The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: FuckRx on January 22, 2014, 10:05:13 PM
-
I was hoping people could post suggestions of what kind of jobs to do once retired. So yes, obviously once retired there is no need for a j-o-b. But there are certain things that I can picture myself doing that would be just awesome as a retired person both for fun and at the same time to get paid for it.
For example I was thinking of these 3:
-be a librarian
-be a substitute teacher
-repurpose old stuff into furniture or decorative pieces
-
Work at a golf course, the nicer the better. I used to work at a high end golf course in high school and everyone I worked with was under the age of 21 or over 65. Starters and rangers are easy jobs but you still have to think a little to make sure people are on time. The big benefit of course is that you get free golf. Unlimited at some courses.
-
I always liked the idea of working part time at a ticket counter at the airport, for the associated perk of free/cheap flights.
-
museum docent
-
Part time tour guide. Think like a two-hour kayak tour, or the walking tour of your downtown area, that sort of thing.
I also thought it might be cool to work for the National Park Service, but haven't really looked into it.
-
I have had a lot of fun working as an extra on TV shows and movies. Pay is only minimum wage (overtime after 8 hours) but it can be a lot of fun, especially if you get a glimpse of yourself on screen. There is a lot of filming going on in Wilmington, NC, Atlanta GA, and some in the Charlotte area.
-
Elder porn.
-
Quite a few of the Madison cabbies are old retired dudes
-
I would like to get a part time job at a bike shop or be a naturalist (leading guided tours at state parks or that sort of thing).
-
A couple things I could see:
Financial counseling in some sort of social welfare agency (probably on a volunteer basis if it's a private org - I wouldn't want the hassle of a civil service position).
Property management (assuming I have some rentals of my own and am self-managing, adding a few of someone else's wouldn't be a big hassle).
-
I was a flight attendant for 5 years, as my hobby job. A few of us were in our 50s when we started, and we all had such a blast. Fun job, cheap flights, a lot of free time to travel or pursue other interests. Still not sure why I went back to my old career this past October...
I also took a Teaching-English-as-a-Second Language certificate several years ago. I plan to spend a few years doing that probably in 2016-18. Three close friends manage schools in Vietnam, Taiwan, and China and repeatedly beg me to go there. Incidentally, if anyone is interested PM me.
EDIT: This short course takes about one week. Even someone with no prior teaching experience will get a job in no time.
I also have a SCUBA divemaster certification and did the DM thing in Thailand for about a year. Fun job, hopefully I could do that part-time and perhaps teach ESL at the same time, if I am still healthy and active in my late 50s.
EDIT: If you have no SCUBA experience whatsoever, you can go from zero to DM in about 6-8 weeks. In most cases, the dive resort where you did your training will hire you as a DM. Most resorts also give free lifetime dives (you bring your own equipment) to DMs who did their certification there.
-
I would do almost anything that involves people. When I was a teenager I worked at Chuck E Cheese and occasionally dressed up as a giant rat. Aside from kids pulling my tail, it was pretty fun.
Favorite ideas:
-Restaurant/Bar/Hotel/Resort worker
-US Postal Service (small office or rural route)
-College/University Lecturer
-National, State or Local Park or Museum
-Real Estate (I could survive on one or two high-end sales per year)
-Library
-Gym
-Amusement Park
-Tour Guide
Get out there!
-
Awesome, keep the list going!
-
Funny you mentioned Librarian as your first choice.
My mom, an avid reader, retired from her midlife career as a tax accountant in her late 60's. She then began volunteering in her local library. Eventually they asked her to apply for a part-time job as an aide. She has been promoted several times and now works 3 days a week and makes $22 an hour. At 82 years of age, it provides her with mental stimulation and social interaction she would not otherwise have, as well as job satisfaction - and for her, it's like working in a candy shop!
She didn't have a lot of money for retirement (she didn't become an accountant until her late 40's and was never very well paid - and she was a young widow with 4 kids) but her income from this job, which she loves, has allowed her to travel for the first time in her later years (she's been to Paris, London, Rome, Ireland and Scotland).
-
Funny you mentioned Librarian as your first choice.
My mom, an avid reader, retired from her midlife career as a tax accountant in her late 60's. She then began volunteering in her local library. Eventually they asked her to apply for a part-time job as an aide. She has been promoted several times and now works 3 days a week and makes $22 an hour. At 82 years of age, it provides her with mental stimulation and social interaction she would not otherwise have, as well as job satisfaction - and for her, it's like working in a candy shop!
She didn't have a lot of money for retirement (she didn't become an accountant until her late 40's and was never very well paid - and she was a young widow with 4 kids) but her income from this job, which she loves, has allowed her to travel for the first time in her later years (she's been to Paris, London, Rome, Ireland and Scotland).
I'm a librarian and will add that most jobs you can get without a Masters degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) aren't going to pay as well as this person's mother's job. A lot of the jobs for paraprofessional library staff are part-time, though, which is a definite plus. I plan to retire from my more administrative job and then just work as a substitute at our many branch libraries for fun.
