The Money Mustache Community

Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: teacherwithamustache on February 26, 2015, 10:28:42 AM

Title: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: teacherwithamustache on February 26, 2015, 10:28:42 AM
First time poster and registered.  Long time Lurker.

What type of fun retirement jobs is everyone looking forward to working or already working?  I realize that everyones definition of fun is a bit different along with everyone's definition of job.  Some of you may be as happy as a lark working in a book store for $8 an hour with free coffee and wireless as a perk for 20 hours a week.  I am looking for ideas.


My idea for now is to go out and referee high school and jr high football and basketball games.  You work from 4-7 PM only on days that you want to work.  You can make 60-80 dollars every day of the week.  Make your own schedule, exercise, help kids etc etc.  If you do it correctly all of the money you make is tax free.  So 300-400 dollars a week for 30 weeks only working 15-20 hours a week seems like a good idea to me for my FIRED lifestyle.  So unless I can find a job at a brewery this looks like my post work calling right now.  Any other suggestions?  I like high pay low hours and being away from computer.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Mississippi Mudstache on February 26, 2015, 10:40:09 AM
Refereeing sounds like fun. I'm planning on starting a small business as a retiree. I don't think I'll be able to handle being on someone else's payroll, no matter how flexible or low-stress it is. My plan is to have a portable sawmill, sell lumber, do custom sawing, build furniture, etc. Not everybody's cup of tea, but I love it. I would quit right now if I thought I could support my family doing that. But the reasonable thing to do is to build up a big stash and run the sawmill business as a supplement, and I'm nothing if not reasonable.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: EconDiva on February 26, 2015, 10:43:01 AM
Dog walker :)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: punctualalex on February 26, 2015, 10:56:28 AM
Whitewater raft guide in the summer, ski patrol in the winter.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: pachnik on February 26, 2015, 10:57:22 AM
I have been thinking about my retirement job lately.  Providing that my health is still good, things I think would be fun on a part-time basis, working in a small coffee shop/bakery, and delivering the local newspaper that comes out twice a week.  For volunteering, I am thinking about fostering pets. 
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: MetalCap on February 26, 2015, 11:04:33 AM
Zamboni driver to pay for my hockey habit.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: 2Birds1Stone on February 26, 2015, 11:23:14 AM
My FIRE job will be finding interesting and mentally stimulating ways of putting my money to work. I will delve into the world of rental homes, small business, and junior venture capital.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: FIPurpose on February 26, 2015, 11:24:20 AM
I've been heavily considering getting a PhD in Classics and either doing translation work for the church (Wycliffe foundation or one of its kin). Or just going into teaching part time at a college somewhere.

Still not sure if I would truly enjoy going back to school for 5 years when I could be FIREd, but I still have 5-6 years before I'd consider leaving my current work.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: thedayisbrave on February 26, 2015, 11:36:50 AM
My FIRE job will be finding interesting and mentally stimulating ways of putting my money to work. I will delve into the world of rental homes, small business, and junior venture capital.

This, though I've dipped my toe in the first two already.  Building a rental portfolio and your own business takes time, which is why I'm starting the ramp up now.  Honestly, what I do doesn't really feel like a job so I may just continue doing it until I can't, or I guess until it does start feeling like a job. 

I would love a coffee shop job.  I worked as a barista during my gap year between college and grad school.  It was really fun -- I loved the hustle bustle in the mornings and chatting with the regulars.  I'm still friends with some of the regulars and I worked there 3 years ago. 
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: tlars699 on February 26, 2015, 11:55:37 AM
Personally, I would love to be a crafter for conventions.
At this point I don't care what kind of crafter- I don't have much time to devote to improving my skills in these areas currently, but I would enjoy setting up some sort of etsy shop, growing my inventory the first few years and then travel about the country to rub elbows with other nerdy maker types of folks.
:)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: teacherwithamustache on February 26, 2015, 12:14:33 PM
Personally, I would love to be a crafter for conventions.
At this point I don't care what kind of crafter- I don't have much time to devote to improving my skills in these areas currently, but I would enjoy setting up some sort of etsy shop, growing my inventory the first few years and then travel about the country to rub elbows with other nerdy maker types of folks.
:)

My high school principal retired at 55 and now spends the rest of his days selling doll house furniture that he makes in his garage.  His website is very popular from what I understand.  I had a few beers with him a couple of years ago and he said he currently makes 2K a month and could easily make 4k if he wanted to devote the effort to it.

