15 Best Jobs After Retirement for Purpose, Income, and Flexibility in 2025

flexible work options May 14, 2025

Why Work After Retirement?

Why do so many retirees go back to work?

Because it’s no longer just about money, it’s about purpose, engagement, and freedom.

Here are the top reasons retirees choose to work after 60:

To supplement income while protecting savings
To stay mentally sharp and socially connected
To pursue meaningful work on their terms
To transition into retirement gradually, not abruptly

According to AARP, over 40% of retirees are working or planning to work. This trend isn’t driven solely by financial necessity—it’s fueled by a more profound desire to stay active, contribute meaningfully, and feel connected in this next chapter.

Financial Stability Meets Personal Fulfillment

Even with careful planning, retirement often lasts longer than expected. A flexible job can supplement Social Security or savings, easing financial stress. But the biggest reward? Many retirees say their post-retirement work brings more joy and purpose than their previous careers.

Key benefits retirees report:

A sense of contribution and identity
Extra income for travel, hobbies, or gifts
Daily structure and stimulation

Staying Active and Connected

Work can serve as a vital social lifeline. Whether chatting with clients, mentoring others, or collaborating online, staying mentally and socially engaged reduces isolation and boosts overall well-being.

The Rise of the "Retirepreneur" Mindset

Today’s retirees aren’t just job seekers—they’re job shapers. Many start part-time businesses, consult, or work remotely on their terms. This retirepreneur mindset blends independence with purpose, turning work into something you choose, not something you must do.

👉 Want to explore more flexible, purpose-driven work options?

Subscribe to Retirepreneur Weekly for second-act business ideas, remote job leads, and tools to help you launch your next chapter with clarity and confidence. 👉 Subscribe Now!

What to Look for in Post-Retirement Work

Not all jobs are created equal, especially in retirement. The proper role should support your lifestyle, not disrupt it. Whether you're working for purpose, income, or both, the ideal fit respects your time, health, and desire for freedom.

Flexibility in Hours and Location

You’ve earned the right to design your days. Look for roles that offer:

Remote or hybrid options
Flexible schedules (morning-only, seasonal, project-based)
Ability to scale hours up or down

Jobs that let you work from home or travel while earning provide the freedom many retirees value most.

Alignment with Passions or Past Experience

The best roles let you tap into what you already know and love. Ask yourself:

What skills do I enjoy using?
What causes or communities matter to me?
Is there a way to turn a hobby or past career into meaningful work?

When your job aligns with your values and interests, it feels less like work and more like purpose.

Low Stress, High Satisfaction

Many retirees intentionally seek out low-pressure roles. Avoid jobs that:

Involve long hours, high quotas, or physical strain
Have poor communication or chaotic leadership
Require constant re-training or tech-heavy onboarding (unless you enjoy that challenge)

Instead, aim for roles that feel calm, purposeful, and manageable—where you leave the day feeling fulfilled, not frazzled.

15 Best Jobs After Retirement (2025 Edition)

Looking for a flexible job that fits your lifestyle, pays well, and feels purposeful? These top picks combine freedom, fulfillment, and practicality—perfect for retirees entering a new chapter.

1. Consultant or Coach

Turn your career experience into a service others will pay for. Whether advising startups or coaching young professionals, consulting offers flexibility and purpose.

Estimated Pay: $50–$150/hr
Best For: Retirees with deep expertise and strong communication skills
Work Style: Remote or in-person, project-based

2. Virtual Assistant

You can use your laptop to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, or executives with scheduling, email management, or customer service.

Estimated Pay: $20–$35/hr
Best For: Organized, tech-comfortable retirees
Work Style: Remote, flexible hours

3. Part-Time Remote Bookkeeper

If you have a background in finance or administration, this low-stress, high-demand role offers stability without full-time hours.

Estimated Pay: $25–$60/hr
Best For: Detail-oriented retirees with QuickBooks or accounting experience
Work Style: Remote, recurring work

4. Online Tutor or Instructor

Teach students of all ages in subjects like math, language, or test prep—or lead adult classes in your area of expertise.

Estimated Pay: $20–$80/hr
Best For: Retirees with teaching or mentoring backgrounds
Work Style: Remote or in-person, depending on the platform

5. Etsy Seller / Crafter

Love creating? Turn your crafts, art, or vintage finds into income with an online store you manage at your own pace.

Estimated Pay: Highly variable; $500–$2,500/mo typical for hobby sellers
Best For: Creative retirees with a DIY streak
Work Style: Home-based, flexible hours

6. Nonprofit Administrator or Volunteer Coordinator

Blend passion and purpose by helping mission-driven organizations with fundraising, outreach, or event planning.

Estimated Pay: $18–$40/hr (part-time staff); unpaid for volunteers
Best For: Purpose-driven retirees who enjoy planning and people
Work Style: In-person or hybrid, local community-based

7. Tour Guide (Local or Virtual)

Share your love of history, art, or nature with curious visitors—or lead virtual experiences online through platforms like Airbnb.

