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5 Part-Time Jobs That Are Perfect for Retirees

At age 79, Mary Hartsock was ready to try something new. "My husband had passed away, and I was so lonesome here by myself," the Frederick, Maryland, resident says. She saw an ad in the paper for caregiving jobs through the company Right at Home and applied for a position.

"They took a chance with me, and Right at Home is an excellent place to work," Hartsock says. That chance appears to have paid off for the company as well, in the form of an exemplary employee. Hartsock was named the Right at Home National Caregiver of the Year for 2014. She then went on to be nominated and win the Caregiver of the Year Award from the Home Care Association of America. Now 92, Hartsock continues to work for Right at Home teaching a class for new caregivers and serving as a goodwill ambassador to local hospitals and health care facilities.

As today's seniors live longer, many are not content to spend their days puttering around the house. For those, like Hartsock, who are looking for something more to fill the hours, here are five perfect part-time jobs for mature workers.

[See: 10 Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement.]

Substitute Teacher or Tutor

Andrew Meadows, vice president of brand and culture at Ubiquity Retirement + Savings, says one of seniors' biggest assets is their experience. "They've been there and seen it all," he says. Putting that knowledge to work in a part-time job during retirement can be personally rewarding for a senior and beneficial for others. "A lot of jobs most valuable to the community are those around education," Meadows says.

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Younger seniors with patience and stamina may find substitute teaching is a flexible job option that allows them to work on the days they choose. Requirements for substitute teachers vary by state and school district, and those not eligible to fill substitute positions may find work as tutors. "Affluent parents would be happy to pay good money to qualified people to help their children in school if they are struggling," says Scott Sadar, executive vice president of Somerset Wealth Strategies in Portland, Oregon.

[See: 12 Ways to Ensure You Don't Run Out of Money in Retirement.]

Caregiver

Caregiving may seem like physically demanding work, but that's not always the case, says Betty Harris, vice president of RightTEAM for Right at Home. "We spend a lot of time making sure we get the right caregiver with the right client."

While some caregivers need to physically help their clients move about, others simply require assistance with chores, shopping or cooking. Hartsock says her work often involved making breakfast and running a bath, followed by chores such as laundry and vacuuming. While she has worked some long shifts in the past, her schedule now consists largely of only a few hours a week.

Call Operator

When you call a toll-free number today, the representative on the other side of the line may be sitting in a living room instead of a call center. Companies such as AnswerConnect hire remote workers to manage phone calls for businesses in a variety of industries. People hired for these jobs often have significant flexibility to take calls when they want.

"The best thing about it is [for] seniors who can't stand all day," Meadows says. Answering calls from home can be a comfortable way for these retirees to earn an income. Workers need to have the right technology and equipment to take calls and should have excellent oral and written communication skills to be successful.

Business Owner

Rather than trying to fit into the requirements of a job, some seniors may find it easier to go into business for themselves. "The best job is probably the conversion of a hobby or passion into a paying endeavor," Sadar says. "Most middle-class retirees already have the skills, experience and personal connections to make this work."

[See: 7 Hobbies You Can Turn Into a Second Career.]

The examples for these types of part-time businesses are endless. Gardeners could sell their goods at the local farmer's market. History buffs could offer tours to local points of interest. Pianists could offer lessons to area students. Plus, websites like Teachable make it easy to create and sell online courses in whatever area a senior may have expertise.

Consultant

There is no reason to reinvent the wheel when it comes to finding a job in retirement. Instead of entering a new field, seniors may find it's easiest to start working in a different capacity within their career industry. For instance, former employers may be happy to hire on retired workers as consultants for individual projects. Nonprofits may also look for consultants to help with capital campaigns, website overhauls or other one-time events.

"These types of jobs come with a start and end date," Meadows says. "It could be one month here or three months there." This type of schedule works well for those who want the freedom to travel for part of the year or live in dual locations.

Working in retirement can provide a source of steady income at a time when stock prices are flat or uncertain, but money is only one reason retirees should consider finding a part-time job. As Meadows notes, "At any age, a job well done is gratifying."



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