Retirement isn’t always the end of working life. For many, it’s simply the start of a new chapter. Some retirees look for jobs to boost their income, while others want to stay active, social, and fulfilled. Whatever your reason, this stage of life offers the freedom to choose roles that fit your interests and schedule, rather than the other way around.

From flexible teaching opportunities to creative pursuits, here are ten great jobs that can make retirement both rewarding and enjoyable:

Substitute Teacher

Substitute teaching is among the most suitable jobs for those who’ve hung up their suits and said goodbye to cubicles and boardrooms. Not only does substitute teaching give you the chance to make a continued difference in your community, but it’s flexible and exciting while offering a strong work-life balance. 

The nature of subbing allows you to work when you want and not when you don’t. Subbing also empowers you to work where you want, allowing you to accept assignments in high schools, for example, while declining assignments in middle schools. 

#2 Tutor

Tutoring is similar to substitute teaching in that it provides an opportunity to help students of all ages. However, it doesn’t typically take place inside a classroom, but rather inside the student’s home. You can find tutoring jobs at learning centers or after-school programs as well. Online tutoring is an option, too; this route allows you to teach children anywhere in the world. 

Tutoring is an especially fitting job for those who are experts in a particular subject area. If you’re a retired biologist, consider tutoring children in science. If you’re a former computer programmer, work with students interested in information technology. If you’re a seasoned statistician, help your fellow mathletes. You can also tutor in the arts, including music.

Consultant 

Many retirees opt to become consultants and for good reason: Consulting allows you to put your expertise, skills, and experience to use while helping up-and-coming companies. Consultants cover a wide range of industries and niches, including healthcare, disaster management, business, security, marketing, human resources, IT, education, sports, AI, and more. 

Like many jobs on this list, consulting allows for plenty of flexibility, often letting you work on your own schedule and terms while setting your own hours. 

Tour Guide

Becoming a tour guide is a terrific choice for retirees who have a passion for a particular area, such as art, national parks, history, paleontology, or anthropology. If you’re outgoing and a strong storyteller and you enjoy people, becoming a tour guide is even more fitting. 

Taking a job as a tour guide has a few hidden benefits as well, such as socialization. This role introduces you to all sorts of people, including coworkers you’re likely to see each time you clock in, which can help circumvent the loneliness that is sometimes brought on by retirement. 

Dog Walker

If you’re an animal person, you may as well get paid to hang out with man’s best friend! Being a dog walker is a dual-benefit career, giving you a steady income while allowing you to engage in daily exercise and time in the sunshine. 

While you can find dog walking jobs in rural areas, they’re more prominent in cities. Pet owners who work long hours, travel frequently for work, or go on vacation are constantly looking for walkers to give their furry friends much-needed physical activity in the open air. 

Rideshare Driver or Food Delivery

To the dismay of cabs everywhere, rideshare services have skyrocketed in the recent decade. This provides opportunities for those who need transportation; it also gives retirees an easy way to earn an income.  

If you enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories, driving for Uber or Lyft is a solid option. If you’d rather keep to yourself, delivering for DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates might be a more suitable route. 

Freelance Writer

Freelance writing is something you can do anytime and from anywhere. While it can be a competitive industry, with many writers seeking the same gigs, retirees have an advantage that others might not: Experience. 

Many online sites are regularly looking for writers who can use their knowledge to write about all sorts of subjects. These sites frequently solicit former scientists, teachers, business owners, marketers, lawyers, healthcare workers, and financial advisers to write articles, features, and blogs in industry-centric areas. 

Artist

Becoming an artist is a passion and a dream of many people, yet it comes with a deterrent. Because it’s often challenging to earn a good living in the arts, many people suppress their artistic aspirations and pursue more lucrative careers. 

Retirees, conversely, have earned a golden opportunity to summon their inner Picasso. In other words, you might not have to worry as much about the “starving artist” metaphor if you have a retirement account. 

Librarian Assistant

A library assistant job is ideal for people who love to read, who enjoy exploring symbolism, or who are forever on the hunt for the latest and greatest page-turner. If you like to shake things up with Shakespeare, talk about Tolstoy, argue about Austen, mull over Márquez, or discuss Dickens, a library serves as a welcoming oasis. 

Becoming a library assistant allows you to dive into books, learn about new authors, and cuddle up to the classics. It’s the perfect next “chapter” for literature-loving retirees. 

Part-Time Teacher or Assistant Teacher

Becoming a part-time teacher or assistant teacher is similar to substitute teaching, as mentioned above. However, part-time teacher and assistant teacher roles provide more consistent work, typically requiring a commitment of 10-20 hours per week every week. This makes these roles a good option for retirees who favor routine over flexibility. 

This isn’t to say there is no flexibility; many schools allow part-time and assistant teachers to set their own schedules (such as working Tuesday to Thursday or from 8:00 am to noon), although this depends on the specific district’s protocol. 

Finding a teaching job in retirement is easier than you might think! Sign up with Zen Educate today to make your dream role a reality.