-
I was a flight attendant for 5 years, as my hobby job. A few of us were in our 50s when we started, and we all had such a blast. Fun job, cheap flights, a lot of free time to travel or pursue other interests. Still not sure why I went back to my old career this past October...
I also took a Teaching-English-as-a-Second Language certificate several years ago. I plan to spend a few years doing that probably in 2016-18. Three close friends manage schools in Vietnam, Taiwan, and China and repeatedly beg me to go there. Incidentally, if anyone is interested PM me.
EDIT: This short course takes about one week. Just an example for Canada. Even someone with no prior teaching experience will get a job in no time.
http://www.oxfordseminars.ca/tesol-tesl-certification/course-price.php
I also have a SCUBA divemaster certification and did the DM thing in Thailand for about a year. Fun job, hopefully I could do that part-time and perhaps teach ESL at the same time, if I am still healthy and active in my late 50s.
EDIT: If you have no SCUBA experience whatsoever, you can go from zero to DM in about 6-8 weeks. In most cases, the dive resort where you did your training will hire you as a DM. Most resorts also give free lifetime dives (you bring your own equipment) to DMs who did their certification there.
-
My mom works two mornings per week at her gym's daycare. She makes very little money, but gets a free membership and she likes being around the little kids. She's in her early 70s.
-
I thought it was hard to become a flight attendant, like Delta had 1000's of applications for five slots? Or are the regional carriers easier to get into?
-
I thought it was hard to become a flight attendant, like Delta had 1000's of applications for five slots? Or are the regional carriers easier to get into?
It is very difficult to land one of these jobs. Even with the low pay and sometimes maddening working conditions, especially at the low cost or regional carriers, airlines receive hundreds or thousands of applications for each opening. However, older people with or without experience in customer service or airlines (I was an environmental scientist all my life) have an edge, especially if they speak a second language (Spanish, French, Mandarin, etc.), and have good people skills. With the right attitude and the usually more positive outlook on life that most of us acquire with age and experience, older folks make great flight attendants or customer service agents and tend to have a lot of fun. While I did work with folks who had been in their job for 25+ years and hated it, I worked with very senior flight attendants who had a continual blast and who, like me, truly enjoyed it.
-
Funny you mentioned Librarian as your first choice.
My mom, an avid reader, retired from her midlife career as a tax accountant in her late 60's. She then began volunteering in her local library. Eventually they asked her to apply for a part-time job as an aide. She has been promoted several times and now works 3 days a week and makes $22 an hour. At 82 years of age, it provides her with mental stimulation and social interaction she would not otherwise have, as well as job satisfaction - and for her, it's like working in a candy shop!
She didn't have a lot of money for retirement (she didn't become an accountant until her late 40's and was never very well paid - and she was a young widow with 4 kids) but her income from this job, which she loves, has allowed her to travel for the first time in her later years (she's been to Paris, London, Rome, Ireland and Scotland).
I'm a librarian and will add that most jobs you can get without a Masters degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) aren't going to pay as well as this person's mother's job. A lot of the jobs for paraprofessional library staff are part-time, though, which is a definite plus. I plan to retire from my more administrative job and then just work as a substitute at our many branch libraries for fun.
My mom has a bachelor's degree in history. She has been promoted as far up the ladder as she can go without a library science degree - I believe she is now an assistant librarian. She works for a large city library system (San Diego); I don't know how the city wages compare with other places, but will say that San Diego's wages in general are somewhat low compared to our cost of living. New hires at the lowest level (aides) only make about $10 an hour I think. Also, my mom has now worked for them for about 13-14 years, so some of her raises are longevity raises. The city mostly hires part-timers, it seems.
-
My mom has a bachelor's degree in history. She has been promoted as far up the ladder as she can go without a library science degree - I believe she is now an assistant librarian. She works for a large city library system (San Diego); I don't know how the city wages compare with other places, but will say that San Diego's wages in general are somewhat low compared to our cost of living. New hires at the lowest level (aides) only make about $10 an hour I think. Also, my mom has now worked for them for about 13-14 years, so some of her raises are longevity raises. The city mostly hires part-timers, it seems.
Makes sense. An assistant type position who assists patrons (customers) with my library in Minnesota makes a starting wage of $17.96/hour. An aide (shelving and check-in work) would make about $8.65/hour. I think it's a pretty good side gig, just glad I'm not trying to support myself on those wages at 25 or 30 hours per week. :)
I'd also add that working in a bookstore was a really fun part of my life when I did that. If you have bookstore experience, getting a job in a library is generally easier (and vice versa).
-
I have been thinking that when I ER in 9 years I could go through the H&R Block training and have a 3-4 month job during each winter to make plenty of money to meet most of (or all of?) my year's expenses. I have no idea if this would be a nightmare or not but I like that it would only be for a chunk of time- during a terrible time of year- and not part time all year.
