Best Jobs for Retirees

Your career is ending. Now it’s time to consider how to earn some extra cash in retirement by doing the work you’ve always wanted to do.

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You're nearing retirement or already cashed your last paycheck, and now you find a little extra money each month would be helpful. Or, maybe, after a long career you simply want to do something you really enjoy, but with the added benefit of earning some extra pocket change. Perhaps you want to give back by working a job you didn’t have time to take on as your career took off. On the other hand, you may not play golf, pickleball or bridge and you're simply bored.

In 2024, 37.3% of people age 55+ were employed, up from 31.5% in 2000. By comparison, in 1983 the labor force participation rate for people age 65 or over was just 19%, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Although there are more than a few reasons to return to work, more than half, or 53% of respondents of a 2024 CNBC and SurveyMonkey poll say they returned to work because they are behind on retirement planning and savings. In a recent update from Resume Builder, one in eight retired seniors are returning to work. The top reason? An increase in the cost of living. And, although you might be able to live off Social Security as your only source of income, it probably won't be enough to replace your pre-retirement standard of living. It is unfortunate that most retirees lack the minimum savings to retire in all 50 states

If you’re considering returning to work in retirement —whether for enjoyment or because you’re strapped for cash — consider the following opportunities.

Kathryn Pomroy
Contributor

For the past 18+ years, Kathryn has highlighted the humanity in personal finance by shaping stories that identify the opportunities and obstacles in managing a person's finances. All the same, she’ll jump on other equally important topics if needed. Kathryn graduated with a degree in Journalism and lives in Duluth, Minnesota. She joined Kiplinger in 2023 as a contributor.

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