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General Discussion => Post-FIRE => Topic started by: tooqk4u22 on September 17, 2015, 01:33:29 PM

Title: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: tooqk4u22 on September 17, 2015, 01:33:29 PM
What are some of the jobs out there that are part time, reliable/predictable and don't pay minimum wage? And not Contracting/programming type of stuff that seems to make up a signifcant amount of this board.

Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: regulator on September 17, 2015, 03:12:45 PM
Mine are all specialized stuff related to my former profession.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Villanelle on September 17, 2015, 03:24:27 PM
Substitue teaching is on my radar for when the time comes. Qualifications vary by district, but it seems like most require a college degree and the passing of a test.  Pay isn't great, but it's not minimum wage certainly.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: forward on September 17, 2015, 04:05:56 PM

Following this out of interest.  Substitute teaching is on the potential list for me.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Gunny on September 17, 2015, 07:20:20 PM
I retired a month ago and started the substitute teaching application process this week.  Don't need the money, but a few days a week away from the house this winter will make a nice change.  A little extra pocket money will be nice as well. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Pancake on September 18, 2015, 12:18:04 AM
Tutor (helps if you have a degree or past work experience), dog walker, dog poop scooper, personal trainer, Crossfit coach, working at a winery in the tasting room (this may be min wage, but may include wine!), and if you live in Seattle you could soon flip burgers for $15/hr.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: englyn on September 18, 2015, 01:37:03 AM
Posting to follow.
I've vaguely considered driving instructor.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: 3Mer on September 18, 2015, 06:03:38 AM
I am away's out from FIRE, but lately have been seeing ALOT of really nice PT jobs adverstised in town here.  One was M-F 10 - 2,  another a few days a week, office hours.   One was a PT tour guide at a nearby natural area.  I would have considered any of these.   Keep watching your local employment options - I use Indeed.com
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: ash7962 on September 18, 2015, 06:20:36 AM
Ohhhh just checked out Indeed.com and browsed through the jobs in the zip where I currently live.  Found a job listing from the USPS for a part time job.  It said that applicants would be eligible for "USPS Non-Career Employee Health Benefits Plan with a Postal Service premium contribution".  Then it said that after a year you "may" be eligible for "Federal Employees Health Benefits Program" with dental and vision insurance.  I think part time postal worker just made the list of potential retirement jobs.  If I do end up quitting full time before I'm fully FIRE it would be nice to have a part time job with employer subsidized health insurance in order to keep the budget low.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Cassie on September 18, 2015, 01:24:44 PM
If you have a master's degree you can be an adjunct instructor at a college.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: NCGal on September 18, 2015, 07:54:25 PM
Uber driver? Is that an option for you? I took a car to a meeting in Portland recently. The driver had FIREd. He lives near the beach in an RV and drives a few mornings when he feels like it. He loves it.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: FIREby35 on September 19, 2015, 06:53:48 PM
If travel is your thing, the airlines are a good place. I have a friend who works at Delta 16 hours a week and get free airfare anywhere in the world for his entire family (wife and kids). I think he gets $12-$15 an hour on top of the free flights. I'm not FIRE yet, but it is on my radar.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Argyle on September 19, 2015, 06:57:40 PM
Nowadays community college adjunct instructors nearly always have PhDs, and the competition is fierce except for a few choice fields.  I would never count on being able to secure an adjunct job.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: smiller257 on September 20, 2015, 10:19:39 AM
Working at a golf course sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Cassie on September 20, 2015, 12:34:23 PM
Many universities now teach classes online & I know many with Master's degrees that do this. You can teach anywhere in the country. Getting the first job takes time but once you have experience you have more choice. I have a Ph.D. & teach an online class. The pay really varies. Some pay well & some pay terrible. The nice thing about the online classes is you can teach from anywhere. I went to Europe last fall & taught from there.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Villanelle on September 20, 2015, 12:45:06 PM
Yeah, I'm in an online graduate program right now (from a legit, not-for-profit state university) an I'm only 4 classes in, but I don't think any of my instructors have been "Dr.".  At least some have legitimate industry experience.  (Maybe all, but I didn't bother looking at everyone's bio.)

