Author Topic: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...  (Read 29723 times)

FuckRx

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List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« 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

greaper007

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2014, 10:28:35 PM »
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.

arebelspy

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2014, 07:25:47 AM »
I always liked the idea of working part time at a ticket counter at the airport, for the associated perk of free/cheap flights.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
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jrhampt

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2014, 08:15:35 AM »
museum docent

Beaker

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2014, 08:22:22 AM »
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.

TreeTired

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2014, 08:35:51 AM »
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.

Iron Mike Sharpe

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2014, 08:39:32 AM »
Elder porn.

Russ

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2014, 08:48:14 AM »
Quite a few of the Madison cabbies are old retired dudes

jfer_rose

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #8 on: January 23, 2014, 08:58:54 AM »
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).

huadpe

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2014, 09:10:14 AM »
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).


YK-Phil

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2014, 09:21:43 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2014, 10:48:06 AM by ykphil »

SnackDog

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2014, 10:00:10 AM »
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!

acroy

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #12 on: January 23, 2014, 10:21:30 AM »
Awesome, keep the list going!

frugaldrummer

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #13 on: January 23, 2014, 10:48:44 AM »
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).

rubybeth

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #14 on: January 23, 2014, 10:52:11 AM »
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.

YK-Phil

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #15 on: January 23, 2014, 11:14:53 AM »
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.

iwasjustwondering

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #16 on: January 23, 2014, 11:27:03 AM »
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.

AlanStache

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #17 on: January 23, 2014, 11:29:22 AM »
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?

YK-Phil

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #18 on: January 23, 2014, 11:45:19 AM »
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. 

frugaldrummer

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #19 on: January 23, 2014, 12:13:44 PM »
Quote
    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.

rubybeth

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #20 on: January 23, 2014, 01:01:45 PM »
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).
« Last Edit: January 23, 2014, 01:03:25 PM by rubybeth »

adesertsky

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #21 on: January 23, 2014, 01:29:08 PM »
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.

Exflyboy

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #22 on: January 23, 2014, 01:32:21 PM »
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

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #23 on: January 23, 2014, 02:31:26 PM »
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.

mcneally

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #24 on: January 23, 2014, 04:07:01 PM »
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.

Guizmo

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #25 on: January 23, 2014, 04:14:41 PM »
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.

Mark31

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #26 on: January 23, 2014, 05:04:51 PM »
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.

pachnik

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #27 on: January 23, 2014, 10:04:58 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2014, 07:28:42 AM by pachnik »

Sohcrates

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #28 on: January 26, 2014, 06:02:13 PM »
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!







« Last Edit: January 26, 2014, 06:08:09 PM by Sohcrates »

Mlkmn

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #29 on: January 26, 2014, 06:23:58 PM »
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.

sheepstache

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #30 on: January 26, 2014, 07:00:35 PM »
The board of elections has work for primaries and main election days.  Usually one day of training.

DanBrewMan

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #31 on: January 26, 2014, 07:46:29 PM »
Working at a brewery.  Helping brew beer, giving tours, hosting tasting classes, etc.  I'd love it!

horsepoor

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #32 on: January 26, 2014, 08:06:30 PM »
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.

MrsPete

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #33 on: January 27, 2014, 06:30:00 AM »
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. 


LibraTraci

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #34 on: January 27, 2014, 09:29:07 AM »
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!

simonsez

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #35 on: January 27, 2014, 09:50:31 AM »
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).

The Bearded Bank Builder

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #36 on: January 27, 2014, 02:55:55 PM »
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.

Fireman

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #37 on: January 27, 2014, 04:18:06 PM »
Not close to retirement yet but i'm digging this thread!  Growing up, I wanted to be a truck driver, too!  Cool pix Sohcrates!

Sohcrates

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #38 on: January 27, 2014, 05:43:24 PM »
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)


Hedge_87

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #39 on: January 27, 2014, 06:28:22 PM »
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.

G-dog

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #40 on: January 27, 2014, 07:26:51 PM »
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.

AndrewJackson

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #41 on: January 27, 2014, 07:50:06 PM »
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?

mm1970

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #42 on: January 27, 2014, 08:10:40 PM »
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.

arebelspy

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #43 on: January 27, 2014, 08:21:18 PM »
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.
I am a former teacher who accumulated a bunch of real estate, retired at 29, spent some time traveling the world full time and am now settled with three kids.
If you want to know more about me, this Business Insider profile tells the story pretty well.
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Sohcrates

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #44 on: January 27, 2014, 08:27:01 PM »
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"

dragoncar

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #45 on: January 28, 2014, 12:49:13 AM »
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

Fireman

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #46 on: January 28, 2014, 06:17:50 AM »
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

MrsPete

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #47 on: January 28, 2014, 06:21:51 AM »
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. 

LibrarIan

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #48 on: January 28, 2014, 07:14:25 AM »

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.

boy_bye

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Re: List of great jobs to get as a retiree...
« Reply #49 on: January 28, 2014, 07:25:02 AM »
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.