As the population ages and life expectancy continues to rise, more and more retirees are choosing to remain in the workforce. There are many reasons for this trend, including financial need, personal fulfillment, and the desire to stay active and engaged. In fact, according to a recent study, more than half of all retirees say they plan to work part-time or full-time during their retirement years.

With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of 20 potential job options that retirees may want to consider. Our goal is to offer a variety of options that cater to different interests and skill sets, so that retirees can find a job that suits their needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, keep your mind sharp, or simply stay connected to the workforce, we hope you’ll find something on this list that inspires you. So without further ado, let’s dive into our top 20 job options for retirees!

Considerations before going back to work

Before retirees jump back into the workforce, there are several key considerations that they should take into account to ensure they make the best decision for themselves.

Being clear about goals, expectations, and physical limitations

Retirees should have a clear understanding of what they hope to achieve by returning to work. Is it simply to earn extra income or to maintain a sense of purpose and routine? They should also set realistic expectations about the type of work they can handle and their physical limitations. It’s important to be honest with themselves and their potential employer about what they can and cannot do.

Evaluating health conditions

Retirees should evaluate their health conditions to determine if returning to work is feasible. They should consider any chronic health conditions they may have and their ability to perform the duties required by the job. If health concerns prevent them from working full-time or in certain positions, retirees should consider part-time or remote work as an option.

Financial needs

Retirees should also consider their financial needs before returning to work. Are they looking to supplement their retirement income or do they need to work to make ends meet? They should assess their finances and determine how much they need to earn to meet their needs.

Family responsibilities

Retirees with family responsibilities, such as caring for grandchildren or aging parents, should also take this into consideration before returning to work. Will their work schedule interfere with their ability to fulfill their caretaking responsibilities? They should evaluate their situation and determine the best work schedule to accommodate their family responsibilities.

Personal interests

Finally, retirees should think about their personal interests and passions. Returning to work can be an opportunity to explore new interests or to pursue ones that they did not have time for during their working years. If retirees have a passion for a particular field, they should consider seeking work in that area.

Retirees should carefully evaluate the above considerations before returning to work. By doing so, they can make a well-informed decision and find a job that meets their goal, expectations, and limitations.

Benefits of working in retirement

Retirement is a time for rest, relaxation, and pursuing interests that were previously put on hold due to work commitments. However, for many retirees, it is also an opportunity to continue working in a new role that can provide various benefits beyond just financial rewards.

One of the most significant benefits of working in retirement is the opportunity to stay active and engaged. Many retirees find that an active lifestyle is crucial for maintaining their physical and mental well-being, and working provides them with the opportunity to do so. Whether it’s volunteering or taking up a part-time job, working can help retirees stay active and maintain a sense of purpose.

Another advantage of working in retirement is the ability to socialize and connect with others in the workforce. It’s a chance to make new friends and colleagues while reducing isolation and loneliness, which are commonly experienced by retirees. By working in a social capacity, retirees can stay connected to others and maintain a strong sense of community.

One of the most exciting benefits of working in retirement is the opportunity to learn new skills. Retirement provides ample time to pursue interests or learn new things, and a job provides the opportunity to do so in a structured environment. Additionally, many jobs offer training or development opportunities, which can be an opportunity for retirees to access new areas of learning and personal growth.

Finally, for some retirees, working in retirement can be a source of financial support. Although the primary motivation for working in retirement is not to earn money, some jobs can provide additional financial benefits that are hard to ignore. For example, jobs that offer healthcare benefits can help retirees save money and take advantage of their age bracket tax rates.

Some other jobs also offer tax advantages, making it possible for retirees to reduce their tax burden or even earn more by working. Jobs that include flexible schedules or other perks like traveling allowances could also help maximize these benefits.