I suspect that there's a lot of work in the first semester, setting up the class, learning the software, and developing the curriculum, but after that it seems like it would largely be just repeating the same class and correcting papers, so it wouldn't be a ton of work, yet interacting with students could be interesting if you are even a little passionate about the subject matter. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Cassie on September 20, 2015, 01:01:02 PM
More public universities are adding online courses or total degrees.  The public ones pay the best.  I teach the same course each semester but their is a lot of work to grade for my course.  I talk to the students online or they call me when they need to. I love the subject matter. With time everything goes faster.   
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Frostee on September 20, 2015, 02:05:17 PM
I know several people who work at a golf course during the summers and/or work at a ski resort during the winters.  Neither pays a lot, but it is more than minimum wage and they golf or ski for free.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: GreenSheep on September 25, 2015, 02:57:19 PM
Love this thread! Another one that has crossed my radar is selling produce. "How to Grow More Vegetables" says that a person who works 40 hours/week (that's not part time, but hear me out!) and takes 4 months off per year can sell enough produce to bring in $20-40,000 per year. So I assume that you could have a smaller garden, work less, and make less if you wanted. Also, since I like gardening more than I like being a salesperson, I'm intrigued by the idea of setting up a little "honor system" roadside stand by my driveway. I'd have to find a way to lock down the cash that people leave, but aside from that, the most I could lose to a thief would be whatever amount of produce I put out that day.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: dabears847 on November 07, 2015, 02:33:14 PM
I was considering Real Estate Agent but like the golf idea.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: YK-Phil on November 07, 2015, 02:56:55 PM
Mine should obviously be to consult in my field (environmental science), which pays very well. My going rate would be around $175 per billable hour, or more. Many of my peers actually earn more money as consultants after they retire (on top of their pension) than they did when they worked full time. However, I have no interest whatsoever to do anything remotely connected to this kind of work. Ever again.

Where I plan to spend most of the year (6-8 months), I will probably look for a part-time gig to walk or board dogs, house-sitting, haul junk to the dump and do odd non-specialized repair jobs, yard cleaning and general labour, grocery store clerk, etc. Substitute teacher has some potential and pays relatively well but I am not sure I feel like spending a lot of time in a classroom with turbulent kids. We plan to spend our winter months overseas and I will definitely teach or tutor English, French or Spanish as a Second Language, or work as a SCUBA divemaster in a dive resort, both part-time.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: rosarugosa on November 08, 2015, 01:08:48 PM
I'm still working full-time with almost 5 years to go, but my husband works part-time at a local hospital doing patient transport.  They pay isn't high, but he really enjoys it.  His hours are Mon - Fri 10 -3, and he is benefits eligible.  I carry most of our benefits, but he does get a match on a retirement account and they have a neat retiree medical savings account that he is enrolled in.  I'm thinking I would like to get a similar type of part-time, low-stress, no-meetings job once I retire from my full-time job.  The hospital has lots of part-time and per-diem opportunities for non-medical professionals.  I imagine other hospitals have similar opportunities.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Money Badger on November 08, 2015, 08:24:14 PM
Granted that I'm on the more outdoors/landscaping oriented side of things, but here's the list I'm considering after FIRE so I have a mission but low liabiilty risk, low stress and high flexibility:

- Building custom home shutters (simple "rustic" styles that require mainly good cedar lumber, basic compressor with paint gun).   Had another tech professional, aspiring to FIRE, build and install on my home for good money.   He gets all business on referrals and has done several homes in our n'hood.   And I know carpentry well enough to know that the construction was easy on those things for someone with basic woodworking knowledge who pays attention to detail with the homeowner.   Ladders are involved to install though.   But can do this any time of year.

- Stump grinding - amazing how people freak out about grinding stumps and it's really simple.   Requires regular duty pickup, trailer and then business volume drives the rental vs. buy decision for the grinder.   Thinking of this for the winter gig (in the sunbelt where I live).  No ladders either.

- Pressure washing - Thinking of this as the "late spring through early fall" gig.   To do this right actually takes a bit of venture capital to get the right portable tanks and sprayer/rotary scrubber to do driveways/sidewalks/patios properly and to advertise and schedule appointments.    A 4 to 6 hour day for one of these guys is anywhere from $400 and up where I live though.    Hiring a helper or having a dependable business partner is important to handle scheduling and bigger jobs.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Scubanewbie on November 08, 2015, 08:44:47 PM
If you FIRE early enough that you're still strong/fit there is pretty great money to be made in inland lake pier installation/removal anywhere where there's ice in the winter.  Always struck me as a great snowbird job.  Go somewhere warm for the winter, then come back up by me when it starts to warm up.  Work hard (or PT) for 6-8 weeks, relax/play all summer and then work again in the fall before heading south again. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: teacherwithamustache on November 09, 2015, 12:56:43 PM
If you enjoy a sport go and officiate the sport at the High School and Jr Hi level.  You make your own schedule and make between $25-$70 an hour.  During football season and Basketball season you can make 500-800 a week working from 4-8 in the evening.