-
I was thinking about becoming a flight instructor (I'm an instrument rated private pilot).. but thats a bit boring to be honest.
Maybe lecture in Math, physics, engineering.. I hold a professional engineering license, apparently the local University here pays a premium for engineers lecturers with real world experience... Assuming I want to think that hard of course..:)
Frank
-
Make art.
Teach continuing education classes (art, excel, word processing, programming, web portals, etc.)
Teach home-schooled kids shop and art skills most parents wouldn't have the tools/training for.
Cook at Hooters.
-
I have been thinking that when I ER in 9 years I could go through the H&R Block training and have a 3-4 month job during each winter to make plenty of money to meet most of (or all of?) my year's expenses. I have no idea if this would be a nightmare or not but I like that it would only be for a chunk of time- during a terrible time of year- and not part time all year.
H&R Block is probably going to pay something like $10/hr. I worked at a Liberty Tax in college and made about that. But they'll hire pretty much anybody who will go through. If you get some experience there and maybe become an enrolled agent you could probably get a seasonal job at a CPA firm making $15-25.
-
My friend's wife is retired. She works 15 hours a week for an airline at the airport pushing handicapped people. She makes minimum wage but the real nice thing about it is that her and her family get flight benefits. They were in Alaska the other day. The week after they were in San Diego and so on. He told me sometimes they feel like eating by the beach so they'll get on a plane and head somewhere with water and be back the next day.
-
The two jobs I've always liked the sound of are:
Census collector (every 5 years here)
Pre-poll election official (going to hospitals and nursing homes and helping the people there vote) (maybe once a year on average for local, state and national)
My in-laws are grey nomads and did a caravan park management course, and go around doing relief management at caravan parks. Completely unappealing to me, but they love it.
-
I would like to hand out the free papers in front of the Skytrain. The people I see doing this usually seem quite happy. Or, health depending, I would go to work as a temp in offices on the shorter assignments.
I will probably volunteer for the Shakespeare festival too so I could see a play or two for free.
-
I "retired" last year at 38 and my retire job is trucking! I wanted to drive truck since I was a kid, dropped out of college and went long haul for a few years. Brought my bike and snowboard and explored the US and collected stories and a paycheck. Got a wife and went back to school to be able to earn more money and be around. Worked as a sys admin for awhile then owned my own business for awhile. Set myself up to be comfortable and be able to go back to trucking(local this time) the only job I have ever really loved and enjoyed doing every day
There are all sorts of trucking jobs, but if you can hook into the right one its a fantastic retiree option
I have great hours, fantastic benefits, the ability to think all day or listen to music, books on tape etc,
and I get to drive around a fun machine!
(http://thatsrubbish.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140126-141357.jpg)
(http://thatsrubbish.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140126-170615.jpg)
(http://thatsrubbish.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140126-170554.jpg)
-
Sports officials make good money.
Youth baseball and softball umpires can make $20-30 a game which usually take 1-1.5 hours.
Adult baseball I made $40 a game that took 2-3 hours.
A whole day of a youth baseball tourney I usually made about $120 for 7-8 hours. Tax free cash. Food and drinks provided.
I don't do it anymore because I hate dealing with the parents.
Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Football, Basketball all need officials. Most leagues pay cash.
-
The board of elections has work for primaries and main election days. Usually one day of training.
-
Working at a brewery. Helping brew beer, giving tours, hosting tasting classes, etc. I'd love it!
-
I had a couple part-time gigs in college working at local espresso shops and loved it. That is something I'd definitely consider doing 15-20 hours a week. Tips can be pretty decent, depending on the shop.
Personally, I'd probably leverage my professional experience as a government ecologist to do some consulting work, either for a contractor or non-profit. I like the idea of focusing on a specific project for a few months, getting paid a chunk of change, and then wandering off and doing my own thing for the rest of the year.
My FIL worked as a courier for a year or two after he retired, and it really suited him, since he loves driving around.
-
I'd like something that'd provide discounts for travel -- several people mentioned the airport, and that sounds okay. If I lived in the right places, I'd be interested in some kind of part-time job with the cruise lines, but I don't live in the right places.
My husband and I've talked about seasonal work at state or national parks. We started talking about this when we took a WONDERFUL tour with a fellow who must've been in his upper 80s in a state park out west. It was just our family on the tour, and we loved every minute. He was full of stories about the park, the wildlife, etc. At one point we drove past a group of RVs, and he commented that he lives there during the summer . . . but during the winter he goes back to his home in Texas. We asked him about it, and he said that people come back year after year, and they look forward to spending time with their "summer friends". In spite of his age, he was no one with whom to trifle: At another point in our tour we came upon a church youth group who was doing something VERY unsafe. He excused himself and left us in the Jeep, and he got out at STOPPED that mess. Then he radioed in to park security. Yes, we admired the old guy and even have a picture of him on our wall in one of those collage frames.
