Retirement can be a wonderful time to relax and enjoy life, but many retirees find they still need or want to earn some extra income. But are there low-stress jobs after retirement available?
The good news is there are plenty of low-stress jobs ideal for retirees who want to add to their nest egg without overexerting themselves. So, we’ll explore some of the best options for laidback, flexible work after retirement.
From consulting and teaching to driving and retail, you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and lifestyle needs. With this guide, you’ll be armed with the knowledge needed to secure pleasant part-time work that supplements your retirement income without adding unwanted stress.
Why Retirees Should Have Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement?
Retirement can be an ideal time to relax and enjoy hobbies, but many retirees find they still want to work a bit to stay active and earn supplemental income.
Let it be full-time commitment or part-time weekend jobs, having a side hustle or low-stress jobs for retirees provides them with many benefits.
- Financial Security: Additional earnings from a job can significantly boost retirement savings and ensure financial stability.
- Mental Stimulation: Keeping mentally active with a job helps maintain cognitive skills among elders and provides intellectual engagement.
- Social Connections: Part-time work provides valuable social interaction with co-workers and clients for retirees.
- Sense of Purpose: Having meaningful work gives retirees a sense of accomplishment and purposeful days.
- Activity Level: Working helps maintain physical activity levels that tend to decline in full retirement.
Having a low-stress job after retirement can also be very positive for mental health. The social connections, cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and a sense of purpose can help reduce risks of depression and cognitive decline in older adults.
Retirees should strongly consider fun, low-stress jobs as they transition into retirement to optimize their well-being.
20 High-Paying & Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement
Although there are several full-time and part-time jobs available, it is quite hard to get the job that suits you. So, here is my curated list of 20 high-paying and low-stress jobs after retirement that you must try.
1. Online Tutor
Online tutoring has become one of the low-stress jobs for retirees looking to earn extra money from home. No prior teaching experience is required, just expertise in a subject like math, science, English, or computer skills.
Many online tutoring companies provide free training to get started. You can also check out useful free learning resources like Coursera’s online teaching course and the Tutorful blog.
Pay typically ranges from $15-$40 per hour, depending on the subject and tutoring platform. Most elder tutors work 5-15 hours per week, earning $5,000-$20,000 annually.
The flexible schedule and one-on-one online format allow retirees like you to tutor as much or as little as desired.
Top 5 websites to find online tutoring jobs for retirees:
2. House Sitting
House sitting has emerged as a popular way for retirees to earn extra income while enjoying free housing and getting to stay in new locations. It is also among the cash-paying jobs near me that are currently in trend.
You don’t need any prior experience. You just need to have a responsible attitude and willingness to care for homes, pets, and plants.
Useful resources for learning house-sitting best practices include the House Sitters Academy training course and the Nomador blog.
Expected hourly income typically ranges from $25-$50 per day, with longer sits earning higher pay. Most house sits last 1-4 weeks, allowing retirees to earn $500-$2,000 per sit.
The flexible schedule and ability to choose locations make house-sitting an attractive option.
Top 5 sites to find house-sitting jobs:
3. Dog Walker
Dog walking has become a flexible and enjoyable way for active retirees to earn extra money. If you love paw-babies and also looking for low-stress jobs after retirement, this is the perfect one for you.
No prior experience is required, just a love of animals and the ability to provide reliable dog care. All you need is to just connect with the dogs. Useful training resources include the Rover dog walker course and PetSits University.
Pay rates average $15-$25 per 30-minute walk, with most dog walkers handling 5-10 walks per day. This results in potential annual earnings of $10,000-$30,000.
Walks are scheduled throughout the day with little commitment, allowing retirees to work as much or as little as desired.
Top 5 sites to find dog walking jobs:
4. Tour Guide
Local tour guiding has become one of the high-paying same-day pay jobs for outgoing retirees who enjoy sharing their city’s history and sights.
Retirees can turn their passion for their hometown into extra income by sharing insider knowledge with visitors on flexible, low-stress walking or bus tours.
