For many, the word “retirement” means exactly what it sounds like a departure from the working world that’s usually comprised of spending more time with family, travel, or crossing things off of a bucket list – often times all three. In most cases, retiring usually entails an individual relieving themselves of the obligation to report to a 9-5 job, opting instead to live upon savings, Social Security, a 401k or other forms of income. So why is it that some people choose to pick up side gigs just when you thought they’d resigned themselves to relaxing for the rest of their lives?

Most people want to feel needed and relevant to the world around them, and being out of the workforce can often create a desire to fill what may feel like a major void once there’s all this extra time that’s been freed up from retiring. It’s also important to remember that retiring doesn’t necessarily mean that there won’t be a need for supplemental income, and having a side gig could mean the difference between being able to enjoy retirement comfortably, or watching all your savings go towards paying bills with little room for fun or leisure.

The answers will vary depending on the person, but there are a few very common reasons why a retiree might decide to pick up a side gig – you may even find yourself in the same boat.
If you’re looking for ideas as to what you could do for a side job, or simply considering whether you’d want a side job at all, check out the list below!

1. Consultant

Do you consider yourself an expert in the field you retired from? Perhaps you’ve become a seasoned veteran of the industry in which you worked, you’ve “been there, done that” and many of your colleagues have counted on your sage advice. Being a consultant is a great way to turn your experience into a side business where you can make the rules and your schedule.

2. Amusement and Recreation Attendant

Do you enjoy being around people? Are you a kid at heart? Being an attendant at your local theme park or recreational venue would not only enable you to meet and socialize with others from all over the world, you’ll also get the benefit of being in a cheery and upbeat environment. As an attendant you can help others find their way to various attractions, not to mention there may also be some great perks included as an employee!

3. Temporary Office Job

If you’re unsure if you’d like to commit to a part-time job, you can always have a temporary employment agency place you in a seasonal position with a company, or perhaps a position that you can later decide to stay in if you’re more interested in just getting your feet wet while returning to the working world. Many temporary positions entail but are not limited to data entry, reception, and customer service. If you only need a little bit of supplemental income based on personal circumstances or merely would like to work in short stints as you please, this may be the perfect job for you.

4. Substitute Teacher

If you enjoy being around children and educating them, you may want to consider being a substitute teacher. Being a substitute will not only allow you to have schedule flexibility, it’ll let you be a vital asset to the educational faculty and staff when illness or a family emergency strikes. The credentials for being a substitute teacher are usually more lax than that of a full-time teacher, making this position possibly ideal for someone who likes to teach and interact with a younger generation.

5. National Park Services

If you’re the outdoorsy type that loves the sunshine and fresh air, you might want to consider working at your local national park. There are a wealth of opportunities for seniors associated with national parks, ranging from working in a hotel, visitor information center, gift shop, or restaurant within it. You can also work as a park guide, or in maintenance. Seasonal jobs are also available if you’re only interested in a temporary position – either way, it’s an excellent chance to interact with a beautiful environment.

6. Entrepreneur

Is there an idea you’ve been brewing for quite some time that just hasn’t come to fruition because of life’s other distractions or responsibilities? Have you ever toyed with the idea of making a business out of doing something you love? Whether it’s making pottery, restoring antique furniture or opening an art gallery, beginning a project stemming from a devotion to a favorite hobby could lead to greater things beyond your imagination.

7. Senior Services

As the population ages with increased life longevity, you can expect to see quite an influx of seniors needing guidance through life changes such as home modification and downsizing, retirement, senior event planning, in-home care, providing meals, and daily transportation. Who better to assist those who’ve retired and beyond, than someone like yourself who’s likely dealing with many of the same circumstances and challenges?

8. Produce Manager

If you love to eat healthy, you may want to explore being a produce manager! Having skillsets with customer service, retail, and stocking are always good to have in your arsenal, and it can help when you’re interacting with grocery shoppers who may ask for your assistance. In working with produce, you’ll be ensuring that the fruits, roots, vegetables, and other items are fresh and ready for purchase, as well as educating shoppers on seasonal items.

9. Tutor

If you enjoy coaching students to hone their academic skills, a tutoring position may be the right fit for you. There’s a wide range of subjects in which you can help with, from math, English, science, and history, to a foreign language. What’s better than knowing your legacy will be a young person’s success?

10. Seamstress or Tailor

These days, sewing and alteration seem to be a lost art. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, there’s plenty of work to be had since not many people these days teach themselves how to fix those pesky tears and missing buttons. Events ranging from weddings, prom nights, bar mitzvahs and beyond will ensure that you’ll be busy year round.

11. Bus Driver

If you’re able to drive and enjoy being on the road frequently, you may be interested in a bus driver position. You can always choose to work during the school year, and then have your summers free for leisure and travel, or, you could just work during the summer months when some students may be attending additional classes. You could also choose instead to work when there are field trips or special events if you’d like more flexibility. If driving kids around the neighborhood dpesn’t sound too appealing, you could always drive a charter bus for seniors who are taking group travel or sightseeing tours.

12. Babysitter or Nanny

What better way to spend your time than with children? You can help single-parent families, or families whose parents are both working by ensuring that their little ones are in good hands. If you’ve already been a parent before or have experience with children, you can bet that young parents will appreciate having a caretaker that they can trust.

13. Plant Nursery Worker or Florist Associate

If you have a green thumb and would enjoy the company of plants, you just may love working with them! Not only would this line of work give you the chance to spend time outdoors, but you’d also get a chance to socialize and educate others. You can also explore the option of working in a flower shop if you’d rather stay indoors and get crafty with arrangements for various events like a new baby, an engagement party, or Valentine’s Day. Who could be sad when surrounded by lush and beautiful flowers?

All of these side job descriptions are supplemental income ideas to consider or rather a starting point from which you can begin to explore what options you have. If you’re the type of person who values having an active lifestyle, enjoys social interaction and would want or need another source of income for your retirement fund, you’re in the right place to begin.