There is a preconceived notion that people are just waiting for the day where they can simply retire and travel the world. That seems to be a distant dream since most people cannot maintain that lifestyle solely off of social security checks. According to the Social Security Administration, the full retirement age is now 67 (instead of 65) if you were born in 1960 or later. Today, most people near “retirement” plan on having a job shortly after they leave their previous employer. So whether getting a job is for additional income or just to stay active after retirement, people are meant to have a purpose in life and still want that even after retirement. Some people move closer to their children and grandchildren and invest in their families. They want to be around to continue their legacy for future generations. Whatever the motive is, most retirees want to stay active and keep moving.
I spoke with a baby boomer, Jami, who stated, “I love my job, it is my passion and I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon. When I die, I would have probably been working three days before! As long as I have breath in my lungs and am physically capable, I want to work until I can no longer do that.” On the other hand, some people are in a workplace where they are more than ready to retire and do other things they enjoy. What options are available? Maybe income is not an issue but there is a desire for companionship, a hobby, or a way to give back. Here are some possibilities to consider after retirement.
Tutor
If you love to teach and share advice and knowledge with others, tutoring is a great, flexible opportunity that can also pay very well. From teaching 1st grade math, to 11th grade English, whatever your forte may be, tutoring can be beneficial for both you and your students.
Grocery / Retail Stores
Places like Wal-Mart are always accepting applications for a position of your choice, from door greeters to sales associates. If you love being around people and putting smiles on their faces, you can create an income from simply interacting with people! If they are not hiring at the moment, your application will be in the system for up to 2 months should a position become available. Also, consider seasonal or temporary jobs that open up during the holidays or stores that need temporary help during high traffic months.
Teach a Class
Maybe you have years of work and life experience that someone else can positively benefit from. Even teaching a cooking class to share one-of-a-kind recipes can help others develop skills they can use for a lifetime. If you have had experience teaching in schools, substitute teaching can also be a very fulfilling job.
Past Experience
Looking for another job can be easy, especially if you’ve had previous experience in that field. Your expertise is very important to a company, whether that be experience from sales and research, to coaching or even business management. Experience is something that only increases with time and you will definitely be on the top of the list.
School Crossing Guard
Being a cross guard is a simple, yet rewarding task where you will escort children safely across city streets and ensure their well-being while arriving and leaving school. With this low stress job, you will have lots of interaction and it can be very part-time. Share your smile and get so much more back!
Enterprise Driver
An interesting but good find is becoming an enterprise driver. Your main task would be transporting vehicles and/or customers to their destination in a safe and professional manner. One local driver shared, “It is great pay and a great part time job for me at my age.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Now let’s not leave out the many volunteer opportunities available to people of all ages. Of course, there are many more to choose from so start with something that is of interest to you. From there, you can contact local businesses to see if there are volunteer opportunities available. Here are a few to get you started:
- Animal Shelter Volunteer
- Library Volunteer
- Records Assistant
- Salvation Army Volunteer
- Brazos Valley Food Bank Volunteer
- Police Department Volunteer
- Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
If you would like to see other volunteer opportunities, please visit the following sites for opportunities in the Bryan and College Station area.
City of Bryan
979-209-5002 | www.bryantx.gov/city-secretarys-office/volunteer-program/#current-volunteer
City of College Station
979-764-3500 | www.cstx.gov/index.aspx?page=3926