For those of you saying substitute teaching I think you are crazy.  Please tell me what your day job is so that you think substitute teaching is a good alternative?
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Evgenia on November 09, 2015, 01:03:40 PM
A good friend of mine owns a dog walking, boarding and behavioral training business. He works an average of 25-30 hours/week. He recently told me he made $120k last year, more than many tech jobs pay, for far fewer hours. He's now looking for people to help as he is at capacity, and will be paying $25/hour for part-time work. I still don't feel like doing any work at all, but post this because I had no idea it could be so lucrative on so few hours.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Matumba on November 09, 2015, 01:11:06 PM
How do you get an adjunct lecturer job with an online University? Is there a special Web site or is indeed.com good enough?
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: AZDude on November 09, 2015, 03:13:07 PM
If you a master's degree, then just go to the actual university website and check it out.

For me, I'm just planning and telling my employer at the time that I want to go part-time. Figure that would be the best route, since I could negotiate decent pay out of it, but I have definitely thought about substitute teaching and/or officiating city league sports. For someone enterprising and willing to work, there seems to be plenty of side gigs available. One reason why I'm not worried about having a full stache before I quit full time. Making money has never been a problem.


Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: DJStrong on November 10, 2015, 12:30:05 PM
For those of you saying substitute teaching I think you are crazy.  Please tell me what your day job is so that you think substitute teaching is a good alternative?

I used to be a sub and would love to do it again at some point in my life.  I guess it is just a matter of what you enjoy, how the school is, etc.  I would not sub in anything but High School though.  Also being a popular sub (popular amongst the staff that is) gets you more days and the occasional job opportunity (a friend of mine transferred from subbing to a FT gig very smoothly) 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: tomita on November 10, 2015, 02:34:38 PM
Love this thread! Another one that has crossed my radar is selling produce. "How to Grow More Vegetables" says that a person who works 40 hours/week (that's not part time, but hear me out!) and takes 4 months off per year can sell enough produce to bring in $20-40,000 per year. So I assume that you could have a smaller garden, work less, and make less if you wanted. Also, since I like gardening more than I like being a salesperson, I'm intrigued by the idea of setting up a little "honor system" roadside stand by my driveway. I'd have to find a way to lock down the cash that people leave, but aside from that, the most I could lose to a thief would be whatever amount of produce I put out that day.
I 'd love to do this too, I also tought to bake stuff and sell it and use a honour system stand by roadside. I also need to buy a house at road side first :)
I don't know if there are health regs about that since is informal
I should find out before I start
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: NearlyThere on November 11, 2015, 01:47:35 AM
In FIRE I have a few ideas planned. Things I'm working on already in the run up to it.

Very similar to the above, I have an allotment where myself and a friend grow enough veg for our families (well, we will eventually). The plan is to build our blog around this and create a niche business selling high quality organic foods. Taking our produce and crafting them into meals or preserves. Through blogging about this we aim to build an audience through which to market other products to.

It's all very early stages, but if done right, it will take a hobby and monetise it. I also have my own FIRE journey blog which is doing just fine and provides motivation for me to reach fire. To be honest if neither make money, it won't be an issue. That's not the original purpose. Anything I bring in from either project is a bonus. Probably to be used for a skiing trip.

Finally I plan to provide coaching to other business owners in my industry. Showing them how I was able to make a successful business that aided me to retire early. We are currently industry leaders in our market and I know that those people already copying our marketing would love the inside scoop on how it was done.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: 2Cent on November 11, 2015, 03:14:15 AM
How about tax/financial consultant?
The only credentials you need is the fact that you where able to FIRE. I know someone who does taxes for old people now that he's retired. It's quite easy if you set it up right, and you get a chance to help people get their finances in order.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: AnEDO on November 12, 2015, 12:02:37 PM
I'm retiring from full time in 2020.  Going to stay in the Navy Reserves though.  Not for everyone- you could get called up for active duty at any time for up to a year.  I really enjoy it though. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Villanelle on November 15, 2015, 10:02:16 PM
I recently inquired about a meal delivery service as something I was considering gifting to someone.  They wanted $210 for 2 deliveries per week for 2 people.  So it would be 4 servings (though they say it is really more like 6 servings) for $210.  $50 per serving!!!!  I actually wrote and asked for clarification because I though surely I was misunderstanding.  (Plus a one time deposit of $50 for glass containers or $20--I think--for plastic.  I'm assuming they pick up the prior week's dishes when they drop off the next week's meal.) I hate to cook, so this wouldn't be something I'd consider, but for someone who enjoys it, that seems like insanely good money.  They have a list of something like 6 meals (main and a couple of sides, I believe) each week, and you can choose which ones you want, and there were other options (3 deliveries for 2 people, 2 deliveries for 3 people, etc.).  They deliver them to your home before 5 pm.  So you would need to keep in in a somewhat concentrated area if you didn't want to spent a ton of time driving, but for those who live in fairly densely populated areas, it seems like it would really well. 

