6 of the Best Retirement Jobs for Active and Social Seniors

Whether you plan to work until age 70 for peak Social Security benefits or you’re hoping to keep busy for the foreseeable future, a retirement job can be an engaging way to pass the time. Lifestage invites you to consider one of these options for re-entering the workforce with zeal.
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Start Your Own Business

Perhaps you always dreamed of being your own boss during your working years, but you never had the opportunity to strike out on your own. Why not give entrepreneurship a try in retirement? Many seniors find fulfillment as small business owners.

When you’re setting up your small business, consider registering your company as an LLC for tax breaks and limited liability. Check out the specific regulations for the state where you operate your business. Working with a lawyer during this process can be pricey, so if you don’t want to handle the paperwork on your own, you may want to seek assistance from an online formation service.

If you intend to hire some employees to help you run your business, then you’ll need to learn more about payroll. Defining payroll in layman’s terms, payroll involves the act of paying the people you hire for the work they’re doing. You’ll need to distribute paychecks on a regular basis, tackle the appropriate taxes, and make sure you keep accurate records regarding your employees’ wages. It’s a lot more involved than it first appears, so it’s important that you do your research or get help before you hire your very first employee.

Caregiver

Working as a caregiver can be a wonderful way to secure additional income while helping others. Depending on your background, you could easily land a job as a home health aide or personal care aide. Just keep in mind that caregiving can sometimes be a difficult role. So be prepared to implement work-life balance boundaries so you can offer the best possible care while also being mindful of your own needs.

Insurance Agent

Working in the insurance sector is ideal for retirees because of the flexibility and on-the-job training. You can often work from home in insurance jobs like sales agent, claims adjuster, or underwriter. Many roles don’t require a degree, but ongoing training gives the support you need to excel (and meet sales goals).

Communicating with clients and developing positive relationships is vital in insurance roles. If you enjoy working with people and solving problems, insurance may be the right field for you. Plus, this fast-paced, collaborative field will help you stay social, which can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Before applying for a job, research companies to see if they’re the right fit.

Travel Jobs

If you hope to travel during your retirement but need to finance trips, a travel job might be an ideal fit. AARP explains that travel jobs like travel agent, event planner, campground host, tour guide, or a Peace Corps role are excellent for retirees who want to see the world. And, the Peace Corps has no upper age limit, so anyone can apply to work for them. The organization also offers health and dental benefits during your service. However, the compensation you receive could affect your Social Security benefits, which is an essential factor in your employment decision.

Other travel jobs can involve free lodging in exchange for minor groundskeeping tasks, such as at RV parks or campgrounds. Many volunteer opportunities that include free lodging are available via Volunteer.gov. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Park Service, you can explore nature and culture wherever you want to travel.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping is a field that can involve everything from data entry to file organization. As a bookkeeper, you can work in professional, technical, healthcare, finance, and insurance areas. Bookkeeping requires attention to detail and a focus on facts and figures, and you can often work from home. However, if you prefer to work in an office with a team of colleagues—which offers socialization and mental perks—those types of roles are common, too.

Freelance Writer

Whether you like to stay up to date on neighborhood news or enjoy writing about your life experiences, freelance writing might be the perfect fit. Consider reaching out to local newspapers and magazines for journalism jobs, or contact businesses with websites for short-term copywriting gigs.

Freelancing is ideal for seniors since you can work as much or as little as you want. Plus, becoming a digital nomad is also a possibility with freelancing. Plenty of older adults are making the leap and traveling the world while working retirement jobs.

It’s important to remember that freelancing also demands that you keep organized with taxes, health insurance, and other financial aspects of self-employment to succeed as a freelance writer. Working through retirement is a choice many seniors make, and finding the right position is easier than ever. With your expertise, plus a few refreshed skills, you can choose any of these roles and continue to enjoy the perks of retirement.

Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today
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