Similarly, some parks hire people -- mostly retired people -- as monthly hosts. You camp for free for a month, and in exchange you "make the rounds" and collect the $12 fee from each campsite around dinnertime, are available for emergencies and information.
Similarly, I could see working at the ballpark as seasonal work, but I wouldn't want to cook -- that's too labor intensive for me. I'd take tickets or parking lot money.
Or at a museum during busy seasons.
A couple years ago we went to hear a famous author speak at a nearby auditorium, and we noticed that most of the ushers were senior citizens. We asked and learned that this is a volunteer job. We agreed that we'd be VERY interested in volunteering so that we could hear the speakers and concerts and see the plays for free.
To use my current skills, I could work as a private college counselor, helping families navigate the process of SAT, college admissions, and so forth. I do that for free now.
And I'm investigating becoming an SAT administrator. That's only something like 6 Saturdays a year work, so it wouldn't be much money or very intrusive to my life.
-
Ski resorts are really fun places for (semi-)retirees to work! Work a four-month season, be around fun people, spot the occasional celebrity, and get unlimited skiing.
I've worked with a couple people who simply moved into their second home (I can't imagine what their net worth must be to own a home in a schmancy ski town!) upon retiring, and now work in guest services, or at an on-mountain hotel a few days a week. I highly doubt they do it for the money or even for the ski pass -- seems like more for the cameraderie.
+1 to the comment above about teaching English overseas. I'd like to teach English in SE Asia before I croak, but I'm going to wait till I've got my money stashed first!
-
Officiating - my uncle does this while still working full-time and he loves it. He does H.S. football games on Friday nights during the Fall. He and his crew are pretty tight and they enjoy working together.
Firewood - get your chainsaw and remove unwanted hardwoods from people's properties, split it, season it, sell it. You learn a lot and it is great for your body, also a cool element of meeting interesting people and connecting with the community.
Dog-walking - I can't believe how big this is in urban areas
Other have already been mentioned: library-related work, involvement with National/State parks, tour guide, teaching a class at a community college, substitute teacher
For Americans who share the sentiment as the Aussie who is interested working as a Census collector, it doesn't have to be a Decennial Census year to find work. It goes on continuously for many different surveys (household and institutional) and I can vouch that it is pretty fun and rewarding. You build great relationships as some surveys are longitudinal and you go back to the same respondents every so often (some are monthly, yearly, etc.). Travel all over the country or at least within your region (there are 6).
-
Elder porn.
That made me crack up. Might be a choice for the very open-minded, otherwise you should probably keep your elderberries away from cameras.
-
Not close to retirement yet but i'm digging this thread! Growing up, I wanted to be a truck driver, too! Cool pix Sohcrates!
-
Not close to retirement yet but i'm digging this thread! Growing up, I wanted to be a truck driver, too! Cool pix Sohcrates!
If you find the right fit, its a great job :)
My ride to my ride. (Sorry for the blur, not sure company policy on posting photos)
(http://thatsrubbish.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140127-163740.jpg)
-
Yea big riggin is just plain fun. Might consider a couple years of over the road trucking during retirement. Get paid to see the country. I drive for farmers off and on during harvest make a little extra scratch doing something I would probably do just for the fun of it (hey you have to grow old you don't have to grow up) I've also thought a greenhouse would be fun part time job.
-
Pet sitter - those services are pretty expensive!
ESL - I've thought about this too, would love to hear how to make the right connections
Caterer's helper - I like to cook / bake
Postal carrier
Adult ed teaching - cooking/baking - some cities offer 1day courses, not sure how much this pays vs. costs.
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
Well, why retire then? Just become a consultant if you want to get paid close to what you did before.
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
Well.. sure. But those would be specific to the skills you have.
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
Well, why retire then? Just become a consultant if you want to get paid close to what you did before.
Agreed- and also, by the time average a mmm retires, money is hopefully no longer the major focus?
To create a more specialized list from a random group of people, they would have to know what skills are available to work with?
I personally want nothing to do with both skillsets that have made me comfortable and financially free to do something I love that is "not terribly skilled"
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
Well, why retire then? Just become a consultant if you want to get paid close to what you did before.
Sometime (not now), I want to really dig into part-time consultancy. If I could do exactly what I do now, but 1/4 time for 1/4 pay, that would be totally bitchin' and I'd probably never want to retire. Too bad about
-
It seems like people are focusing on jobs that are not terribly skilled. Given how educated and skilled the mmm community is, surely we can create a list that allows us to get stress free job and receive a bit higher pay than your average retiree?
Because who wants all that responsibility?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJh5wdvdfVE
-
Adult ed teaching - cooking/baking - some cities offer 1day courses, not sure how much this pays vs. costs.