This is in a high COL area, but even at half that it seems like you could make great money. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: ash7962 on November 16, 2015, 07:34:55 AM
That's an interesting idea, but I'd only attempt it if I was working part time for someone else's meal delivery business.  If you're thinking about opening your own business then I think start up costs would be too high for a part time gig.  Just from spending 10 minutes googling, it seems the only things that are "easily" sold out of your home kitchen are baked goods, jams, and non dairy, non meat foods.  And by "easily" I mean you still need to get permits and I believe have an inspection for your kitchen.  So, to have your own meal delivery business (that includes meat and/or dairy) then you'd need access to a commercial kitchen that passes inspection plus permits and... that already seems like too much barrier for me both expense and effort wise.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: dude on November 16, 2015, 07:39:10 AM
My recreational hobby/passion is rock & ice climbing/mountaineering. Over the past two years, I sought out American Mountain Guides Association certification, and associated certifications like CPR/AED and Wilderness First Responder. It was a pretty significant investment in terms of time and money.  I started working p/t on weekends guiding on rock this fall.  My plan is to transition to "full-time" guiding once I hang up the gloves for my current job. I can't wait.

I'm also thinking seriously about getting a Personal Trainer certification.  At 50, I've maintained a very high level of fitness.  This would be something I'd do part-time, and primarily for a free gym membership.

Lastly, I've been a dog owner for the last 25 years, and have a pretty good knack for training dogs (people have always complimented me on how well-behaved my dogs are).  Could possibly do a little dog walking and/or training on the side too.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Pookie on December 10, 2015, 05:48:01 AM
My plan is to paint and upcycle furniture. I LOVE doing it. Not sure how much I can make.

We also plan to go to "Farm School" at our cooperative extension office in January. We hope to learn how to make our property profitable.

Also may look into substitute teaching. We have a small, family friendly, everybody knows each other kind of school here and I think it pays $75/day. One or two days a week.

I know I don't want to go back to having someone else dictate my schedule!
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Pooplips on December 10, 2015, 06:51:52 AM
Commenting to follow. This thread has a ton fo great ideas.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: BigEasy on December 17, 2015, 08:26:14 PM
OK...

I provide consulting engineering for my former employer, either by phone, email or in person about 3-4 days a month.. Represent an engineering company at national industry association meetings once a quarter. Wife gets to travel with me. Last one was in Los Angeles.

Play music with several working bands...several times a month.

Manage my "Gentlemans Farm."

Busy in a good and relaxing way!

Big Easy
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Conjou on December 18, 2015, 05:51:24 AM
My recreational hobby/passion is rock & ice climbing/mountaineering. Over the past two years, I sought out American Mountain Guides Association certification, and associated certifications like CPR/AED and Wilderness First Responder. It was a pretty significant investment in terms of time and money.  I started working p/t on weekends guiding on rock this fall.  My plan is to transition to "full-time" guiding once I hang up the gloves for my current job. I can't wait.

I'm also thinking seriously about getting a Personal Trainer certification.  At 50, I've maintained a very high level of fitness.  This would be something I'd do part-time, and primarily for a free gym membership.

+1 on the guiding ambition
Also, seasonal gigs in the outdoors, temp help during harvest, and, if you have the skills, mobile repair service for people with bicycle problems they can't fix themselves.
Lastly, I've been a dog owner for the last 25 years, and have a pretty good knack for training dogs (people have always complimented me on how well-behaved my dogs are).  Could possibly do a little dog walking and/or training on the side too.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: soccerluvof4 on December 18, 2015, 07:06:59 AM
I'm currently working on a few corporate lawn cutting jobs. Have landed one huge one but my goal is to not have to work past noon or 1 if I end up doing it.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: coppertop on December 18, 2015, 07:14:43 AM
I am going to look into doing the books for a small business or two.  My full-time job involves using QuickBooks, so I am pretty proficient with it, and I can do payroll (we do it in-house, so I am also well versed in that).  I have also thought of working part-time for an accounting firm or an H&R Block type place during tax season.  I used to be an estates and trusts paralegal - did it for 11 years - and sometimes I see a law firm looking for a part-timer for that position.  That also involves preparing Form706 (Estate Tax Return), our local state inheritance tax return, and the Federal Form 1041 as well as the local equivalent.  So I have some options.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: FIREby35 on December 18, 2015, 06:49:35 PM
I am going to look into doing the books for a small business or two.  My full-time job involves using QuickBooks, so I am pretty proficient with it, and I can do payroll (we do it in-house, so I am also well versed in that).  I have also thought of working part-time for an accounting firm or an H&R Block type place during tax season.  I used to be an estates and trusts paralegal - did it for 11 years - and sometimes I see a law firm looking for a part-timer for that position.  That also involves preparing Form706 (Estate Tax Return), our local state inheritance tax return, and the Federal Form 1041 as well as the local equivalent.  So I have some options.

