by Kerry Hannon, AARP Bulletin/Real Possibilities, Vol.58 No. 1, pp.8-11.

Photos courtesy of clker.com and Pixabay.com