When my kids were younger, I used to take them to summer classes at the County Extension Office. Many of them were run by the 4H, but others were run by individuals who just wanted to teach a class. They were low-cost, and it was a fun summer activity. For example, they attended a couple art classes and some cooking classes. Oh, and caligraphy. My oldest was enchanted by fancy letters for quite some time.
I talked to one of the ladies who ran the place one day, and mostly individuals just plan what they want to do -- say, you want to teach how to make pickles or how to crochet. You tell the people at the County Extension sometime around February-March, and they put you into their summer line-up. You provide the materials. You set your own price. You pay nothing for the use of their room. When my girls did these classes, they tended to have 3-10 participants.
I'd forgotten about that, but it would be a fun little job.
Well, why retire then? Just become a consultant if you want to get paid close to what you did before.
Agreed. I like my job, but after I retire, any work I do is going to be fairly well mindless and certainly not what I do now!
Well.. sure. But those would be specific to the skills you have.
Yeah, whereas I think this thread is more about throwing out ideas that'd be available to anyone, regardless of background.
Oh, another thing I'd enjoy: Christmas gift wrapping. I have always LOVED to wrap gifts.
-
I was hoping people could post suggestions of what kind of jobs to do once retired. So yes, obviously once retired there is no need for a j-o-b. But there are certain things that I can picture myself doing that would be just awesome as a retired person both for fun and at the same time to get paid for it.
For example I was thinking of these 3:
-be a librarian
-be a substitute teacher
-repurpose old stuff into furniture or decorative pieces
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree. Just like you're not a doctor just because you work in a hospital, you're not a librarian just because you work in a library. I say if you can get on in a library, do it. It's a lot fun and the people interactions can be interesting. You probably won't make a lot of money doing PT clerical work, but it's something to do that isn't really difficult.
-
A few years ago, I was a hostess at a fancy restaurant, and it was hard work but also a lot of fun. I lost some weight running around for 25-30 hours a week, too! I was running a small business as well at the time, but if you were working only 3 nights a week or so and that was it, it wouldn't be too stressful at all.
The thing I liked about it was that it was kind of like being onstage -- you do your thing and then it's over. Also, restaurant industry people tend to be a little bit like pirates -- lots of fun to hang out with. If I didn't need much money I'd consider doing a few shifts a week again.
-
Agreed- and also, by the time average a mmm retires, money is hopefully no longer the major focus?
To create a more specialized list from a random group of people, they would have to know what skills are available to work with?
I personally want nothing to do with both skillsets that have made me comfortable and financially free to do something I love that is "not terribly skilled"
Yep.
I think of tasks/jobs that I would be doing anyway or would do for free. Any income that comes with it is a very nice cherry on top.
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree. Just like you're not a doctor just because you work in a hospital, you're not a librarian just because you work in a library.
Wow. So Tobey Maguire in Cider House Rules wasn't a surgeon, then? Who knew! Lionel Logue in The King's Speech was an imposter! No qualifications! Same for the lady I knew growing up who ran all the circulation software, responsible for cataloging & shelving, payroll, collections, repairs, subscriptions, inter-library loan management, etc. I feel like I have been cheated......
C'mon now. As for your analogy, I'm not sure too many custodians, cafeteria staff, gift shop staff, receptionists, nurses, etc. claim to be doctors either even though they work in a hospital. For those who have many of the same responsibilities as a certified librarian, I don't think it is some egregious sin to label them as a librarian with respect to their duties even if they don't have a piece of fancy paper. What do you call them? Just a clerical worker? How do these clerical workers explain to someone what their job is without using the L word?
-
Top picks for me:
- work at a mountain lodge or similar during ski season for a free or reduced ski pass
- do the seasonal H&R block thing or at a local CPA firm because I really love finances and taxes
- work part-time at library
- Starbucks or local coffee shop as barista
- property management
So much to do! Especially when you already have most of your income offset by investments, you love doing it, and this is just gravy on top money to reduce your safe withdrawal rate.
-
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree. Just like you're not a doctor just because you work in a hospital, you're not a librarian just because you work in a library.
Wow. So Tobey Maguire in Cider House Rules wasn't a surgeon, then? Who knew! Lionel Logue in The King's Speech was an imposter! No qualifications! Same for the lady I knew growing up who ran all the circulation software, responsible for cataloging & shelving, payroll, collections, repairs, subscriptions, inter-library loan management, etc. I feel like I have been cheated......
C'mon now. As for your analogy, I'm not sure too many custodians, cafeteria staff, gift shop staff, receptionists, nurses, etc. claim to be doctors either even though they work in a hospital. For those who have many of the same responsibilities as a certified librarian, I don't think it is some egregious sin to label them as a librarian with respect to their duties even if they don't have a piece of fancy paper. What do you call them? Just a clerical worker? How do these clerical workers explain to someone what their job is without using the L word?