A good place to look for people who need help with books is solo or small law firms. I'm lucky my wife is an accountant/auditor. Some of my colleagues have no clue.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: MVal on December 19, 2015, 11:21:23 PM
Mine should obviously be to consult in my field (environmental science), which pays very well. My going rate would be around $175 per billable hour, or more. Many of my peers actually earn more money as consultants after they retire (on top of their pension) than they did when they worked full time. However, I have no interest whatsoever to do anything remotely connected to this kind of work. Ever again.

Where I plan to spend most of the year (6-8 months), I will probably look for a part-time gig to walk or board dogs, house-sitting, haul junk to the dump and do odd non-specialized repair jobs, yard cleaning and general labour, grocery store clerk, etc. Substitute teacher has some potential and pays relatively well but I am not sure I feel like spending a lot of time in a classroom with turbulent kids. We plan to spend our winter months overseas and I will definitely teach or tutor English, French or Spanish as a Second Language, or work as a SCUBA divemaster in a dive resort, both part-time.

I'm curious, what sort of work do you do in environmental science? I'd love to know what sorts of profitable jobs are available in this field.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Nancy on December 20, 2015, 04:46:11 AM
Substitute teach
Part time library clerk
Summer camp counselor
Swim and sailing instructor
Park guide
Garden center

Edit to add: after-school assistant teacher
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: flyingaway on December 20, 2015, 02:49:09 PM
Substitute teach
Part time library clerk
Summer camp counselor
Swim and sailing instructor
Park guide
Garden center

I would rather work full-time for one more year than do any of these part-time gigs for five years.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Nancy on December 21, 2015, 04:37:11 AM
flyingaway, it's good that you know yourself. Are there any PT jobs that would interest you as these interest me?
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: steveo on December 21, 2015, 12:50:22 PM
I was thinking that I could teach Jiu-Jitsu. I reckon the pay would be extremely low but I wouldn't need money and I'd be doing what I was going to do anyway.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Salim on December 21, 2015, 06:43:11 PM
What are some of the jobs out there that are part time, reliable/predictable and don't pay minimum wage? And not Contracting/programming type of stuff that seems to make up a signifcant amount of this board.

Part-time freelance graphic design is turning out to be good for me. I do work for an insurance company and they usually send me about 5 - 10 hours of work per week, more or less. I get to work at home at the hours I choose and the hourly rate is good. If they let me, I'll probably do this until I can take SS so I can more easily handle the unexpected bills that arise, such as dental and property repairs. I've been working for them for eight years, so, unless my contacts there leave, it could last a while longer. The clients are nice and they send us a Zingerman's gelato party at the holidays, too.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: flyingaway on December 21, 2015, 09:25:02 PM
flyingaway, it's good that you know yourself. Are there any PT jobs that would interest you as these interest me?

I am teaching at a university. So I am already doing what you plan to do in retirement.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: bwall on December 21, 2015, 10:00:58 PM
Most car dealerships need drivers to move cars for them, for whatever reason. They need honest reliable people with flexible schedules who aren't looking to make a ton of money for a day's work. Retirees (and early retirees at that) make for a good fit.

Pay may vary by region and dealership.

Perks: You get to drive new or almost new cars and make a bit of a day trip.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: thriftyc on January 01, 2016, 06:56:53 PM
I plan on semi FIRE'ing within the next month or two.  I will be working PT for sure for the first few years as part of my margin of safety plan.   One idea I had was a "HandyMan" business.   Billable rates approach $75/hour in my area for such services.  Not bad!
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: turketron on January 03, 2016, 01:01:13 PM
Most car dealerships need drivers to move cars for them, for whatever reason. They need honest reliable people with flexible schedules who aren't looking to make a ton of money for a day's work. Retirees (and early retirees at that) make for a good fit.

Pay may vary by region and dealership.

Perks: You get to drive new or almost new cars and make a bit of a day trip.

I'm nowhere near FIRE but this actually sounds pretty awesome to me. I avoid driving as much as possible for the obvious mustachian reasons, but I actually really enjoy it. A job where I get to drive fun new cars around and listen to music and podcasts while doing so sounds great.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: andystkilda on January 04, 2016, 06:37:05 PM
Dog-sitting or even set up a small boarding kennel.
Freelance work online - i.e. anything you're capable of doing on the likes of Freelancer/Upwork that pays more than $15/hour.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: MVal on February 09, 2016, 02:21:51 PM
A good friend of mine owns a dog walking, boarding and behavioral training business. He works an average of 25-30 hours/week. He recently told me he made $120k last year, more than many tech jobs pay, for far fewer hours. He's now looking for people to help as he is at capacity, and will be paying $25/hour for part-time work. I still don't feel like doing any work at all, but post this because I had no idea it could be so lucrative on so few hours.

