While at work, many of us dream of having time off to fill our days relaxing, playing golf, and spending more time with the family.  But when retirement comes, we may actually find that we miss the work.

There are many reasons to continue to work after retirement: it can help you stay physically and mentally healthy, and provides an additional source of income. You may wish to find a job in your field with more flexibility, fewer hours, and less stress, or you could get started in a new career. Instead of fitting your life around your job, you can look for jobs that allow you to pursue your interests.

Employment ideas

Work for your former employer

If you enjoyed the work you did before retirement, consider working part-time for your former employer. Since employers hate to lose valuable employees, your old boss may jump at the chance to hire you back, even if you require a less intensive or more flexible schedule. This will allow you to renew contact with old co-workers and continue a job that you always enjoyed – but now according to your schedule.

Work as a consultant

Retired individuals with advanced degrees or specialised experience can consider a career in consulting. Consultants can leverage their years of expertise, training, and connections and set their hours to avoid a full-time workload.

For example, retirees with experience in programming, website development, finance, and litigation are highly sought after. In fact, many companies can afford to pay consultants high fees because they don’t have to pay for their benefits. One drawback, however, is that you might find demand for your skills sporadic. This depends on where you live and how quickly you build your clientele.

Start a retail business

Many retirees opt to open their own retail business. If you have a large collection of any kind, an attic full of dusty antiques, or boxes of books you no longer read, you may have the initial inventory needed for your own retail business.The Internet makes it easy to start a new online business because of the relatively low overhead costs of selling and advertising online through sites like eBay.  Additionally, you can sell items in a rented space at an  indoor market or car boot sale.

Find low stress part-time work

If you just want to stay active and in touch with other people, look for low-stress work with light responsibility. Here are some of the most popular part-time jobs for retirees:

• Shop or supermarket positions. These jobs don’t pay high salaries, but they do offer flexible schedules. Plus, they exist everywhere.
• Call centres. In a call center, employees spend most of their time sitting and talking on the phone, which can be great for seniors with low mobility. In fact, a number of companies allow customer service representatives to work from home.
• Teaching assistants and tutors. Retirees who enjoy working with students might enjoy being a teaching assistant or a tutor. Universities sometimes hire teaching assistants for a small hourly wage or a flat fee. Tutors, on the other hand, can be self-employed or work with a larger organization.
• Childcare services. Childcare remains a constant need for busy families. You can babysit as needed for friends, family, and neighbours for extra income, or offer daily childcare services in your home.Find a part-time job with perksSince wages are generally low, finding a part-time job  with perks can make the work more appealing. For example, if you work for a cinema, theatre, concert hall, or almost any other type of entertainment venue, you may receive free tickets to shows. Or if you work as an usher during a festival or sporting event or  game, you may be able to  enjoy the entertainment for the remainder of your shift.

Work as a temp

Temporary jobs can be an opportunity for you to alternate work with leisure. These jobs vary, but might include general labor or office jobs, including bookkeeping, customer service, and data processing positions. Assignment duration can range between one day and several weeks.

If you need a break, you can pass on one job and wait for the next to come along. Moreover, many temporary jobs don’t require a specific skill set, significant work experience, or an advanced degree.

Give back

Many retirees want jobs that allow them to give something back to the world. These jobs tend to pay very little and might include teaching, tutoring, or working at daycare centers.

Many retirees also enjoy volunteer positions, such as working with animal shelters or organizations.

Final word

Working after retirement can provide a wonderful opportunity to work on your own terms. Many companies appreciate older workers’ experience and provide flexible, rewarding jobs. There are many ways to leverage your passion and experience into a rewarding post-retirement career – but don’t think you’re too old to learn any new tricks. Retirement can provide the opportunity to train for a new, exciting job or volunteer position with minimal time investment.

Do you have additional ideas for jobs after retirement? Are you currently a retiree working part-time?