There’s no one-size-fits-all for retirees when it comes to working, but it’s clear that working in retirement can provide many benefits. It can provide an opportunity to stay active, socialize, learn new skills, and feel productive. While financial benefits are a plus, the personal fulfillment derived from working should be the primary motivation for retirees looking to make their golden years even more enjoyable. If you are a retiree and considering getting back to work, there are several job options you can consider. Here are 20 popular jobs that retirees can look into:

Consultancy: Consider offering your expertise in a specific field to businesses by becoming a consultant.
Teaching or tutoring: You can share your expertise with students, either as a substitute teacher, tutor, or instructor.
Administrative or clerical roles: Many businesses look for experienced individuals to handle administrative or clerical roles, such as data entry or receptionist.
Customer service representative: With your years of experience, you can offer excellent customer service to businesses in need of individuals who can handle queries and complaints.
Event planners or coordinator: With your creativity, you can plan and host events or parties for individuals or businesses.
Personal care assistant: You can assist individuals who need help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and running errands.
Tour guide or travel agent: If you are fond of traveling, try becoming a tour guide or travel agent.
Freelance writing or blogging: Consider using your writing skills to generate content for businesses or start a blog of your own.
Driving services or delivery driver: You can also consider offering your driving services, either as a delivery driver or a personal driver for individuals.
Home care providers: You can provide care and assistance to individuals who are in their homes or in assisted living facilities.
Retail associate or cashier: With several years of experience, you can provide excellent customer service to shoppers.
Medical transcriptionist or biller: If you have experience in the medical field, you can consider becoming a medical transcriptionist or biller.
Craft makers or artisans: If you have a hobby you’re passionate about, consider turning it into a business by creating craft items to sell.
Pet sitters or walkers: You can help pet owners by offering your services as a pet sitter or dog walker.
Landscaping or gardening: You can offer your green thumb to homeowners or businesses by helping them with their lawn care or gardening needs.
Photography or videography: With your creative eye, you can provide photography or videography services for individuals or businesses.
Virtual assistant or data entry: Consider offering your administrative skills as a virtual assistant or data entry specialist.
Financial planner or advisor: If you have experience in finance, become a financial planner or advisor to help individuals or businesses with their finances.
Social media manager: With the rise of social media, businesses are always in need of individuals who can manage their social media accounts.
Fitness instructor or personal trainer: You can use your retirement to help others stay fit and healthy by becoming a fitness instructor or personal trainer.

Job Details and Requirements

Finding a job after retirement can be daunting, especially for those who have been out of the workforce for a while. It’s important to know the typical job requirements associated with each job option to help retirees make more informed decisions.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for the 20 jobs we have listed vary depending on the industry, skills, and experience needed. Here is a breakdown of some typical job requirements:

Education: Most jobs require a high school diploma, and some also require post-secondary education, such as a degree or certification. For example, a bookkeeper or accountant may require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Skills: Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, are important for almost any job. Additionally, some jobs require technical skills such as computer literacy, proficiency in a foreign language, or knowledge of a specific software or tool.
Training or Certification: Depending on the industry, additional training or certification may be required. For example, if you want to become a real estate agent, you must complete a certain amount of training and pass a licensure exam.
Experience: Some jobs require previous experience, either in the field or in a similar role. For example, a registered nurse may need years of nursing experience before being hired as a nurse educator.
Physical Demands: Finally, some jobs may have physical requirements, such as the ability to lift heavy objects or stand for long periods of time. For instance, a delivery driver or a warehouse worker may have heavy lifting requirements.

Availability, Workload, Income Potential, and Work Location

It’s important to also consider factors such as availability, workload, income potential, and work location when looking for a job after retirement.

Availability: Many retirees may prefer part-time or flexible schedules. Fortunately, there are many part-time jobs like receptionist, delivery driver, or event coordinator that fit this bill.
Workload: Some retirees may not want to work long, strenuous hours. Jobs like pet sitter, tour guide, or writer can be low-intensity options.
Income Potential: The income potential for each job will vary, but most jobs we have listed provide a competitive wage. Some jobs, such as freelance writing or consulting, can offer higher pay depending on experience and demand.
Work Location: Finally, work location is an important factor to consider. Retirees may prefer jobs closer to home, or remote jobs that can be done from anywhere. Examples include working as a virtual assistant, online tutor or writer, or social media manager.