That sounds so great! I can't believe it is so few hours for the business owner. He must have several employees. $25/hr sounds amazing for part time work!
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: YK-Phil on February 09, 2016, 02:50:06 PM
Mine should obviously be to consult in my field (environmental science), which pays very well. My going rate would be around $175 per billable hour, or more. Many of my peers actually earn more money as consultants after they retire (on top of their pension) than they did when they worked full time. However, I have no interest whatsoever to do anything remotely connected to this kind of work. Ever again.

Where I plan to spend most of the year (6-8 months), I will probably look for a part-time gig to walk or board dogs, house-sitting, haul junk to the dump and do odd non-specialized repair jobs, yard cleaning and general labour, grocery store clerk, etc. Substitute teacher has some potential and pays relatively well but I am not sure I feel like spending a lot of time in a classroom with turbulent kids. We plan to spend our winter months overseas and I will definitely teach or tutor English, French or Spanish as a Second Language, or work as a SCUBA divemaster in a dive resort, both part-time.

I'm curious, what sort of work do you do in environmental science? I'd love to know what sorts of profitable jobs are available in this field.

My apologies for the late reply. My job went from doing field work for a few years, to environmental management, and quickly into management, thanks to wanting to be at the time at the right place (the Arctic) at the right time. I am at the end of my career and my past experience gave me the luxury of being able to chose a job based on my personal ethics rather than remuneration, and I am very thankful. I am now the CEO of a multi-party independent agency whose mandate is to monitor the environmental impacts of a diamond mine in the Canadian Arctic.

Job prospects in all environmental fields in North America and abroad, especially scientific fields such as water and waste treatment and disposal, pollution control and abatement, and green energy development, are excellent and will continue to improve rapidly over the next 20 years as our societies move toward sustainable development. My own preference is environmental impact assessment of large projects (pipelines, mines, power projects, etc.) as it allows for multi- and pluri-disciplinary teamwork where physical and biological science interacts with social, cultural and economic facets. You might find some interesting information about the profession on this webpage.

http://www.environmentalscience.org/careers
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Fishindude on February 09, 2016, 02:53:35 PM
Good friend of mine makes what he calls his "beer and gambling" money cutting grass and plowing snow.
Takes on enough that it gives him a few days work each week, but not too much.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: AdrianC on February 10, 2016, 07:57:23 AM
Following this out of interest.  Substitute teaching is on the potential list for me.

In our school district subs get $80/day, which is less than the bus drivers make.

Here it's got to be something you want to do anyway (for the kids), with the pay being icing on the cake.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: arizonawildcats on February 10, 2016, 08:57:44 PM
If you have time on your hands, try dabbling with selling on eBay and/or Amazon.   The key is doing research and testing until you land on products that have strong profit margins and sell through rates.   It’s definitely an additional revenue stream for our family.     
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: MayDay on February 11, 2016, 07:16:37 AM
I sub now.  I have young kids so the schedule works.  Here is my experience:

-Some subs do it every single day they can, which is basically full time (except for the first week or 2 of the school year). 
-Our district pays 90/day, the neighboring, poorer one pays 100.
-In Ohio, you need a 4 year degree and some online training, and a background check.  If you have enough credits in subject areas, you can take long term sub jobs, like maternity leaves, which pay twice as much.
-In Ohio, you have to participate in the teachers retirement program.  I can ~10% of my paycheck deducted for a 401k-like plan, and the district matches.  I have to stay 5 years to keep that match, but I can roll over my contribution at any time.  Since I am not actually retired yet, I like this.
-You can sub as an aide, school nurse, secretary, or bus aide for ~8$/hour. 
-The nurse and secretary jobs are super easy, I read my book half the day.  Well worth the lower pay. 
-Aide jobs are hit or miss- they are fun for the little kids, but a MS or HS student with an aide typically means they have some pretty severe needs.  They can be hard to manage.
-Subbing for a whole class is realllllllly hard, even in my high performing wealthy district with minimal behavior problems.  I cannot even imagine subbing for whole classes in a low income district.
-I love the special ed jobs because you are working with 1 to 5 kids- this is manageable as a sub. 
-I often teach HS classes in my area of knowledge (math/science).  This is fun, as I get to actually "teach".  Subbing higher level classes not in your area of knowledge is often mainly about keeping the noise level down and people on task while they do independent work that they know full well won't be graded for credit. 
-You will discover certain classes are a total nightmare.  You will learn over time to never sub for those teachers.  But to learn that, you have to suffer through it first!

