There are many work opportunities available for retired people, whether you are a professional, an administrator, customer services, sales person, have a flair for the arts or simply good at something. The opportunities are literally endless if you know where to look. The most obvious are consulting/mentoring or something along those lines, where you pass on your wealth of knowledge and skills to the younger generation but some of the other opportunities may surprise you. Here’s a comprehensive listing, along with explanations.
Before you read any further remember that this online world is inhabited by scammers in every little corner so read this article about keeping safe online before you start engaging with anyone outside of a well known platform and always do a search for “…… reviews” “Indeed job board reviews” for example to ensure that you are transacting with a legitimate organisation.
How to Access post retirement work opportunities and what services are offered
Working post retirement is often about making ends meet but not always. We all need something to get up for in the morning, a purpose, a need to feel needed and appreciated and working can often provide just that!
Consulting and Freelancing
Retired professionals can leverage their many years of experience by offering consulting services or freelancing in their area of expertise. This can include anything from business consulting, financial advising, to freelance writing or graphic design. Never underestimate what you learned in your many years of working, there is someone out there who wishes they knew what you have already forgotten.
How to Access
Online Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow professionals to offer their services to a global market. The registration process is simple enough and the platform takes a percentage of your earnings. View other profiles that offer similar services to your offer and create your profile accordingly. Most platforms will off best practise advise on creating a compelling offer and profile… Take the advice and create a profile that people will want to engage with.
Networking
Leveraging professional networks, such as LinkedIn, or attending industry events can help secure consulting gigs. For example, if you are an engineer ECSA would be a good place to start. Look up old colleagues ort contact companies yuou worked with prior to retiring, you will be amazed at how receptive people are.
Consulting Firms
Some firms specifically cater to retired professionals looking for part-time or project-based consulting work, such as Toptal or Patina Solutions. Toptal for example offers talent from the top 3% which is You my friend!
Services Offered
These platforms typically offer profile creation, project bidding, client management, and payment processing services. Take the time to invest in your profile. Have a great picture taken and sell your talent and years of experience.
How to Access
Online Tutoring Platforms
Websites like Teachmeto, Superprof, Pret2perfection and Preply are the most well known South African platforms but dont forget there are others like Tutor.com, VIPKid, and Wyzant allow tutors to connect with students.
Community Centers
Local community centers or libraries often have programs that seek experienced tutors. Check the pinboards or ask the librarian, if nothing else you will get to know a few new people who are likely to share your passion for education.
Schools and Universities
Some schoold in SA have a list of preferred tutors or personal teaching assistants who have achieved good results for their students. Some colleges and universities hire retired professionals as adjunct professors or guest lecturers, so if you are an expert in a particular firld or were part of a landmark project, talk to the lecturers or administration about imparting some of your knowledge and experience.
Services Offered
These platforms provide student matching, lesson planning tools, and payment processing.
Part-Time or Seasonal Jobs
Many companies offer part-time or seasonal work, which can be ideal for retirees who want to stay active but aren’t looking for full-time commitments. Perhaps they are being audited, need assistance with tender preparation or have a task to migrate their paper filing system to a digital system as examples. Somewhere out there is a company in need of your expertise.
How to Access
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired have dedicated sections for part-time and seasonal jobs. Perhaps you just want to work during the winter instead of staying indoors and watching television. Although that is an option, some advertising agencies offer the opportunity to listen to radio or watch television to confirm how many times their clients advertising inserts are played or displayed.
Local Retailers
Many local stores or retail chains hire seasonal workers, especially around holidays. Standing behind a counter meeting shoppers might be just what you need to keep occupied. Give them a try, sometimes all it takes is to walk into a store you have been shopping at for years and offering your services.
Hospitality and Tourism
Resorts, hotels, and travel agencies often seek part-time help during peak seasons checking people in and offering support to guest services personnel.
Services Offered
These job boards and companies often provide job listings, application management, and sometimes even interview scheduling.
Tutoring and Teaching
Retired teachers or professionals with expertise in a particular subject can offer tutoring or teaching services. This can be done in person or online. Helping students with their course work or understanding concepts that their teachers have not been able to pass on effectively, marking past papers. Tutors are very high demand and if you are able to offer a one on one service, you could be in the pound seats.
Remote Work
With the rise of remote work, many opportunities are available for retirees who prefer to work from home. This can include customer service, virtual assistance, or data entry. Offering your services as a personal secretary, taking calls, sending proposals or bookling interviews may be an opportunity that interests you.
How to Access
Remote Job Boards
Websites like Remote.co, FlexJobs, and We Work Remotely specialize in remote job listings.