I think LibrarIan's main point is that the job you'd be doing likely wouldn't be a "librarian" job, but would be called something else, and the pay would match the title, as in my earlier example. I used to work at a circulation desk while I was in school getting my degree, and I can tell you from experience that most patrons think that anyone at a public service desk who works in a library is a "librarian," and it seemed the OP of this thread was doing something similar when they wrote "be a librarian," but I can assure you that most staff don't have an advanced degree, nor is it required. It's not "some egregious sin" to mis-label someone as a librarian, but it is technically inaccurate, and all of the librarians I know like to be accurate. :D
-
The only thing that i have always considered that i didn't already see on this list was Part Time Home Inspector. I have always been interested in this and believe i would enjoy it on a part time scale, along with a wide selection of other things to keep me occupied. Would look to work with someone who is experienced obviously.
-
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree. Just like you're not a doctor just because you work in a hospital, you're not a librarian just because you work in a library.
Wow. So Tobey Maguire in Cider House Rules wasn't a surgeon, then? Who knew! Lionel Logue in The King's Speech was an imposter! No qualifications! Same for the lady I knew growing up who ran all the circulation software, responsible for cataloging & shelving, payroll, collections, repairs, subscriptions, inter-library loan management, etc. I feel like I have been cheated......
C'mon now. As for your analogy, I'm not sure too many custodians, cafeteria staff, gift shop staff, receptionists, nurses, etc. claim to be doctors either even though they work in a hospital. For those who have many of the same responsibilities as a certified librarian, I don't think it is some egregious sin to label them as a librarian with respect to their duties even if they don't have a piece of fancy paper. What do you call them? Just a clerical worker? How do these clerical workers explain to someone what their job is without using the L word?
Whoa. Maybe I wasn't clear enough when I said that. I wasn't trying to say that you have to a "piece of fancy paper" to be able to do something that a librarian does nor was I comparing the difficulty of obtaining a degree in medicine to a degree in librarianship. I was merely pointing out the fact that just because you work in a particular institution doesn't automatically give you some particular title.
As for being a sin to label someone as something, it is not one. However, you'll probably get offended stares from degree-wielding librarians if you refer to clerical workers or some other employee as a librarian. And people in libraries have lots of different titles. Librarians, library associates, shelvers, groundskeepers, etc. If I was a library associate, I could tell someone, "I work at the library at the front desk," or something similar. I wouldn't have to say I'm a librarian, mostly because I'm not one (in this scenario).
Deep breaths, my friend.
-
Bike courier
-
C'mon now. As for your analogy, I'm not sure too many custodians, cafeteria staff, gift shop staff, receptionists, nurses, etc. claim to be doctors either even though they work in a hospital. For those who have many of the same responsibilities as a certified librarian, I don't think it is some egregious sin to label them as a librarian with respect to their duties even if they don't have a piece of fancy paper. What do you call them? Just a clerical worker? How do these clerical workers explain to someone what their job is without using the L word?
I've worked at multiple libraries, and have never heard someone call themselves a librarian who not actually a librarian. What exactly do you consider the "responsibilities of a certified librarian", because I'm guessing it has nothing to do with actual job descriptions. My job title is library assistant. At the last place I worked, a similar position was titled circulation assistant. In fact, there are many different job titles in circulation and technical services that don't involve the word librarian.
There are a lot of people who work at libraries who are not librarians.
-
A few years ago, I was a hostess at a fancy restaurant, and it was hard work but also a lot of fun. I lost some weight running around for 25-30 hours a week, too! I was running a small business as well at the time, but if you were working only 3 nights a week or so and that was it, it wouldn't be too stressful at all.
The thing I liked about it was that it was kind of like being onstage -- you do your thing and then it's over. Also, restaurant industry people tend to be a little bit like pirates -- lots of fun to hang out with. If I didn't need much money I'd consider doing a few shifts a week again.
Interesting. Many of my high schoolers START as hostesses, but they aspire to become servers . . . because they all say there's more money in that. Still, if you're just looking for a few dollars as a retiree, I can see the appeal of staying in the lower paying, less-lifting job.
-
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree.
I actually didn't know that the title librarian required a degree in library sciences. Mom used to head a library but her degree was in a different field so I incorrectly referred to her as the head librarian. Thanks for the knowledge LibrarIan!
-
Bike courier
Is a good job, personally not sure about doing it in Toronto but hay to each his own. I did it for a few summers in collage in northern California. You still have bad days and stress but we were all very aware that we got to be outside riding a bike all day and things really cant be that bad if you are outside riding a bike-and getting paid for it. Cool coworkers too.
Worst part was the legal clerks at some of the court houses expected you, a-20-year-old-bike-messenger-engineering-undergrad, to fully understand the 3lb of paper you just dropped off and that you should not have even picked it up without some magenta appendix detailing sparrow migration patterns. In those cases I would normally try to be helpful but play a little dumb and let the clerks and legal secretaries sort it out, then smile-walk outside and get back on my bike.