Overall, as an introvert, subbing is pretty challenging.  I do it about 2 days a week and that is plenty!  But I keep doing it because I love that I can work whenever I want.  I don't take jobs if there is good weather, or I make plans, or I have a sick kid, etc. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: effigy98 on February 12, 2016, 02:35:29 PM
Probably just keep programming as a contractor. Fetch upwards for $300/hr depending on job. Keeps skills up to date and I can work on it without deadlines, just a meet a few people who do not want to hire you full time but need work on the side (like many small businesses).
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: jkitiara on February 16, 2016, 02:43:35 PM
This is an awesome thread. A lot of these things sound like awful full time jobs, but fun and flexible to do part time once I'm FIRE.

I actually really loved a lot of my old retail jobs, so I wouldn't mind doing some of that, if I could find somewhere that let me set my own hours. Plus I got lots of free books or food from them, depending on where I was working!

I have often thought of switching my career to teaching, so I think once my kids are in school, I might test the waters with subbing. I suspect it's a bad career switch, so subbing might help convince me of that ;)
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: CindyBS on February 16, 2016, 09:08:45 PM
I currently work with kids with disabilities (and love it) and have a child with a disability. 

When I am FIRE, I plan to babysit kids with a focus on kids with disabilities as a side gig - just weekend nights type stuff, no in home or regular schedule.  After all, parents can't leave a 3 year old with severe autism with the 14 year old neighbor with no experience. 

I have also subbed for educational assistants/aides in the past.  My passion is with kids with disabilities and I frequently subbed in the resource rooms for kids with severe disabilities.  Once they realized my skill, I was in high demand. I loved it, but it is definitely a "niche" type of thing, you either like it or don't.  I only stopped doing it when I got my current job for more pay.

Another very interesting opportunity I'd like to explore is that a few years ago I went to Yellowstone and met a guy who is retired but works for the National Park Service on a part time basis.  He said he basically just helps out in the busy season and got provided lodging with the gig.  Every year he works for a few months in a different park and says he really enjoys working with the people and does a ton of side trips on his days off. 

We are also planning on getting a duplex and renting it out or doing Air bnb. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: mak1277 on February 17, 2016, 09:47:58 AM
In the past I have been paid up to $50/hour to give baseball lessons.  My only qualifications are having played a little college baseball and coached a few years of little league (well, that and doing a lot of research so I know what I'm talking about).  I suspect with the craziness that surrounds youth sports in the US there are a lot of opportunities if you have a background in sports.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: MasterStache on February 17, 2016, 10:09:40 AM
I was just browsing PT gigs in my area after seeing hiring signs at the local park. Park maintenance, golf course employees are widely available. All within biking distance of my home. Pay isn't fantastic. But free golf and free access to all the parks in the park district is. I am a few years from early retirement but these are on my radar. Along with handyman services and possibly teaching golf. My brother coached a High School golf team very part time for a couple months and made $1000 doing it.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: dabears847 on March 03, 2016, 08:25:40 PM
I was just browsing PT gigs in my area after seeing hiring signs at the local park. Park maintenance, golf course employees are widely available. All within biking distance of my home. Pay isn't fantastic. But free golf and free access to all the parks in the park district is. I am a few years from early retirement but these are on my radar. Along with handyman services and possibly teaching golf. My brother coached a High School golf team very part time for a couple months and made $1000 doing it.

I may research more on jobs at the private courses around me and see if I get unlimited golf. Might be more like caddyshack though.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: 2Birds1Stone on March 04, 2016, 12:40:30 PM
I plan on personal training, nutritional consulting, hosting outdoor workout bootcamps, weightlifting programming, posing coaching (physique competition), working at triathlon's/races (volunteering in turn for free races), life coaching, etc etc
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: dreams_and_discoveries on March 05, 2016, 02:34:03 AM
Some great ideas there - I've got my eye on a part time gig at a theatre when I retire - a few hours of checking tickets and chatting to people seems worthwhile to get to see free shows.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: funcomesfirst on March 06, 2016, 08:42:40 PM
My part-time dream job is to work for a baseball team during Spring Training.  Warm weather + Baseball = Happy FunComesFirst! :)
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Telecaster on March 10, 2016, 12:55:16 PM
If you like researching local history and live in a touristy area you can give walking tours.

Benefits:
(1) Exercise while getting paid (about 2 hours walking)

(2) No upfront costs or certifications (as far as I know)

(3) Can be lucrative on an hourly basis. Where I live they charge 10.00 per person, for up to about 20 people and many people tip so you could make 250$ for 2 hours work. Of course it wouldn't be reliable income and if you're part of a company they'd take a cut.

I would definitely consider it in retirement. I have done a couple where the guides looked to be in their 70s.

I've often considered doing this.   I wonder how hard it would be to start a business?

Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: wkumtrider on March 10, 2016, 01:34:58 PM
Posting to follow.  Lots of good ideas here.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: plainjane on March 11, 2016, 12:13:56 PM
If you like researching local history and live in a touristy area you can give walking tours.

Benefits:
(1) Exercise while getting paid (about 2 hours walking)

(2) No upfront costs or certifications (as far as I know)

(3) Can be lucrative on an hourly basis. Where I live they charge 10.00 per person, for up to about 20 people and many people tip so you could make 250$ for 2 hours work. Of course it wouldn't be reliable income and if you're part of a company they'd take a cut.

I would definitely consider it in retirement. I have done a couple where the guides looked to be in their 70s.
I've often considered doing this.   I wonder how hard it would be to start a business?

The main challenge would just be making sure people know about it by advertising in all the right places.

Also making sure that you get good customer feedback on online review sites.

There is a guy in my neighbourhood who does restaurant tours, where you stop in at cafes, fish monger, bakery, and the cheese shop for small tastings.  I'm guessing he gets a cut of anything extra spent in the stores.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: retiringearly on March 19, 2016, 09:43:39 PM
In for later
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: Villanelle on March 19, 2016, 11:22:25 PM
If you like researching local history and live in a touristy area you can give walking tours.

Benefits:
(1) Exercise while getting paid (about 2 hours walking)

(2) No upfront costs or certifications (as far as I know)

(3) Can be lucrative on an hourly basis. Where I live they charge 10.00 per person, for up to about 20 people and many people tip so you could make 250$ for 2 hours work. Of course it wouldn't be reliable income and if you're part of a company they'd take a cut.

I would definitely consider it in retirement. I have done a couple where the guides looked to be in their 70s.
I've often considered doing this.   I wonder how hard it would be to start a business?

The main challenge would just be making sure people know about it by advertising in all the right places.

Also making sure that you get good customer feedback on online review sites.

There is a guy in my neighbourhood who does restaurant tours, where you stop in at cafes, fish monger, bakery, and the cheese shop for small tastings.  I'm guessing he gets a cut of anything extra spent in the stores.

I've done tours like this in several cities around Europe.  I never had to pay specifically for the food, so I don't think the guide made money on a cut of the expenditures.  Everything was always pre-ordered, and I paid a flat fee to the guide.  I'd guess the guide got some sort of discount from the restaurants (or bars, coffee stands, street vendors, market stalls whatever) and then he probably added a healthy % to whatever he was paying for the food.  The good tours were with guides who explained local cuisine and history, and who took use to places well off the beaten path, where a local might go and a tourist might have trouble finding.  And they also had decent pallets, generally, and were able to pair food and wine well when appropriate, though some of the tours were more street-food focused, while others were a bit fancier with food and wine.  And they often took use by small points of interest along the route, where we might stop for a minute or two to get some info on the site, on the way to the next food stop. 
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: retired? on March 31, 2016, 10:20:37 AM

Following this out of interest.  Substitute teaching is on the potential list for me.

My wife did that last fall as a way to re-enter counseling.  It only required 60 credits.  She was able to work 3-4 days a week and it led to a long-term sub position (pays about double, but does require a degree....and maybe certification).

Lots of flexibility and once started, the school's would contact her directly, prior to posting in the system, to see if she was available.  Seemed like a decent gig, but did pay about $80-100 daily.

One benefit, her day started and ended at fixed times.  No staying late for meetings.

As for me, I am trying tutoring.  Pay is better on an hourly basis and it is generally more flexible.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: zephyr911 on March 31, 2016, 10:48:11 AM
Well, I'm gonna keep my ANG job for several years after I quit FT work. I'm a field-grade officer so my TH is several hundred a month for a weekend of work, and close to $300 a day for my 15 days of annual training with travel pay. Total net, $15-20K depending on locations and extra gigs.

I also plan on keeping my real estate license and doing a casual business supporting 1) my own rental company, and 2) friends/family. I won't market myself much or try to grow the business, because current business alone, plus drill pay, is already about equal to my spending.
Title: Re: Semi-Retirement Part Time Gigs
Post by: rahby1us on March 31, 2016, 10:56:29 AM
Zephyr, i strongly considered ANG, but i worry about the flexible aspect of it. Once in FIRE, I'm really hoping to do some travel, long slow multi month deals across central Am., S. Am. and maybe through Asia. call it geo arbitrage or just backpacker budget but i'm really looking forward to it!

The appealing aspects though are the steady income, the physical fitness, discounted health ins. and the camaraderie of what i'm guessing would be some cool guys. All of those things are almost precisely what I'd hope to have post work. I've heard mixed things on the training weekend schedule. Are the weekends scheduled well in advance? How often do changes arise? Any other benefits/drawbacks to mention to someone considering that route?