Company Websites
Many companies post remote job openings on their own websites.
Virtual Assistant Platforms
Companies like BELAY or Time Etc hire virtual assistants who can work from home.
Services Offered
These platforms provide job matching, remote work tools, and often training resources.
Non-Profit and Volunteering Opportunities
Many retirees look for meaningful ways to give back to their communities. Non-profits often have positions that are paid or volunteer-based.
How to Access
Volunteer Websites
Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist connect volunteers with non-profits.
Local Non-Profits
Directly contacting local non-profits or community organizations can also yield opportunities.
Services Offered
These platforms often provide volunteer matching, training, and occasionally stipends or small salaries for certain positions.
Healthcare and Caregiving Roles
With the growing need for caregivers around the World, especially in the aging population, there are opportunities for retirees to work as part-time caregivers, companions, or in healthcare-related roles. Many South Africans take part time work as caregivers in the United Kingdom for example. This is more common than one would expect.
How to Access
Caregiver Agencies
Companies like Home Instead, Visiting Angels, and Care.com offer caregiving jobs. There are literally endless opportunities for carers including live in caring positions. Just do a google search for “live in carer jobs in the uk”/usa/etc and you will be amazed at how many opportunities there are out there. There are visa requirements which you need to consider and may be best to go through a Visa agency connected to the work opportunity.
Hospitals and Clinics
Some healthcare facilities hire part-time or per diem staff.
Local Community Services
Community centers and senior services often need part-time help.
Services Offered
These organizations typically provide job matching, training, and support services.
Creative and Artistic Pursuits
Retirees with creative talents can pursue opportunities in art, writing, music, and more. This can include selling art, writing books, or even performing. Some performers have formed groups that go from retirement village to retirement village offering to perform for free or very little to entertain those less fortunate but of course there are also many opportunities to make a little extra cash
How to Access
Online Marketplaces
Websites like Etsy for arts and crafts or Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for self-publishing books. Use the Facebook marketplace to sell your art or baked products. Christmas time is an excellent time to put your baking skills to good use making fruit cakes or mince pies, hand made Christmas greeting cards or small gifts. If you are making/baking for your family, make a few extra and let everyone know you are available to do so.
Local Galleries and Fairs
Participating in local art shows, galleries, or craft fairs. Most residential areas have a local market at least once a month. For example the Fir=eld market in our area at the field and study centre in Parkmore. There is also a monthly artists in the park show in Hurligham proper as an example. Scan your local community newspapers or area specific groups on facebook for this information .
Creative Agencies
Agencies or platforms like Voices.com for voice acting or 99designs for graphic design.
Services Offered
These platforms offer sales tools, marketing, and sometimes community support for artists.
Virtual Mentorship
Retired professionals can mentor younger professionals or startups through virtual mentorship programs. There is a shortage of qualified and competant staff in most professions these days and on occasion the opportunity may arise where a highly experienced and qualified professional is required to assist/mentor new staff. These opportunities can be extremely rewarding and very lucrative.
How to Access
Mentorship Platforms
Websites like SARA mentorship programs HERS (Higher Education Resource Services – South Africa) and others, which partner with the Business and SETA’s, offer mentoring opportunities.
Industry Associations
Many professional associations offer mentorship programs. Contact your professional bodies and offer your services.
Services Offered
These platforms provide mentor-mentee matching, communication tools, and resources for effective mentoring.
Temporary and Contract Work
Retirees can take on temporary or contract work for companies that need short-term help. This can be in fields like accounting, legal work, or project management.
How to Access
Temp Agencies
Agencies like Linkedin, Pnet, Indeed, Adzuna in South Africa as well as Kelly Services or Robert Half specialize in placing professionals in temporary roles.
Company Websites
Many companies post temporary job openings on their career pages. If you are an engineer, do a google search for “Engineering companies near me” Visit their websites and if there is nothing being offered, send them an emailk offering your services and indicating where you would be able to assist them.
Gig Platforms
Websites like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack connect workers with short-term gigs.
Services Offered
These platforms provide job matching, contract management, and sometimes benefits for long-term contractors.
Online Surveys and Market Research
For those looking for easy, low-commitment opportunities, participating in online surveys or market research can be a good fit.
How to Access
Survey Websites
Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research offer paid surveys.
Market Research Panels
Companies like Nielsen or Ipsos offer panel participation with incentives.
Services Offered
These sites offer easy access to surveys and research panels with payment in cash, gift cards, or other rewards.
These opportunities provide a range of options depending on interests, skills, and how much time retirees want to dedicate to work. Most of these platforms and services are easily accessible online, making it straightforward to get started.
