How to Find a Part‐Time Job As a Senior

Though you've finally retired, you may find yourself wanting to re-enter the workforce for a variety of reasons, including keeping yourself busy and increasing your cash flow. As a senior, you want to find the right job that will keep you busy enough but won't wear you out. Luckily, you'll find a number of resources to help you find jobs. You can also put your experience to use on a part-time basis or work a more traditional retiree job.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Looking for Positions

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Use a job search engine designed for seniors. Some job search engines focus their sites solely on seniors. Using one of these sites can make it easier to find a job that's suitable for a retiree. You know that the people posting jobs are looking for someone like you.^{[1]XResearch source}
- For instance, AARP has a job search board you can use.^{[2]XResearch source}
2
Go through a senior training program. If you had to retire from your job because you couldn't physically do the work anymore, you may want to retrain for a different kind of job. Many communities have senior training programs that help you learn new skills and may even assist you in finding a part-time position.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Ask at your local Social Security office to see if they know of any programs in your area.
One way to get work when you want it is to use a temp agency. You won't be committed to a long-term job, but you can make some extra cash working part-time. Look for an agency that specializes in the type of work you'd like to do, and apply through the agency.
4
Consider the Senior Community Service Program (SCSEP). This program is a national service that matches unemployed seniors with jobs in the service sector. This program is only for low-income people who are unemployed and over 55. To use this service, you just fill out an application on the program's website at https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/matureworkers/scsep/.
- If you don't qualify for this program, you could still look for jobs in community service in your area. Many organizations hire people part-time, and often, you can find search engines that just list jobs for nonprofits.
Seasonal positions may be the perfect fit for you if you just need a bit of extra cash to get you through the year. For instance, you might find a job during tax season, or you could look for a position in retail around Christmas. These jobs may be a good fit since you're not committed to long-term work.
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Using Your Career Knowledge

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Become a consultant. Even if you don't want to work full-time, you can still use the knowledge you've gained from working in one career for years. In many fields, businesses will hire consultants who are experts in their fields. You can provide valuable experience while working the hours you want.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Put feelers out to people in your network. See if anyone is looking for a consultant.
- Consultants can work in a variety of fields, but they are especially used at the corporate level. Some examples include an engineer who's worked in infrastructure advising a company on a new project, a high-level business person consulting on how to get a business off the ground, or a tax expert consulting on the ramifications of a new line in a manufacturing company.
Another way to use your career experience is to pick up jobs off of freelancing websites. On these sites, you'll find a wide range of job types, from coding to engineering and writing. The best part is you can pick up jobs only when you need or want the extra cash.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Teach at a community college. Community colleges are always looking for adjunct professors to teach classes. Even if you don't have an advanced degree, your years of experience will likely be enough. Check local community college websites for adjunct listings.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You could also try looking at K-12 schools, who may want people to teach seminars or workshops on a part-time basis.
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Train the younger generation. If you've worked in a particular field most of your life, consider passing that knowledge on. This tactic works particularly well if you belong to a union for your trade, as you can find connections through your union.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Trade organizations are a great way to find younger people who need to learn the skills of your job. Whether you're an electrician, a plumber, or a carpenter, apprentices will need to be trained in your profession.
If you're still working full-time but about to retire, try asking your company if you can go down to part-time. Many companies will be willing to take you up on that offer, considering all you have to contribute.^{[8]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Out Different Positions

If you love kids, it might be a great time in your life to make some money from that love. You can offer your services as a sitter to friends and family, or you could even run a small daycare in your home.
Senior greeters at grocery and retail stores have become a cliche for a reason. Stores benefit because you're making customers feel welcome, and it's a relatively fun and easy job for you. Check with stores in your area to see if they're hiring for greeter positions.
Another part-time job you can look into is being a guide at a local museum. You'll need to learn a spiel to tell your guests, but it can be a fun, engaging job. Often, museums are looking to hire people on a part-time basis.^{[9]XResearch source}
If you've been fixing things around your house for years, you might find that a perfect solution to your cash-flow needs is fixing things for other people. Of course, you'll need to know your limits, but if you can fix basic things, try using word of mouth to get people to hire you.
Many companies are popping up that let you choose when you want to work each week. Mostly, these are errand-running or driving companies, such as Uber, Task Rabbit, Lyft, Postmates, and Shipt. Most of these companies use smartphones to connect with both their workforce and their customers, so you must be somewhat tech-savvy to work this type of position.
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