People have different plans after retirement. Many retirees look for low-stress jobs as opportunities to stay active, engage with others, and maintain a sense of purpose without the stress of a full-time career.
We’ve compiled a list of nine fulfilling roles that may provide predictable hours, reasonable responsibilities, and a calm environment. In short, there are the best low-stress to medium-stress jobs after retirement.
1. Writing or Blogging
If you’ve ever considered putting your thoughts on paper, now is the best time to start. Writing allows you to express yourself and stay mentally active with a flexible schedule. Whether it’s memoirs, travel experiences, gardening tips, or professional insights from your area of expertise, writing promotes cognitive health and continuous learning.
To get started, choose a blogging platform like WordPress or Medium and share your articles through Facebook or Twitter to build an audience. You can also write a book and self-publish it through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Even if you write for yourself, your words can be a treasure for your family and future generations.
2. Assisting a Local Library
Working part-time at your local library is another low-stress job to consider after retirement with predictable hours and the opportunity to contribute to your community without the pressure of a traditional job. Libraries operate on regular schedules, so seniors can typically choose shifts that fit lifestyle. The work is generally light with activities like organizing books, assisting patrons, or helping with community events.
3. Volunteering
If your monthly retirement income allows you to work for free, consider volunteering. It can enrich your retirement years with purpose while letting you stay active and give back to the community. Opt for opportunities that align with your passions and expertise.
Start by identifying causes or activities that resonate with you, such as mentoring youth, supporting healthcare initiatives, or assisting at local food banks and shelters. You can also support museums, theaters, or cultural festivals by volunteering in various roles. Check out websites like VolunteerMatch.org to discover roles that match your interests and skills.
4. Part-Time Consulting
Ever thought about turning your wealth of experience into a flexible consulting role? For those seeking easy jobs for seniors, consulting offers a chance to stay intellectually engaged in your area of expertise while keeping things relatively low-stress.
We should note that consulting is not as easily accessible as some other jobs on this list. It can be competitive, and it does require up-to-date industry knowledge. Consultants typically face some levels of stress from meeting client expectations.
If you decide to take a shot at this role, tailor your services to niche areas where your insights are most valuable, such as mentoring startups, advising on strategic initiatives, or offering expertise to nonprofits.
Professional networks like Catalant or GLG can make starting as a part-time consultant easier, but it still won’t be easy. Start by signing up with a profile that highlights your expertise and areas of interest. You can browse available projects and be matched with opportunities, all while setting your own schedule and workload.
5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors, this role could be one of the best jobs for retirees. It allows you to stay active, enjoy the companionship of pets, and set your own schedule. Interaction with animals can reduce stress, while regular walks keep you active without being physically strenuous.
Potential risks include unexpectedly aggressive animals, pet allergies, and liabilities if a pet is injured or lost. These factors can make the job a little more stressful than others, but for seniors with a love for animals, the rewards often outweigh the risks.
To get started, let friends and family know you’re available for pet sitting or dog walking. Sign up on websites like Rover or Care.com to find pet owners in your area. A practical tip if you embark on this journey: always meet the pet and owner before taking up the job, and be mindful of leash laws and pet safety guidelines in your area.
6. Board or Committee
Being on a board or committee is an opportunity to make an impact while keeping you engaged and active. There may be better examples of a low-stress job after retirement, as this one entails decision-making and other significant responsibilities. The work typically involves attending regular meetings, providing strategic guidance, and overseeing governance.
One of the most common ways to join a board is through nomination by someone who is already serving. Reach out to friends and past colleagues to see if they are currently part of any board and express your interest. Alternatively, check if organizations related to your field have vacancies, as many industries have associations that welcome seasoned professionals onto their boards.
7. Tour Guide
If you’re passionate about local history, art, and nature, becoming a tour guide is one of the best jobs for retirees. It’s a flexible and enjoyable way to stay active and socialize.
One way to enter this industry is to contact local museums, historical sites, or botanical gardens and offer your services. Alternatively, you can create specialized tours focusing on unique aspects of your area and promote them online to attract visitors. You may need to obtain a business license, a tour operator license, and other permits if you choose to operate tours.
It’s worth noting that tour guiding requires managing groups of people, which some people may find stressful. There are also physical demands that you should be sure you’re up to before jumping into this one.
8. Travel Agent
If you have a passion for travel and enjoy helping others plan their getaways, the job of a travel agent could be an ideal stress-free job after retirement. Many travel agents work from home or part-time, allowing you to set your hours.
Admittedly, travel agents need to stay up-to-date on travel regulations and deal with client emergencies, which can be anything but stress-free. However, with the right clients and travel destinations, some of those stresses might be manageable.
While not always necessary, you can get a certification from organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to increase your credibility. Specialize in niche types of travel that you’re interested in, such as cruises, eco-tourism, luxury resorts, or specific geographic regions. Assisting clients in creating memorable experiences is a job that lets you engage with other people and stay active.
9. Artistic Endeavors
And finally, if you’ve always wanted to create art and never had the time because of work, this is the best time to pursue your dreams. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, photography, or music, now you have time to explore new dimensions of your personality through art.
Many communities offer resources such as open studio sessions, gallery exhibitions, and art fairs where you can both appreciate and showcase your own works. This is also a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and explore their creative paths.
What Is the Least Stressful Job That Pays the Most?
If you’re looking for a high-paying, low-stress job after retirement, part-time consulting in your area of expertise is an excellent option. Leveraging your decades of experience, you can offer valuable insights to businesses without the pressure of a full-time position.
So, how do you get started in part-time consulting after retirement? Begin by assessing your professional background to identify niche areas where your expertise is valuable. Update your resume and professional profiles to reflect your availability for this role. Reach out to former colleagues and industry groups on LinkedIn to let them know you’re open to consulting opportunities.
As a part-time consultant, you’re often flexible to choose projects that interest you and set your own schedule, which keeps stress levels low. Experienced consultants with specialized skills can earn rates ranging from $75 to over $200 per hour.
Which Business Type Is Best After Retirement?
The right type of job is the one that excites you the most and is the most practical for your situation. It’s about finding a job that brings satisfaction and enriches your retirement. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding a job after you retire. However, there is usually something out there for just about anybody.
Final Thoughts
Retirement can be a new chapter in your life filled with exciting possibilities. Whether you choose to share your wisdom through teaching, explore creativity in the arts, or engage with your community in meaningful ways, there are various low-stress jobs after retirement to keep you active and fulfilled.
James Miller is a Senior Content Writer at McGruff.com. He has a background in investing and has spent most of his career in the financial industry. He can trace his family tree back to the California Gold Rush when his ancestors risked it all to make it big in the west. He feels like he's following in their footsteps as he strives to make sense of today's gold market.
