Are you getting ready to retire in the near future? If so, and if you’re like many other seniors, you may not be looking forward to retiring completely. A lot of retirees plan on continuing work well into their retirement years, whether they are motivated by a desire for extra income or something to pass the time. However, even for those who want to work in retirement, many are unsure which jobs will provide the incentives they need without jeopardizing their sense of freedom. If you are one of these curious seniors, here are some ideas from the Council on Aging of Elkhart County for maintaining your income and a career after retirement.
The Council on Aging of Elkhart County hopes the following information is helpful and inspiring to our readers. In addition, we offer a variety of other supportive services for seniors, including transportation, in home care, and life enrichment. You can apply for services or become a volunteer by visiting us online.
Freelance From Your Home
Do you have a knack for detail? Do you also want to enjoy more time in your home during retirement? If so, a freelance job board could connect you with the perfect position. Using an online job board, you can find freelance opportunities in accounting, marketing, sales, customer service or even as a virtual assistant. Regardless of the job, flexible freelance positions typically
only require remote work, which means you can earn extra cash from the comfort of your own home or anywhere that has internet access.
Walk Dogs for Your Friends
If you love dogs but aren’t ready to commit to one of your own, becoming a dog walker could be a good job for retirement. You can start by offering to walk dogs for your friends and family members, and then ask those folks to recommend your services to fellow dog owners. Once you feel comfortable handling different canines, you can also list your services online to attract more clients. Whether you have a couple of clients or a lot, walking dogs is not only good for your budget, but it can also be good for your body and mind. Several studies have shown that dogs can encourage seniors to be more active and stick to a daily routine, so by becoming a part-time or full-time dog walker, you can get all of these wellness benefits without any of the downfalls.
Sell Food From Your Garden
For seniors who have a green thumb, selling plants or produce could be a lucrative way to earn some extra dough in retirement. Selling at farmers’ markets can be fairly straightforward and can also give older adults a chance to interact with other folks in the community. You can sell as little or as much as you like, so this gig can work for just about anyone with a green thumb.
Start Making Your Own Crafts
Another way to earn extra income at local markets is to sell homemade crafts. People love to buy jewelry, clothing, pottery and other handmade goods from local vendors, so if you have a talent for making these sorts of items, you may want to think about using them to boost your retirement savings. Even if you don’t want to get out to local markets and craft shows, you can still earn extra income by selling your handmade wares online. Sites like Etsy make it really simple for artists and craft makers to connect with customers and sell their products across the globe, meaning you can sell your homemade goods without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.
Register Your Business
Once you’ve gotten going in any of the above ventures, it’s a good idea to formally register your business with the state of Indiana. A limited liability company, or LLC, is a popular choice for many budding business owners. This structure comes with benefits including tax incentives and protection of your personal assets from those of your company. The LLC Indiana formation process requires little paperwork compared to other business entity types (like S corporations and partnerships), and you can work with an online formation company to truly keep it simple.
If you are going to work in retirement, whether it’s for money or just to have something extra to do, you should at least enjoy the job you choose. So consider one of the possibilities above or think about other jobs that will allow you to put your passions to work.
Written by: Michael Longsdon