Pros and Cons of Each Job Option

When deciding to return to work after retirement, it’s important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each job option. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

1. Consultant

Pros: Greater flexibility in terms of work hours and location. Can choose projects that align with personal interests and expertise.
Cons: Inconsistent work, unstable income. May require significant travel.

2. Freelancer

Pros: Flexibility to set own hours and work on projects of interest. Can work from anywhere.
Cons: Unstable income, inconsistent workload. Need to be self-motivated and disciplined.

3. Tutor

Pros: Flexible schedule, ability to work from home. Opportunity to share knowledge and contribute to students’ success.
Cons: Limited earning potential, may require special certification or training.

4. Event Planner

Pros: Opportunity to work on exciting and creative projects. Flexible schedule.
Cons: High-stress environment, may require long hours and weekend work.

5. Administrative Assistant

Pros: Opportunities in a variety of industries, stable position with a steady income.
Cons: Can be repetitive work, limited career advancement.

6. Retail Associate

Pros: Opportunities for social interaction, potential discounts on products.
Cons: Limited earning potential, may require standing for long periods of time.

7. Pet Caretaker

Pros: Opportunities to work with animals, flexible schedule
Cons: May require physical demands such as lifting, walking and cleaning up after animals.

8. Nonprofit Organization

Pros: Opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause, sense of fulfillment in work.
Cons: May be understaffed and require long hours, limited earning potential.

9. Bookkeeper

Pros: Opportunities in a variety of industries, stable position with steady income.
Cons: May require additional certification or training, can be repetitive work.

10. Personal Shopper

Pros: Flexible schedule, potential discounts on products.
Cons: Unstable income, dependent on building a client base.

11. Tour Guide

Pros: Opportunities to work outside and share knowledge and expertise with others.
Cons: Long hours and managing large groups of people.

12. Writer/Copywriter

Pros: Opportunities to work from home, creative and intellectually stimulating work.
Cons: Unstable income, need to be self-motivated and disciplined.

13. Translator

Pros: Opportunities to work remotely, flexible hours.
Cons: May require specialized language knowledge, difficult to break into the industry.

14. Handyman/Home Repair

Pros: Opportunities to work independently and set own schedule.
Cons: May require physical demands and specialized knowledge.

Examples of Retirees Who Are Successful in Each Job Option

One of the best ways to understand the potential of each job option for retirees is by looking at success stories and testimonials. Here are a few examples of retirees who pursued and excelled in each of the 20 jobs:

1. Freelance Writer

Carol, a retired teacher, started writing freelance articles for a variety of education blogs and websites. Her expertise in the field allowed her to share her knowledge and earn extra income doing something she enjoys.

Recommendation: Identify your areas of expertise and make a list of potential options. Reach out to websites and publications that cover topics you are knowledgeable about and start pitching your ideas.

2. Virtual Assistant

John, a retired executive, started a virtual assistant business. By leveraging his extensive business experience, he was able to offer administrative support to a range of clients, from solopreneurs to CEOs.

Recommendation: Consider your transferable skills, such as organization, communication, and project management. Offer your services on job boards or through your personal network.

3. Tour Guide

Sue, a retired nurse, became a tour guide in her local town. By sharing her knowledge of history and local attractions, she was able to lead tours and provide a valuable service to tourists.

Recommendation: Identify your areas of interest and research potential opportunities in your local area. Reach out to tour companies or museums to see if they have any openings.

These are just a few examples of the success stories of retirees who pursued and excelled in each of the 20 jobs. By identifying your areas of expertise and interest, you can find a job that not only provides extra income but also allows you to do something you love.

20 Jobs for Retirees Who Want to Work Again in 2025