-
I figured out a couple low investment, self-driven opportunities:
Paintless dent repair
mobile car wash/detail
Dryer duct cleaning
rain gutter cleaning
house number painting
nice, hey? "this isn't so bad, huh? Makin' bucks, gettin' exercise, workin' outside."
-
Property management is a very small side gig of mine already. I wouldn't mind growing this once the goblins are older. Probably for other people's properties.
Home inspector (mentioned above) is a nice idea. It really depends on the state you're in whether the cost of getting licensed is worth it.
-
I'd say mine are (in no particular order):
-working at a brewery giving tours, taste tests, etc.
-dog walking, trainer, sitter
-house sitter (especially nice in fancypants areas. OHH COOL TOYS!)
-move to Germany and drive commuter trains around all day
-voulnteer/work at a local bike shop/co-op
-be a tour guide for wilderness hikes/kayak trips/bike tours
-
This is a great thread, lots of cool ideas.
I've worked as a library page in high school and in college. I enjoyed putting books away because it just gave me time to think and recharge. The job was pretty easy with few serious responsibilities. The pay was minimal, of course, but I didn't care. One of the perks of working there is that you become well acquainted with the entire library and know where everything is. You also get inside information on new book arrivals. In FI I will probably just volunteer as a library page for the fun of it.
Another thing I might consider is becoming a math tutor. I think it would be gratifying to coach someone one-on-one and teach them my tricks.
-
I am already working on my side project which I plan to use more in retirement.
I just got licensed as a marriage officiant! I want to be a marriage officiant who performs intimate outdoor weddings - and I will hike, bike, ski, canoe, climb to anywhere you want to get married and right now I think I'm the only one in my entire mountain valley who does this for hire. I am working on my website right now. My H could help with either being a witness, provide guitar music if needed, or even taking photos, or just pour the champagne.
I don't care if it's cheesy, I really was looking for this exact thing when we were getting married.
We also considered doing AirBNB and renting out our basement. It's a huge daylight basement with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, private entrance. You can select the weeks you want it open to the public, and hide weeks you are not around.
Campground hosts for national parks and forests. They pay a daily stipend and you'd live in your RV for a couple months.
I've also considered being a home inspector too.
-
I'm not too sure of the specifics, but good ideas are being around things that you like doing that maybe aren't the most mustachian to pursue.
I love cars and racing, but that can get very expensive very fast. If you live near a track or near rally events you can probably either volunteer as a course official or find some other paid work that would only be a weekends style gig that gets you into the 'car culture' that you want to be in but maybe can't bring yourself to shell out for
-
Walmart greeter
-
A site to give an idea of what is available:
http://www.coolworks.com/
-
I'll just point out, as others have, that generally you cannot be called a librarian without a MLIS or similar degree. Just like you're not a doctor just because you work in a hospital, you're not a librarian just because you work in a library.
Wow. So Tobey Maguire in Cider House Rules wasn't a surgeon, then? Who knew! Lionel Logue in The King's Speech was an imposter! No qualifications! Same for the lady I knew growing up who ran all the circulation software, responsible for cataloging & shelving, payroll, collections, repairs, subscriptions, inter-library loan management, etc. I feel like I have been cheated......
C'mon now. As for your analogy, I'm not sure too many custodians, cafeteria staff, gift shop staff, receptionists, nurses, etc. claim to be doctors either even though they work in a hospital. For those who have many of the same responsibilities as a certified librarian, I don't think it is some egregious sin to label them as a librarian with respect to their duties even if they don't have a piece of fancy paper. What do you call them? Just a clerical worker? How do these clerical workers explain to someone what their job is without using the L word?
I think LibrarIan's main point is that the job you'd be doing likely wouldn't be a "librarian" job, but would be called something else, and the pay would match the title, as in my earlier example. I used to work at a circulation desk while I was in school getting my degree, and I can tell you from experience that most patrons think that anyone at a public service desk who works in a library is a "librarian," and it seemed the OP of this thread was doing something similar when they wrote "be a librarian," but I can assure you that most staff don't have an advanced degree, nor is it required. It's not "some egregious sin" to mis-label someone as a librarian, but it is technically inaccurate, and all of the librarians I know like to be accurate. :D
This gets to the silliness of official licensing vs doing. I can run a library (though maybe not a fancy government one) and be a librarian without paper degrees just like I can be an engineer by doing engineering. However, usually the people in the guild try to make the paper seem like the big thing.
-
There are lots of people I have hired that are 'retired' Some keys I see with any of the jobs that seem attractive to them as well as what I like about my current role:
*Extra flexible. Be able to take of a week or two off at a time (unpaid), and way more then the ten days a year some places offer. Be able to work the hours that suit my life 20, 30 or 40 as it fits my life.
*People that are respectful and fun to be with. This is a big thing. I enjoy the people I work with and even when it hits the fan we have a good time together. This applies to 'customers' as well as co-workers. We fire bad customers as life it to short for that crap.
