You thought retirement would be relaxing and fun. Isn’t this what you worked for?
Would you be surprised to find out that over 40% of people in retirement feel depressed? And that suicide rates are highest among men 75 and older? One of the major reasons is that people in retirement often feel a lack of purpose, according to New Retirement.
One of the ways you can improve your physical and mental health is being active, and In Home Senior Fitness can help you by coming to your home or developing a plan to assist you.
Another way to keep up your physical and mental health is exploring jobs or even careers in your retirement. Also, a job or career brings in a little extra income.
Pursue a Degree and a New Career
Nothing says you have to just go for a job. Go for a new career. Since many colleges are online, you can freely pursue all kinds of degrees and concentrations. Why not check out an accredited online degree program in computer science? You can apply for scholarships, and see what certificates, associates, bachelors, or master degrees you may want to pursue.
Why not? Plenty of people as retirees have gone back to school to get another degree, finish a degree they started, or acquire the degree they always dreamed of.
Freelance Book Editor
If you need freedom and flexibility in your job, freelancing could be a perfect fit. One freelance job to consider if you have editing experience is book editor, which you can do from the comfort of your own home. To get started as a freelancer, you can create a profile on an online job board. Then potential employers can search for book editing services with a few clicks, and you can begin making extra cash, fast.
Virtual Assistant
You could also put your data entry and tech skills to work as a virtual assistant. This is pretty much like being a secretary, only you don’t have to worry about working in a crowded office. Countless business owners and companies use virtual assistants to power their businesses. Once again, setting up an online profile on a job board is often the easiest way to get your foot through the door.
Freelance Writer
Another talent businesses are always looking for? Content writing. Freelance writers are also able to work from home, but you can take your writing business anywhere you go during retirement. If writing, data entry, or virtual assisting isn’t your thing, there are other ways to work as a freelancer.
Pet Sitting
Not interested in freelancing? That’s not a problem at all! You can still work from home and earn some extra income to pad your nest egg. If you love all things furry, for example, you could always offer part-time pet sitting services. This is such a wonderful work option for seniors who love animals. It could even prevent loneliness since you’ll have plenty of friends to cuddle with.
Youth Sports Official
If you want to give back to your community and mentor young people, consider becoming a youth sports official. There is a steady decline in youth sports officials, often due to the low pay. In retirement, you may not need as much money, so you can give back and be outdoors. What better way to stay fit than to be engaged in a sport you love and to be around youth.
Consultant
If you have even more expertise and skills leftover from your previous career, you could also look into starting a consulting business in retirement. With adults over the age of 50 making up the majority of new business owners, you’ll be in good company. First, you’ll need to identify your niche, and then you can begin planning your business. Having patience is also very helpful.
In-Demand Jobs
Building a successful consulting business takes time and patience. If you prefer not to wait, you should look into some of the most wanted jobs for seniors and retirees instead. Jobs that are always in demand and looking for older talent include teaching, sales, and real estate. These days, you can do many of these jobs from home, so you can retain your freedom and flexibility.
Federal Opportunities
Working for the government is another option for your retirement. Federal law prohibits both private and government employers from discriminating against you based on age, so you should feel free to apply for any government job that draws your interests. Of course, there are some federal agencies that actively recruit older adults and retirees, so these may be your best bet.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of jobs available for seniors. If you find yourself in the blues soon after retirement, consider trying out a new career or trying out a few jobs to see what works for you.
If you want to work from home and have the most flexibility, becoming a freelancer or consultant could be the right choice for you. You could also look into in-demand private and government jobs for retirees, if you prefer to find something fast. The choice is yours, so think about what you want and need. And get the added benefit of mental health.
Photo Credit: Rawpixel
Written by: Donna Erickson