I also like the portable saw mill idea.  That would be something interesting.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: REfinAnon on February 26, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
Lately I've been thinking it would be fun to work at a more local/regional (I think you would want to avoid National ownership) golf/ski resort. I figure you could play free golf and then ski for free. They also tend to be in low cost of living areas. Might be fun for a few years, maybe not forever.

Curious if any MMMers have any experience with this.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: sandandsun on February 26, 2015, 12:27:58 PM
I refereed HS and middle score games when I was in college and grad school- not fun from what I remember- parents are asses sometimes...

I vote for anything that has to do w animals- dog sitting/walking/grooming/whatever... as long as it involves canine vs. human interaction :)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: misschedda on February 26, 2015, 12:34:28 PM
Refereeing sounds like fun.

I bet refereeing is fun for some people, but I was a soccer referee for a few years and hated it. Kids' parents constantly yelled at me (best line from some kid's dad: "Ref you're as slow as oatmeal!") and I just didn't have fun. It did pay pretty well though--$30-$60 an hour depending on the league.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Iron Mike Sharpe on February 26, 2015, 12:54:37 PM
I plan on driving around America experiencing it all.  While doing it, my routes will take me to areas with good casino poker action where I can spend a few days playing poker (my current side hustle) to earn some cash. 
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: hodedofome on February 26, 2015, 12:58:54 PM
Golf course marshal. You are basically the law within a 1 square mile radius.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: boognish on February 26, 2015, 01:43:37 PM
Coach soccer would be great for me. Make a couple bucks working with kids and getting outside.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Mississippi Mudstache on February 26, 2015, 02:29:57 PM
I also like the portable saw mill idea.  That would be something interesting.

My dad does this now. He makes about $2,000/month with it, after expenses and depreciation. He stays pretty busy, and could work more if he wanted to. He's jokes that he's going to sell me the sawmill when I retire, but maybe he's not joking.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: TheOldestYoungMan on February 26, 2015, 02:43:10 PM
I'd like to teach.  Maybe substitute at some local schools, the pay is absolutely shit, but it might be fun.  Ideally getting on to teach one course at a local community college every 3rd semester would be great.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: iamadummy on February 26, 2015, 03:39:20 PM
being a referee could be extremely stressful for low pay. eventually some parents are gonna go nuts
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: sirdoug007 on February 26, 2015, 03:39:50 PM
I think the bar at the local whole foods would be great. The people that stop there are pretty relaxed unlike other bars and i imagine some interesting conversations.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Bikesy on February 27, 2015, 06:51:57 AM
I worked a few years as a manager for a major retailer.  My plan is to "down" date my resume so it shows a basic high school education and unrelated small business experience and then apply at a similar major retailer.  I'll acquire a job as a cart attendant/shelf stocker/cashier.  From there I'll begin blogging about my undercover experience and see how long it takes me to get promoted. 

If I don't enjoy the irony as much as I'm planning I'll go work for my family's small business building a houses a few days a week!
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Ynari on February 27, 2015, 08:55:08 AM
I'm thinking:

Artist/teacher of related arts

Massage therapist or physical therapist (I want to get licensed for this anyway, and it'd be a great bartering skill)

School teacher when I'm old enough to scare kids

Or maybe being part of some sort of urban farming initiative
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Duchess of Stratosphear on February 27, 2015, 09:00:09 AM
I would like to grow garlic!
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: gillstone on February 27, 2015, 09:11:50 AM
My FIL retied after 32 years of teaching and coaching.  He really enjoys reffing basketball and football and it has no long-term obligations or tie-downs so he can do it whenever he feels like it.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: trailrated on February 27, 2015, 09:56:14 AM
I worked a few years as a manager for a major retailer.  My plan is to "down" date my resume so it shows a basic high school education and unrelated small business experience and then apply at a similar major retailer.  I'll acquire a job as a cart attendant/shelf stocker/cashier.  From there I'll begin blogging about my undercover experience and see how long it takes me to get promoted. 

If I don't enjoy the irony as much as I'm planning I'll go work for my family's small business building a houses a few days a week!

That sounds like a lot of fun, keep us updated if you do. Would love to follow.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Schaefer Light on February 27, 2015, 10:28:48 AM
Lately I've been thinking it would be fun to work at a more local/regional (I think you would want to avoid National ownership) golf/ski resort. I figure you could play free golf and then ski for free.
This is along the same lines as what I might want to do.  I'd like a job at a golf course that comes with the perk of free golf and unlimited range balls.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: forummm on February 27, 2015, 10:54:00 AM
I love how we're all having fun thinking about jobs we'd do for fun--dead-end jobs that almost anyone who had to do that job for their real living would hate. They would dream of getting some corporate desk job that pays more (i.e. what many of us have now).