*Something that to be good at. It stinks to try to do a job that doesn't fit my strengths - if I like people, sitting in a cube crunching numbers will stink. If I love running complex simulations - serving coffee will be annoying.
Also, contract employment for these roles is a good path. The helps protect your flexibility and the person you are working for has a lot less commitment level to overcome and making the hire. That sat this only applies to certain jobs as as 20hr a week on site librarian would probably have to be an employee.
-
Another librarian. For those still wondering what's the difference between "librarian" and "someone who works in a library" - as a librarian you generally have some responsibility for budgeting, raising money, spending the money, or some combination of the three. And there's never enough money for everything the public/patrons want you to provide, so librarians are the ones who prioritize what gets funded and what doesn't. Whee!
Non-MLS technical/clerical positions in my library pay pretty well because they're union-represented with a high classification. The people who have been around a long time are making $20+/hr. These jobs are sought-after and we've gotten 100+ applications for open positions.
The people you actually *see* at our library - the people who check your books in and out - are student workers or volunteers making $0-$10 per hour.
-
I'd like to teach improv quilting classes 1x per month (or so) at our local craftsman's guild. I'd like to have my work in local galleries & take on the very occasional commission. Basically, take my hobbie/very small side job to the next level. I'll probably work towards this as my little kids (youngest is still in-utero) are all in school. I don't see why I can't continue it through retirement.
-
I'd work in a plant nursery. Anything with plants and animals. A hobby farm with horses and donkeys. :)
-
Another librarian. For those still wondering what's the difference between "librarian" and "someone who works in a library" - as a librarian you generally have some responsibility for budgeting, raising money, spending the money, or some combination of the three. And there's never enough money for everything the public/patrons want you to provide, so librarians are the ones who prioritize what gets funded and what doesn't. Whee!
Non-MLS technical/clerical positions in my library pay pretty well because they're union-represented with a high classification. The people who have been around a long time are making $20+/hr. These jobs are sought-after and we've gotten 100+ applications for open positions.
The people you actually *see* at our library - the people who check your books in and out - are student workers or volunteers making $0-$10 per hour.
I work in a library, too, and I'm still trying to figure out what my title is. I think it really is different at every library. The director calls me the children's librarian, since I handle everything from preschool storyhour to SRP to teen drama club, in addition to the usual keeping the place running stuff: circulation, website/FB/pinterest maintenance, ILLs, processing and barcoding new items, etc. We have a small staff, so we all wear a lot of hats, and no one has a MLS degree, not even the director. What would other, similar degrees be? Mine is in CSC.
I'm planning on keeping my part-time fun job at the library into our retirement, but I'd rather like to be a docent in a living history museum, too. I might like to teach crafts to groups, as well.
-
Sports officials make good money.
Tax free cash.
Um, no. It's not tax free. And you are obligated to report it as income.
Edited to add: See Internal Revenue Code Section 61(a), if you are so inclined.
-
Sports officials make good money.
Tax free cash.
Um, no. It's not tax free. And you are obligated to report it as income.
I'm pretty sure the IRS has an exception for sports referring income. Duh.
Or at least the pro-sports teams are lobbing for it. ;)
-
Sports officials make good money.
Tax free cash.
Um, no. It's not tax free. And you are obligated to report it as income.
I'm pretty sure the IRS has an exception for sports referring income. Duh.
Or at least the pro-sports teams are lobbing for it. ;)
Because, of course. :)
-
All of the jobs mentioned thus far sound too much like work for me to do them in retirement. Any retirement job I take on would have to be low stress and low obligation, like people would have to honor me for showing up and if they give me any shit I walk away and they beg me to come back.
With that in mind, I'd consider reffing martial arts tournaments or administering rank advancement tests. Something where people recognize your expertise and contribution and you basically get to be in charge.
-
My pension allows me to go at 50 so my kids will be 20-16
I'd like to have a side hustle as a bike touring guide (italy, europe) and help my kids build stuff if thats the direction they want to go.
Of course by then looking after 2 aging boomer parents ought to keep me busy also.
BTW getting a side job to learn how to install metal roofing this summer- only on days where I feel like it and the weather isn't nuclear hot. looks interesting.
-
Any retirement job I take on would have to be low stress and low obligation, like people would have to honor me for showing up and if they give me any shit I walk away and they beg me to come back.
Ha! Roll out the red carpet.
-
I'm pretty sure the IRS has an exception for sports referring income. Duh.
Or at least the pro-sports teams are lobbing for it. ;)
Thought the NFL was a non-profit so by all rights no one there should pay tax :-)
-
All of the jobs mentioned thus far sound too much like work for me to do them in retirement. Any retirement job I take on would have to be low stress and low obligation, like people would have to honor me for showing up and if they give me any shit I walk away and they beg me to come back.
That's what I was thinking. I don't want to work badly enough to take a job that would leave me tired or unhappy at the end of the day; that's what you do on the way to retirement.