Cool Retirement Jobs

Who says that just because you're retired you have to stop working? While the ultimate end game of retirement is to enjoy the fruits of your labor, some retirees want to earn extra income or stay engaged through part-time work in between travel and days of leisure.

If you're retired, or planning for retirement, and contemplating going back to work, here are five cool retirement jobs to consider.

1. Embrace Your Artistic Side

Thanks to the internet, millions of people now sell their creations online. If you love crafting or design, consider making a side hustle out of it. Many people want beautifully designed wedding invitations, custom jewelry or costumes for special events. Whether you're skilled at woodworking or have an eye for graphic design, you may be able to parlay your talents into a small business and earn some extra income.

2. Become a Fitness Instructor

If you're not crafty, there are plenty of other options. For instance, you may want to consider finding work in a field that you're passionate about.

If you're a dedicated yogi, a CrossFit devotee or an aqua aerobics advocate, consider getting certified in these disciplines and signing up to teach a class at your local gym or senior center. People sometimes think retirement and inactivity go hand-in-hand, but if you're already dedicated to living a fit and healthy lifestyle, you may be able to channel this passion into a new part-time career.

3. Join the Gig Economy

There are currently 9.94 million people in the US that are self-employed.¹ The gig economy is exploding thanks to ride-sharing companies and service-oriented websites that connect businesses to freelance or part-time workers.

If you want to earn a little money on the side, you could become a ride-share driver or create a profile on a freelance hiring website dedicated to services like dog walking, childcare, housesitting or petsitting.

You can also try to put your work experience to good use. For example, if you have strategy or consulting experience, plenty of companies could likely use your expertise for a short-term engagement. The skills you learned in your previous career don't go away in retirement, so consider taking advantage of them to earn extra income.

4. Start Performing

There's no time like retirement to embrace your childhood dreams. If you've built a comfortable amount of retirement savings, then part-time work may be more about the experience than the money.

If you've always loved acting or comedy or dreamed of being a circus clown, cruise ship singer or theme park entertainer, why not try it? Even if it doesn't work out, you will likely have had fun doing something new.

5. Take on Nonprofit Work

Nonprofit organizations do noble work every day, but many of these jobs come with lower salaries than corporate work.

If you're comfortable with your retirement savings, you might be able to explore this option and find a job that aligns with your values. If there's a cause that's close to your heart, find out if they're hiring or looking for volunteers. By donating your time, you might be able to transition to paid work for the organization in the future. Even if that isn't possible, you'll likely still have the satisfaction of knowing you've made a difference.

Embracing Work in Retirement

Retirement doesn't necessarily mean the end of work. There are a lot of fun jobs for retirees, so consider doing a little research or asking former colleagues, friends or family members if they've heard of any cool retirement jobs that might be right for you. If you do decide to go back to work, you should keep in mind that additional income in retirement could affect your social security benefits or taxes.² Consider consulting with a financial professional if you have more questions.

Sources

1. 20+ Gig Economy Statistics for 2023: The State of Gig Work. https://finmasters.com/gig-economy-statistics/
2. Receiving Benefits While Working. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html