One of the biggest keys to a happy retirement is getting to do what you really want. After all, you’ve worked a long time to get to the point where you get to choose your activities. If your ultimate retirement involves a lot of R&R, and you’ve got the resources to do it, then by all means go for it.
On the other hand, you may be one of the growing number of people who find that they still want to engage in some gainful and rewarding work during retirement. If you fall into that category, there are any number of positions that can be fun and challenging while putting some added dough in your accounts:
- Start your own business
If you’ve had that entrepreneurial idea knocking around in your head for a while, now could be the time to best time to explore it. Make sure to research the industry and investigate the feasibility before you throw too much of your nest egg into it.
- Consult or freelance
Freedom is one of the sweetest rewards of retirement (or semi-retirement). You get to decide how you want to spend your time, and that's a wonderful thing. Maybe you enjoyed the work you did but would just prefer to devote less time to it or create your own hours. By doing similar work outside the confines of your previous employment, you can create your ultimate working set up.
- Blogger/writer
Whether the subject matter is related to your profession, a life skill, or a hobby, there are at least a few things that you know a lot about. Many people make good money creating and marketing blogs about specific areas of their knowledge. Get enough visitors coming to your site and advertisers will shell out money to be a part of it.
- Online seller
What do you enjoy bargain hunting for? Clothes? Tools? Thrift store artwork? Websites like eBay and Craigslist give you a powerful tool for selling items you find at garage sales, swap meets, and the like. The work isn’t too strenuous and you get to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
- Craftsperson
Do you love the meditative task of carving the intricate pieces of a homemade birdhouse? Do your friends and relatives beg you for your specialty craft items? If so, you may be able to turn your passion into profits. Etsy.com is a great place to test the waters to see what kind of market there is for your wares.
- Teach/tutor
You've definitely got some wisdom and practical information you can pass along. Explore your options for expanding the knowledge base of a younger generation.
- Fix-it person
Lots of folks have nagging little jobs around the house, but don’t want to call a full-on home repair crew. If you've got the knack for fixing things, cash in on those skills!
- Guide
If your mental image of the best possible retirement involves meeting new people and talking about subjects you’re passionate about, consider opportunities to lead others. Whether it is on a hunting trip, in a museum, or on a history tour, being a guide can be one of the most personally rewarding positions you’ll ever hold.
- Pet care
There aren’t a whole lot of jobs out there that would cause you to say, “I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this!” But if you love animals, being a pet-sitter or a dog walker could have you singing the praises of your labor.
- Coach
Many young people need mentors in their lives. Beyond just diagramming plays, being a coach gives you an opportunity to positive influence the lives of kids who could benefit from your guidance.
- Nonprofit work
Did you ever dream of a job that would allow you to help those in need or benefit your community, but you weren’t able to make the financial sacrifices to do it when you were full-time employed? Well now is your chance!
- Create your own job
Many people these days enjoy jobs that didn’t exist five years ago, or didn’t exist until that person invented them! If there’s something you love doing, brainstorm ways to get paid doing it. Think expansively and creatively. Blaze your own trail!
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