But I've often had the same thoughts myself. For me, I've thought about everything from Home Depot to volunteering to teaching college.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Retire-Canada on February 27, 2015, 11:31:59 AM
First time poster and registered.  Long time Lurker.

What type of fun retirement jobs is everyone looking forward to working or already working?

I'm self-employed. I like what I do at 40-50hrs a week, but not enough to keep going until 60yrs+ old.

I'm going to start cutting back hours at least until I'm at 20hrs/week average and see how I feel.

I suspect at that workload level I'm going to love it enough to not want to stop entirely.

Maybe I'll go down to 10-15hrs a week average.

I won't find other work that pays me nearly the same hourly rate and it's a mental challenge that is easy on my body.

-- Vik
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Inkedup on February 27, 2015, 11:39:38 AM
My FIRE job will be finding interesting and mentally stimulating ways of putting my money to work. I will delve into the world of rental homes, small business, and junior venture capital.

This, though I've dipped my toe in the first two already.  Building a rental portfolio and your own business takes time, which is why I'm starting the ramp up now.  Honestly, what I do doesn't really feel like a job so I may just continue doing it until I can't, or I guess until it does start feeling like a job. 

I would love a coffee shop job.  I worked as a barista during my gap year between college and grad school.  It was really fun -- I loved the hustle bustle in the mornings and chatting with the regulars.  I'm still friends with some of the regulars and I worked there 3 years ago.

You must have had really nice customers at the coffee shop :) I worked as a barista for a few summers and the overall experience wasn't something I'd be willing to endure again. Some people were great and it was always a pleasure to schmooze with them while I made their lattes. However, I quickly learned that some people out there can be quite vicious before they get their caffeine. And let's face it: there are those who automatically look down on people who wear aprons on the job.   
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: sol on February 27, 2015, 11:46:54 AM
I teach ukulele to kids as party of an after school enrichment program. The pay is terrible, but I'd do it for free.  We rock hard.  I'm hoping to continue it after I retire.

And that's always the real question in threads like this.  If you've identified your real life goals, why aren't you moving towards doing that now?
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: mxt0133 on February 27, 2015, 01:19:20 PM
Lifeguard for me.  I grew up watching Pamela Anderson running up and down the beach and promised myself that's how I want to spend the last few day on earth!

If I can't qualify as a lifeguard then cabana boy or drink server at a beach resort, with a bottle of sun tan lotion handy.

Yes I'll be that old guy at the beach 'club.'
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: benjenn on February 27, 2015, 01:39:06 PM
I like the idea of working at a golf course or at a plant nursery, watering and taking care of flowers.  That would make me happy.  I'd show up on time, be friendly to the customers, work hard... all the things they say they have trouble getting from employees these days.  :)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: chasesfish on February 27, 2015, 02:36:14 PM
Jet Skit hut rental attendant.

If I have to help folks put on life jackets, I'm sure I can oblige
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: DoubleDown on February 27, 2015, 02:50:08 PM
I created a list of about 40-50 things I'd like to do if I ever had the inclination to make some money part time. I encourage others to do the same so you can always refer back to it, add to it, etc. if you ever decide to pursue something.

So far I've done only one thing on my list as an actual money-making venture (wrote a book, not yet published, therefore current earnings = $0). I've done some of the others only as hobbies or for personal use (like building wood furniture). But in growing those hobbies, I've gained confidence that I could turn them into profitable ventures if desired.

One thing that seems like a really optimal part-time gig where I live is substitute teaching at the K-12 level. Earns something like $15-20/hour, you have complete flexibility to determine what days you're willing to work in any month, which subjects you want to teach, which schools and grades you're willing to teach, and no certification is required as long as you have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Spork on February 27, 2015, 02:59:22 PM
I also like the portable saw mill idea.  That would be something interesting.

My dad does this now. He makes about $2,000/month with it, after expenses and depreciation. He stays pretty busy, and could work more if he wanted to. He's jokes that he's going to sell me the sawmill when I retire, but maybe he's not joking.

I've totally considered this before.  I've also wondered if I could get a flunky job in a cabinet shop just to learn woodworking skills (though I'd probably learn broom pushing skills.)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: DollarBill on February 27, 2015, 05:20:40 PM
I've been thinking about a dive master or fishing charter.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Drew664 on February 27, 2015, 08:20:23 PM
Very part time in the movie theater business for the perks of free screenings and popcorn.