While tourism experience is helpful, many tour companies provide paid training programs like those offered by The International Tour Management Institute and TourGuideCertification.com.
Pay averages $15-$25 per hour, with most tour guides working 5-20 hours per week, earning $5,000-$20,000 annually. The flexible schedule allows guiding tours as little or often as desired.
Top 5 sites to find tour guide jobs:
5. Park Ranger
Working as a park ranger provides retirees a chance to share their passion for nature while earning supplemental income. It also helps them to directly connect with nature.
No experience is required, just an appreciation of the outdoors. Useful training resources include the Park Ranger ED online course and the Animal Care Technologies blog.
Pay averages $12-$18 per hour, with seasonal and part-time rangers working 10-25 hours per week and earning $5,000-$15,000 annually.
The flexible schedule in a peaceful outdoor setting makes this a low-stress option, especially for retirees like you.
Top 5 websites to find park ranger openings:
- Governmentjobs.com
- Texas Park Careers
- CoolWorks
- Environmental Career Opportunities
- Park Ranger ED Job Board
6. Camp Host
Becoming a camp host allows retirees to live affordably on campgrounds while earning extra income. Due to its affordability of living, it is widely counted among the low-stress jobs for retirees.
You don’t need any prior experience, although having some can be advantageous for you. Besides, you must also enjoy outdoor activities and should be good at providing hospitality.
Useful training resources include the American Camp Association’s Camp Compliance course and The Dyrt’s blog.
Compensation involves a free campsite and a stipend of around $1,000 per month. Camp hosting commitments range from 3-6 months with flexible hours.
5 Good sites to find camp host positions:
7. Career Coach
Helping others with career guidance can be a rewarding part-time job for retirees with workplace experience. Retirees like you can truly utilize their vast experience in this field.
While a background in human resources or counseling is preferred, training programs like the Career Coach Academy and Career Craft Academy can provide the skills needed.
Pay averages $50 to $150 per hour, with most career coaches working 5-15 hours per week. The yearly income ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 if you work part-time.
The remote and flexible schedule makes this a low-stress way to profit from your career wisdom. However, there are many remote jobs available from many niches.
5 Useful sites to find career coaching jobs:
8. Librarian
Retirees can stay mentally active while earning part-time income in a quiet, organized setting while working as a librarian. Those who prefer peace and knowledge will fall in love with this profession.
While a master’s degree in library science is preferred, some libraries hire those with bachelor’s degrees. Some local libraries even hire without a degree.
Useful training resources include ALA’s Library Support Staff Certification Program and WebJunction’s Self-paced Online Courses.
Pay averages between $15 and $25 per hour, with librarians working 10-25 hours weekly. The income ranges from $7,500-$20,000 annually.
Top 5 websites to find librarian openings:
9. Consultant
Consulting provides retirees a way to profit from their career expertise with a flexible schedule.
The flexibility to set your own hours and income makes consulting an attractive option for retirees wanting to keep their skills sharp.
Relevant experience in a particular field is required, but training programs like the Consulting Success System’s Certified Management Consultant course and Consulting.com’s Consulting Essentials can strengthen your skills.
Consultants typically charge $50-$200 per hour. They are usually working 5-30 hours weekly and earning $10,000-$60,000 annually based on their niche.
Top 5 websites to find consulting jobs:
10. Delivery Driver
You can enjoy the flexibility to work part-time while earning extra income as a retiree by becoming a delivery driver in the United States.
No special license is required, just a valid driver’s license, a clean record, and a reliable vehicle. Some companies can conduct a background verification through a third-party verifier.
You must check out useful training resources like Pizza Hut’s Delivery Driver Training Program and The Deliver School’s Online Driver Course.
Drivers can expect to earn $15-$25 per hour, including tips, working 10-30 hours weekly. Most delivery drivers generate $10,000-$40,000 in annual income.
Top 5 websites to find delivery jobs include:
11. Gardener
Gardening is an enjoyable part-time job for retirees who love the outdoors. No formal training is required, which makes it among the best high-school diploma jobs that you can start even with just a school educational background.
