Low-stress jobs after retirement offer a perfect blend of financial security and personal fulfillment, allowing retirees to continue their professional journey on their own terms.
According to National Library of Medicine, nearly 50 percent of retirees follow a nontraditional retirement path that involves partial retirement or unretirement, and at least 26 percent of retirees later unretire.
Retirement is often seen as a time to relax, enjoy life, and pursue interests that may have been put on hold during one’s working years. While some people look forward to a completely work-free retirement, others prefer to stay active and engaged through part-time, low-stress employment.
In this blog, we will explore some low-stress jobs after retirement for those looking to maintain a sense of purpose and financial security during their retirement years.
11 of the Best Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement
1. Tour Guide
If you have a deep knowledge of your city or region and enjoy educating others, becoming a tour guide can be a fulfilling option. You can work during peak tourist seasons or choose locations that offer year-round opportunities. Sharing your expertise and insights with younger crowds can be a rewarding experience. Tour guides typically earn a median hourly wage of around $17, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
2. Customer Service Representative
With the rise of remote work, you can explore work-from-home positions as a customer service representative at a call center. These roles involve tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering customer inquiries, and handling returns. You can set your own hours and work from the comfort of your home, earning a median wage of about $18 per hour, as per the BLS.
3. Dog Walker
For retirees who are already pet owners, becoming a dog walker can be a natural fit. You’ll enjoy spending time with dogs, meeting new furry friends, and helping them stay active and healthy. Start by offering your services to neighbors or create an online presence through platforms like Rover.com. Dog walkers typically earn a median hourly wage of $14.
4. Online Tutor
If you have a background in education or expertise in a particular subject, consider working as an online tutor. You can assist high school students preparing for exams or college students seeking academic support. Online tutoring allows you to connect with students through virtual platforms and set your own hours. You might even start with private tutoring sessions through your personal network, earning a median rate of $18 per hour, according to the BLS.
5. Telehealth Professional
Retired medical professionals can explore telehealth opportunities, where they provide consultations and answer patient questions through video conferences from the comfort of their homes. While maintaining necessary certifications, you can work part-time and set your own hours. Earnings may vary depending on your medical expertise.
6. Nanny or Babysitter
Watching over children as a nanny or babysitter can be a rewarding way to stay active during retirement. You can choose to provide childcare in your home and limit the number of children you care for. Building a network of referrals through friends and neighbors can help you set your own hours and rates, with a median wage of $13 per hour for child care workers, as reported by the BLS.
7. Youth Sports Coach
If you have a passion for sports and enjoy mentoring, coaching youth sports teams can be an excellent way to give back and stay active. You can select the seasons you want to work, enjoy the outdoors, and witness young athletes improve under your guidance. Coaching positions in elementary or secondary schools offer a median annual pay of $37,850, according to the BLS.
8. Librarian
For avid readers and book enthusiasts, a job at a local library offers a peaceful and intellectually stimulating environment. As a librarian, you can assist fellow readers in finding books and resources, and even host literary events. Libraries often provide flexibility in terms of workdays per week, with librarians earning a median wage of $30 per hour, based on the BLS.
9. Office Clerk
Retirees with excellent communication skills and a love for people can consider part-time office clerk positions. These roles involve tasks such as organizing schedules, interacting with clients, and answering inquiries. You can either work in person or opt for a hybrid role that includes some remote work.
This opportunity can be especially appealing to those who miss the office atmosphere and co-worker relationships. Office clerks earn a median hourly wage of $18, according to the BLS.
10. Craft Shop Employee
Creative individuals with a passion for crafting can find satisfaction working in a local craft store. As a craft shop employee, you’ll get to interact with customers, offer assistance, and share your creative ideas. These roles typically offer flexible hours, and you may even receive discounts on craft supplies. The median hourly wage for retail workers is approximately $14, according to the BLS.
11. Proofreader
If you have a background in the publishing industry, proofreading can be a great way to put your skills to use on your own terms. You can connect with clients who need documents reviewed, set your own hours, and even work from home. Reach out to your professional network to find clients who require proofreading services. Proofreaders typically earn a median hourly wage of $22, according to the BLS.
The Appeal of Low-Stress Jobs for Retirees
After retiring, many individuals find themselves at a crossroads, wondering whether they should embrace full-time leisure or continue working in a capacity that allows them to enjoy life without the pressures of their previous career.
Low-stress jobs can provide the perfect solution for retirees seeking extra income, a sense of purpose, social interactions, or the opportunity to explore new and exciting ventures. In this blog, we’ll explore the myriad reasons why retirees opt for low-stress jobs in their post-retirement years.
1. Extra Spending Money
Even with a well-planned retirement that includes a pension and significant savings, some retirees still crave extra income. Whether it’s to fulfill long-held dreams, spoil grandchildren, or secure the futures of loved ones, having additional spending money can enhance retirement life.
Low-stress jobs offer the flexibility to earn supplementary income without depleting retirement savings. These jobs don’t necessarily require high salaries or long hours to provide the financial freedom retirees desire.
2. More Purpose in Each Day
Retirees often seek jobs that infuse their days with a sense of purpose. Some individuals thrive on routine and structure, and a job can offer them precisely that. Completing a workday can be immensely satisfying, contributing to overall contentment.
When the work is meaningful and fulfilling, retirees experience a deep sense of contribution, which may be missing when they abruptly transition into retirement. Moreover, the regular completion of tasks keeps retirees active, both mentally and physically, thereby slowing down the aging process and promoting overall well-being.
3. Socialization and Community
One of the most common challenges retirees face is the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Daily work routines typically provide regular social interaction, which can become scarce in retirement. Low-stress jobs can fill this social void, offering opportunities for connection and community.
Whether it’s through interactions with customers or coworkers, these jobs allow retirees to rekindle the sense of camaraderie they once enjoyed. Moreover, retirees can build meaningful friendships beyond working hours, further enriching their social lives.
4. Fulfilling Long-Held Dreams
Retirement provides an ideal opportunity to pursue those fun jobs or new career paths that may have been previously unattainable due to financial constraints or career commitments. Many retirees harbor dreams of starting their own business, pursuing further training in a passion project, or even making money from a beloved hobby. With the financial security that retirement can bring, they can explore these dreams and turn them into a rewarding reality.
Bonus: Senior Volunteering
While low-stress jobs offer retirees various benefits, another avenue that’s worth exploring is senior volunteering. Volunteering can be a deeply rewarding and meaningful way to spend your retirement years. Here are some compelling reasons to consider senior volunteering:
- Giving Back: Many retirees have a strong desire to give back to their communities or support causes they are passionate about. Volunteering provides a platform to make a positive impact and leave a legacy.
- Social Engagement: Volunteering offers ample opportunities for social interaction. Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your interests and values can combat feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of community.
- Physical and Mental Health: Studies have shown that volunteering can have a positive impact on both physical and mental well-being. Engaging in volunteer activities keeps retirees active and can contribute to a sense of purpose and reduced stress.
- Personal Growth: Volunteering can be a path to personal growth and self-discovery. It often involves learning new skills, gaining fresh perspectives, and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the topic of senior volunteering, we invite you to explore our dedicated blog post on this rewarding and impactful aspect of retirement.
Retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of your working life; it can be an opportunity to explore low-stress job options that align with your interests and skills. Whether it’s engaging in part-time retail work, offering consulting services, or pursuing creative freelancing, there are plenty of options to keep you active, engaged, and financially secure during your retirement years. So, embrace this new chapter of your life with open arms and choose the path that best suits your needs and desires.