Outside of that, something to do with fishing as I'd love to do that and get paid for it. Would be a good excuse to own a boat again, lol. 3 hour tour anyone?
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Riff on February 27, 2015, 09:23:28 PM
I think I'd like to teach in some way.  Perhaps photography or guitar.  Heck, maybe even personal finance :)

Or I'd love to bar tend at a craft brewery.

Maybe play acoustic guitar in the corner of the craft brewery.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Kriegsspiel on February 27, 2015, 09:26:57 PM
I've been (slowly) putting together a list of universities that allow part-timers to take classes for free, or nearly free. I think it would be pretty fun to work in a bookstore and take microbiology courses in the afternoon. :)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: desk_jockey on February 28, 2015, 08:09:18 AM
Once retired I want to explore the possibility of seasonal work in national parks.   Would like to do something where I’m out walking around and maybe involved in teaching kids.   I would love to do this for eight or ten summers, a different place each year.   Maybe the work would pay enough to offset the incremental costs of travel and temporary housing. 
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: teacherwithamustache on February 28, 2015, 06:05:58 PM
While there is no way in hell I'd go back to work now unless there was some sort of massive financial meltdown or an EOTWAWKI catastrophe or ZA (Zombie Apocalypse) - and even then I might not go get a job -  but if I did I'd do something fun, adventurous and cool like one of these jobs: www.coolworks.com

Alright honey I got to go smash some Zombies on the south Ridge.  Make sure Jr weeds the garden, and dont forget to seperate the ammo from the last run we made.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: socaso on February 28, 2015, 06:19:38 PM
I have a few ideas that involve interacting with the public because that is my main reason for wanting a retirement job. I could see myself working in the tasting room of a winery or as a docent in a museum or working in a small boutique or bookstore. I liked someone's suggestion of working part time in a movie theater! I love movies so I could see myself enjoying that. I think the main aspects of the retirement gig would be interacting with the public because I love people and doing something fun. The money won't matter, the paycheck is just motivation to keep showing up and I could see myself working a couple of small gigs like this.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Cassie on February 28, 2015, 06:46:48 PM
Soon after I retired I was offered a job teaching an online class 2 semesters/year at a university. I took it & really love it.  I also work p.t. in my previous field ( psych testing) because I also loved that work. I also do some volunteering with the local Humane Society.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: MayDay on March 02, 2015, 06:33:57 AM
My fil retired at normal retirement age, 3 years ago.  Last month he finally got bored enough (he has very few hobbies or social activities) that he went out and got a 15 hours a week job at the art museum. 

I am subbing right now. In my area it pays 85-100$ a day. It's so nice to decide "eh, I have chores to do, no work today." Or, "weather is finally nice! No work today!". That's making up nicely for the low pay.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: MLKnits on March 02, 2015, 06:59:17 AM
I could see subbing, though I think in most parts of Canada I'm not qualified (my BA is in Classics--think Greco-Roman history--which isn't exactly a regular school subject). Similarly, I'd love to get into teaching future legal clerks and/or paralegals, which is typically not an onerous gig and with a much less, ahem, cutthroat student body than actual law school.

I feel like part-time retail could actually be quite fun if it's not what's paying the rent, but on the other hand, that would be pretty directly taking a job away from someone who needed it to, well, pay the rent. So might subbing, but probably not teaching paralegals (a job frequently done by a white-haired lawyer wearing a Rolex).

Mostly, though, I keep finding myself back at "fostering," which really can't be called a job in that it usually costs more than it "compensates," but talk about necessary, challenging, and potentially fulfilling. (Also potentially crushing, of course.)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Mississippi Mudstache on March 02, 2015, 07:07:33 AM
I teach ukulele to kids as party of an after school enrichment program. The pay is terrible, but I'd do it for free.  We rock hard.  I'm hoping to continue it after I retire.

And that's always the real question in threads like this.  If you've identified your real life goals, why aren't you moving towards doing that now?

