Kerttu Salonen•3 minute read
A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals that nearly eight million Americans who are 65 years of age or older are currently engaged in work, whether full-time or part-time. Back in the year 2000, the total of employed seniors was approximately four million, indicating that this figure has doubled in just under twenty years.
The rise in employment rates among the elderly can often be linked to economic necessities, yet other non-monetary motivations encompass evading tedium, desiring productivity, maintaining social interactions, and acquiring new knowledge, among numerous other factors. Consequently, there is unprecedented demand for senior workers who typically secure excellent employment opportunities when they search in appropriate venues.
Should you be among the numerous seniors desiring to keep working, it might be beneficial to explore the options of these part-time positions, allowing you to remain employed but also giving you ample opportunity to engage in additional activities.
Consultant
If you have specialized skills or experience that not many people have, especially in a particular industry, you can try working as a consultant. You can start by contacting your former employer or other companies that would be interested in the skills that you possess. As a consultant, your working hours and arrangements would be flexible for as long as you can deliver results.
Uber or Lyft Driver
Need the most flexible of part-time jobs? Try becoming a driver for a ride-share company like Lyft or Uber. It’s a position with decent pay and the perk of setting your own schedule. The average wage for a single ride, according to Money Magazine, is $11.
Bartender
Bartenders can actually make a sizable salary off their part-time shifts, and bars are increasingly hiring social seniors to help behind the bar. On top of that hourly rate, bartenders earn tips. These tips can raise your hourly earnings to as much as $20 to $25 per hour, making this part-time job perfect for those who need to earn a lot during short shifts.
Instructor, Teaching Assistant, or Tutor
If you have spent most of your years in the education sector and the feeling of being around and teaching the younger generation energizes you more than anything, you should consider taking part-time work as an instructor, teaching assistant, or private tutor. Older individuals can share their years of wisdom and life experience — and knowledge if you formerly specialized in a field — to help others learn something new. All these things encourage them to find many employment opportunities even as senior citizens.
Childcare Services Provider
One of the most lucrative jobs that you can do, especially if you enjoy taking care of kids, is childcare services. There are undoubtedly tons of families in your circle alone who are regularly in need of people who can babysit their kids. You can even consider offering daily childcare services in your home at certain hours of the day if you don’t want the hassle of staying in someone else’s house.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service jobs are always in demand and one of the best perks is that you can do this job at the convenience of your own home. For as long as you are patient, have good verbal communication skills, and able to calmly talk with people regardless of their mood and tone, then a CSR job is worth considering.
Dog Walker
If spending time with dogs while getting needed exercise is something that interests you, then you should consider being a professional dog walker. Dog walking is undoubtedly one of the most popular careers that were practically non-existent before. The level of pay is very attractive and if you walk several dogs at once and you live in a large city like New York, dog walkers can actually make up to $110,000 a year or $6,052 a month according to MarketWatch. Not too bad for a part-time job!
Truck Driver
Embark on an adventure as a part-time truck driver on the open highways. Should you possess extensive driving experience, you have the potential to earn a respectable income by moving foodstuffs and merchandise. According to The Nest, drivers who are employed part-time generally dedicate between 10 and 19 hours each week, earning annual salaries ranging from $10,088 to $19,167. Older drivers have the option to adopt consistent work schedules or serve as substitutes during periods when full-time drivers are on vacation or ill.