You need to have knowledge of planting, weeding, pruning, etc. Moreover, you must also have expertise in different plants, seeds, fertilizers, and plant medicines.
You can get initial training from Udemy’s Gardening and Landscaping courses and the American Horticultural Society’s Gardening Advice. Easy accessibility is what makes gardening one of the low-stress jobs after retirement.
Hourly pay averages between $15 and $25 with seasonal flexibility. Gardeners can work as much or as little as they want and earn $5,000-$20,000 annually.
5 Good job boards for gardeners:
12. Freelance Writer
Retirees can use their writing skills to work flexibly as freelance writers. Retirees like you can vent out your expertise and experience through this profession.
Some experience is preferred, along with training like Contena’s Ultimate Writing Course and Writing Revolt’s Writing for Newbies. These courses help strengthen writing abilities and teach the business side of freelancing.
Writers typically earn $0.05-$0.20 per word, generating $10,000-$40,000+ annually. I personally know a few who earn above $60,000 a year.
However, income potential depends on the niche, experience level, and workload. The flexible schedule allows writers to work as much or as little as they desire.
5 Best freelance sites to find clients as a writer:
13. Proofreader
You can use your meticulous editing skills to work as remote proofreaders. Due to the nature of this profession, proofreading is truly among the best low-stress jobs after retirement.
Experience or training like PaperTrue’s Proofreading Course is recommended to hone editing abilities. There are numerous courses available on YouTube as well.
Proofreaders earn around $20-$30 per hour while working 5-20 flexible hours per week. This results in annual earnings of $5,000-$20,000 based on workload.
The autonomy of remote proofreading allows retirees to work at their own pace. With attention to detail, retirees can secure steady proofreading income while working comfortably from home.
5 Best sites to find proofreading jobs:
14. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assisting offers retirees administrative experience and a way to earn income on a flexible, remote schedule.
Useful training like Virtual Assistant Academy is beneficial for learning skills like email management, scheduling, data entry, etc. There are several other free resources available as well.
VAs earn around $15-$50 per hour and have the flexibility to choose their work hours. The potential annual earnings range from $10,000 to $80,000+ depending on workload.
The flexibility of virtual assistance is ideal for retirees. Besides, there are several niches inside this profession that you can choose depending on your skill set.
5 Best job sites to find VA jobs:
15. Furniture Flipper
Retirees handy with tools and decor can earn extra cash flipping and refurbishing furniture. If you have a stock of old furniture or know the trade, you can surely consider it among the low-stress jobs for retirees.
Useful resources like FixFlipProfit’s training and Flipping Aficionado’s blog to learn repair, refinishing, and selling skills can be a great starting point.
Most flippers earn $25,000-$80,000 annually, working 10-25 flexible hours per week. You can even earn $5,000 in a single shot if you know how to sell high-priced furniture to clients having deep pockets.
With some dedication, this can become a lucrative side business. With some basic equipment and skills, retirees can refurbish and resell furniture for nice profits with a flexible schedule.
5 Good outlets to sell furniture:
16. Voiceover Artist
Voiceover work allows retirees to use their talents from home. Due to the nature of this profession, it is surely among the low-stress jobs after retirement.
Some experience is preferred by most companies looking for a great voiceover artist. However, you can start with training like Gravy For The Brain’s Voiceover Class to refine vocal skills.
Voiceover pay averages $100-$500 per hour or project, with annual income varying greatly depending on workload.
For part-time work, most earn $10,000-$40,000 annually. With the right training and equipment, retirees can utilize their golden voices to earn income from voiceover work at home.
5 Useful sites to find voiceover jobs:
17. Retirement Planner
Helping others prepare for retirement is a natural part-time job for retirees with financial planning experience.
Leveraging retirement experience to help others plan is a rewarding and flexible career option for retirees.
Training like CFP certification can augment financial and investing knowledge. There are several free resources and videos available on YouTube.
Planners earn $60-$150 per hour while working 5-25 hours weekly. This results in potential annual earnings of $10,000-$50,000+ depending on client workload.
