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There are many reasons that seniors continue to work past the age of 65. While money is an obvious desire, avoiding boredom, loneliness, and mental decline are all also driving forces. If you find yourself looking for a new career to supplement your senior years, you are in luck. There are many flexible jobs for seniors that will allow you to continue to earn and learn without giving up the freedom of retirement. Here are four to consider:
1. Customer service
If you’re patient, articulate, and have a knack for making people feel at ease, a job in customer service might be just what you need. Many firms even offer remote working opportunities if you only want to take calls part-time and have a reliable internet connection, home office, and a quiet space. CNBC notes General Electric, Amazon, and Humana are just a few well-known companies that offer work-at-home positions for qualified employees.
2. Accounting/tax preparation
When you have experience in accounting, you can use your mathematical prowess as a tax preparer. As a retiree, you might enjoy seasonal work as a non-credentialed tax preparer, working for companies like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. You won’t make as much money as a CPA, but there are very few barriers, and you do not have to have a license in most states.
If you want to prepare taxes on your own without working for a company, you’ll need to obtain an Electronic Filing Identification Number from the IRS. One of the biggest benefits is that you are usually done by mid-April, leaving your summer open for travel and recreation.
3. Insurance sales
Insurance is a product that everybody needs, but far too few people understand how much or why. If you have a background in sales, helping people get themselves set up with life insurance may be a financially lucrative option. You can work full-time or part-time, and you might just find that helping other people prepare for the future is more rewarding than the paycheck. Before you sign up as an agent, do your research.
In the beginning, your clients will likely be friends and family, and you should get to know the various types of life insurance that can meet their needs. You also want to make sure that you are working for a company that offers the kind of environment and support you’ll need. According to the Lincoln Heritage reviews on Indeed, that might be a good company to help you get started.
4. Child care and early education
There are a few obvious downsides to childcare. Exposure to germs is one, especially in the winter months. But despite the risk of the flu, working with children has many benefits for mature adults. Per HealthDay, older volunteers and teachers get to experience the “joy and exuberance that comes from being around kids.” Further, spending your days playing with giggling little ones can make you feel young, needed, and energetic.
A few options here are to work for a private daycare, a Mother’s Day Out program, or the aftercare at your local elementary school.
To help you avoid colds and the flu, you’ll have to prioritize yearly vaccinations, make sure everyone keeps their hands washed, and boost your immune system by eating well, taking a good multivitamin, and getting enough sleep.
In conclusion
Just because you’ve wrapped up your career doesn’t mean that you have to be content without a paycheck. There are plenty of excellent job opportunities for retirees, and many of these offer flexible hours. More importantly, you have a chance to keep your mind and body busy and stave off the boredom that often comes with retirement.
My father is a senior citizen and he is looking for a job. This article will help him a lot. Thank you so much for sharing this one. You are the best!