That's a great question, sol. For me, living cheaply in a small apartment for now IS how I'm moving towards my real life goals. For as long as I can remember, I've envisioned my life on a small homestead with a woodlot for cutting firewood and lumber, a big garden, a chicken coop with a few laying hens, a big workshop, and a quaint house that I built myself. I may sell some lumber, some firewood, some furniture. I may build a shed or mill some lumber for people in the community. But none of it will be terribly profitable, and none of it would be particularly fun if it was required to be terribly profitable. Certainly, none of it would be possible if I were to have to pay a mortgage on such a place - unless I also had a full-time job. And the full-time job is incompatible realities of building and running a homestead. The only way I know of to make my dream a reality is to buckle down and save like crazy for a few years to relieve myself of the burden of having to work for pay in the future.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Louisville on March 02, 2015, 07:17:16 AM
What makes any of you think anyone is going to hire your old ass?
That's not just a snide remark, it's a question.  You've been a computer programmer, business analyst, etc., etc. for a decade or two, and now you're going to just show up and compete for these low stress, funnish jobs with people who have actually been doing them a while and who actually need them? 
It may not be as easy as you think to get even these low-paying jobs once you've FIREd.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: LadyDriver on March 02, 2015, 07:20:57 AM
First time poster and registered.  Long time Lurker.

What type of fun retirement jobs is everyone looking forward to working or already working?  I realize that everyones definition of fun is a bit different along with everyone's definition of job.  Some of you may be as happy as a lark working in a book store for $8 an hour with free coffee and wireless as a perk for 20 hours a week.  I am looking for ideas.


My idea for now is to go out and referee high school and jr high football and basketball games.  You work from 4-7 PM only on days that you want to work.  You can make 60-80 dollars every day of the week.  Make your own schedule, exercise, help kids etc etc.  If you do it correctly all of the money you make is tax free.  So 300-400 dollars a week for 30 weeks only working 15-20 hours a week seems like a good idea to me for my FIRED lifestyle.  So unless I can find a job at a brewery this looks like my post work calling right now.  Any other suggestions?  I like high pay low hours and being away from computer.

We own our trucking company and run under our own authority. We will probably keep taking interesting/extremely profitable loads forever. The money can be very good once you establish a good reputation/safety rating in a niche market.

Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: JGB on March 02, 2015, 07:49:57 AM
My current plans are:


I've thought a lot about teaching, and that may still be something I eventually pursue. I'm hesitant due to the requirement of spending time/money to get teaching credentials, and due to the whole teaching-to-the-test thing that sounds horrible. That said, if I could end up teaching programming to middle-school or high-school kids, the teaching-to-the-test part is largely removed. And either could also lend itself toward running a chess club, which I'd also love.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: davisgang90 on March 02, 2015, 09:02:36 AM
Substitute teacher
Adjunct professor

We'll live on my military pension and use my part time gig for fun stuff and my photography addiction.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: swick on March 02, 2015, 12:10:38 PM
Lately I've been thinking it would be fun to work at a more local/regional (I think you would want to avoid National ownership) golf/ski resort. I figure you could play free golf and then ski for free. They also tend to be in low cost of living areas. Might be fun for a few years, maybe not forever.

Curious if any MMMers have any experience with this.

Just got to look into the tax implication of your "free" ski pass. In BC (Canada) about 10 or so years ago they made the free passes a "Taxable Benefit" and charged back retroactively - and charged interest. Turned out to sting for quite a lot of people....but tons of people around here do it and love the lifestyle :)
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: MissPeach on March 02, 2015, 01:07:55 PM
I've thought about writing, dog walking (love dogs), and bookkeeping.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: kiwigirls on March 02, 2015, 01:28:25 PM
What makes any of you think anyone is going to hire your old ass?
That's not just a snide remark, it's a question.  You've been a computer programmer, business analyst, etc., etc. for a decade or two, and now you're going to just show up and compete for these low stress, funnish jobs with people who have actually been doing them a while and who actually need them? 
It may not be as easy as you think to get even these low-paying jobs once you've FIREd.
But they will get hired.  They will be relaxed, have a great attitude & great work ethic.    They will have a relative free schedule so can do the odd shift here and there to get their foot in the door and that will turn into the kind of part time/FIRE gig they were wanting.  Once you no longer need a job you become SO much more employable!
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: Spork on March 02, 2015, 01:39:09 PM
What makes any of you think anyone is going to hire your old ass?
That's not just a snide remark, it's a question.  You've been a computer programmer, business analyst, etc., etc. for a decade or two, and now you're going to just show up and compete for these low stress, funnish jobs with people who have actually been doing them a while and who actually need them? 
It may not be as easy as you think to get even these low-paying jobs once you've FIREd.

The cool thing is: if they don't... that's ok.
Title: Re: Fun retirement jobs
Post by: celticmyst08 on March 02, 2015, 02:58:40 PM
I'd love to work in a bookstore or coffee shop (not Starbucks). I also plan to volunteer at animal shelters. DH and I have talked about running a little furniture restoration business. He wants to do freelance web development.