5 sites to find retirement planning jobs:
18. Childcare Services
You can work flexibly caring for little ones as a childcare provider in your nearby places. With patience and caretaking skills, retirees can secure childcare jobs with flexible schedules, good pay, and enjoyable interaction with children.
It is among the low-stress jobs for retirees, as it will let you stay close to babies and toddlers, naturally happy human beings.
Training such as CPR certification and early education courses can be helpful preparation. It would be great if you have also done some certification courses on child psychology.
Sitters and nannies earn between $15 and $25 per hour. For part-time work, most earn $10,000-$40,000 annually.
5 Best job sites to find families needing childcare:
- Care
- SitterCity
- Urbansitter
- Nanny Lane
- Local Facebook parent groups
19. Photographer
Retirees with an artistic eye can use their photography skills to earn income. Leveraging photographic skills to shoot weddings, events, portraits, or products can also provide retirees with a nice artistic side business.
Experience is required, along with optional training like NYI’s Professional Photography Course to refine techniques. You can also follow popular photographers on Instagram and Twitter to get some first-hand tips.
Photographers earn around $25-$100 per hour or project, generating $10,000-$60,000+ annually. Some photographers even charge up to $500 per photo.
The flexible schedule and the high-income potential make photography a truly attractive option.
5 Platforms to find photography projects:
20. Airbnb Host
Managing an Airbnb allows retirees to earn extra income, hosting travelers in a flexible, social setting. You can use the extra space to host travelers, meet new people, and earn extra cash.
Useful resources include Airbnb’s Hospitality Standards guide and Hosting tips to prepare your space. You can also listen to podcasts of Airbnb owners available on Spotify and YouTube.
Hosts typically earn $1,000-$2,000 per month in unpopular locations, although this can go up to $20,000 a month if you live in a touristy location.
You need to just spend 1-2 hours daily on cleaning, maintenance, and guest communication.
Key hosting platforms include:
How To Get Hired For A Retiree Job?
While the job market can be challenging for older workers, retirees have many options to secure enjoyable, low-stress employment. Yes, there are many low-stress jobs after retirement available these days.
Retirees can get hired for fulfilling part-time, full-time, or freelance gigs with the right approach.
- Sharpen Skills: Take online courses like Coursera to update your abilities or learn new technologies.
- Network: Attend industry events and use sites like LinkedIn to build connections.
- Craft Your Brand: Define and market your niche expertise through a resume, online profiles, social media handles, etc.
- Search Job Boards: Leverage niche sites like RetirementJobs and flexible job boards.
- Highlight Your Value: Tailor your application to emphasize the experience and soft skills you offer as a retiree.
For those interested in independent work, sites like FlexJobs provide curated remote and freelance opportunities across many fields.
Some famous figures like Julia Child and Colonel Sanders (KFC) achieved major successes later in life, proving age should not limit your pursuits. With effort and patience, retirees can surely find fulfilling and appropriate job opportunities.
Final Note
Retirement can open up new possibilities to pursue laid-back jobs that provide enjoyment, social connections, and supplemental income. You truly have more options than ever to find low-stress jobs for retirees tailored to your needs and interests.
Stay active in your community, keep learning new skills, and leverage your lifetime of experience to secure rewarding opportunities.
If full or part-time work does not appeal, alternatives, like paid online surveys and “get-paid-to” sites, allow you to earn extra cash. Remember, retirement is not the end of your professional journey but the chance to reinvent yourself and pursue work you find truly meaningful.
Zeeshan Hakmi, CEO of FinancingFocus.com, has been causing a stir in the software development world for over two decades. Armed with an MBA from Governors State University and a knack for problem-solving, this new-age entrepreneur has been leading the charge in User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and project delivery across the USA.
When he’s not busy exploring the limitless potential of artificial intelligence, you can find him penning thought-provoking articles on the intersection of AI, business, and finance. But don’t let his tech-savvy persona fool you – Zeeshan is a nature enthusiast at heart, always ready to trade his keyboard for a hiking trail.
With a passion for innovation and a thirst for adventure, Zeeshan is proof that you can have your code and travel too.