Estimated Pay: $15–$50/hr + tips
Best For: Outgoing retirees with deep local knowledge
Work Style: In-person or virtual, seasonal options available

8. Freelance Writer or Blogger

If you enjoy storytelling or have subject-matter expertise, freelance writing can provide income and creative expression.

Estimated Pay: $0.10–$1.00/word or $25–$100/hr
Best For: Retirees with writing, teaching, or niche experience
Work Style: Remote, deadline-driven

9. Remote Customer Service Rep

Answer customer questions via phone, chat, or email. Many companies now offer fully remote, part-time shifts.

Estimated Pay: $15–$25/hr
Best For: Retirees with good communication skills and patience
Work Style: Remote, hourly shifts

10. Real Estate Agent (or Referral Agent)

If you love networking and homes, this field offers flexible schedules. Don’t want a full-time hustle? Consider referral-only licensing.

Estimated Pay: Commission-based; varies widely
Best For: Retirees with people skills and an interest in property
Work Style: Local, flexible, client-facing

11. Part-Time Gig Worker (Rover, TaskRabbit)

Use gig platforms to walk dogs, run errands, or help with light repairs—set your hours and tasks.

Estimated Pay: $15–$40/hr
Best For: Active retirees who like variety and freedom
Work Style: Local, flexible, mobile

12. Course Creator (Teach What You Know)

Package your knowledge into an online course and earn passive income from students worldwide.

Estimated Pay: $100–$5,000+/mo (varies by niche and traffic)
Best For: Retirees with teaching or niche expertise
Work Style: Remote, upfront creation with ongoing earnings

13. Handyman or Handywoman Services

Put your fix-it skills to work locally. We offer basic home repairs, furniture assembly, and seasonal maintenance.

Estimated Pay: $25–$60/hr
Best For: Skilled, mobile retirees
Work Style: In-person, hands-on work

14. Executive Resume or LinkedIn Profile Writer

Help others improve their career materials using your business writing and career experience.

Estimated Pay: $100–$500+ per project
Best For: Retirees with HR, hiring, or writing experience
Work Style: Remote, project-based

15. Franchise Ownership (Low-Investment Models)

Want a turnkey business? Some franchises start under $10,000 and offer training and systems to get started.

Estimated Pay: Varies by model; $20K–$100K+ potential annually
Best For: Retirees with capital and business acumen
Work Style: Local or remote (depending on the concept)

How to Choose the Right Job for You

The “best” retirement job isn’t about trends but fit. What works for your neighbor or former colleague might not suit your goals, energy, or lifestyle. Choosing the right job means understanding yourself first.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Use this simple checklist to reflect before committing:

✅ Do I want to work for income, purpose, or both?

✅ How many hours per week would feel energizing, not draining?

✅ Am I more comfortable working in-person, remotely, or a mix?

✅ What skills or interests do I genuinely enjoy using?

✅ Do I need low-stress and routine work, or do I enjoy variety and challenge?

✅ What physical or mental boundaries do I need to honor?

Write down your answers—you’ll start to see the shape of your ideal role.

💡 Tip: If unsure where to begin, try light freelancing, volunteer roles, or gig platforms. These can give you clarity without a long-term commitment.

Avoiding Scams and False Promises

Unfortunately, scammers often target older adults looking for flexible work. Be cautious of:

Upfront “training fees” or equipment purchases from unknown companies
Vague job listings promising high Pay for little effort
Emails or messages with urgency, pressure, or poor grammar

Stick with reputable job boards (like FlexJobs or AARP Job Board), and verify company reviews online before applying.

Remember: It probably is if it sounds too good to be true.

Balancing Income Needs with Lifestyle Priorities

It’s easy to get excited and overcommit—but remember, your retirement job should support your life, not consume it. Consider:

How does this job affect your time with family, travel, or health routines
Whether the income truly enhances your financial well-being
If the job creates stress or joy day to day

Your time is valuable. Choose work that adds to your life, not subtracts from it.

Resources to Help You Get Started

Ready to take the next step? These curated resources from Retirepreneur will help you explore options, build confidence, and get started smartly. Whether looking for remote work, launching a passion project, or validating a business idea, these links will point you in the right direction.

🔗 Top Remote Jobs for Retirees: Work from Anywhere

Discover flexible roles that fit your lifestyle. This guide covers part-time, freelance, and work-from-home opportunities designed for retirees, plus how to avoid scams.

🔗 Encore Careers: Finding Meaningful Work After Retirement

Explore purpose-driven second careers that offer more than just a paycheck. Learn how to align your next chapter with your values and impact goals.

🔗 Validate Your Business Idea Without Wasting Time or Money

Before launching your venture, use this step-by-step guide to assess demand, reduce risk, and test your idea on a small scale.

🔗 Virtual Assistant Jobs for Retirees: What You Need to Know

Interested in remote admin work? This spoke article walks you through skills required, where to find clients, and how to set your rates.

🔗 How to Set Up a Comfortable & Productive Home Office

A well-designed workspace makes all the difference if you're working from home. Get practical tips tailored for comfort, tech ease, and focus.

Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent Work

Retirement isn’t the finish line—it’s the freedom line. You now have the opportunity to choose work that excites, empowers, and energizes you. Whether it’s part-time income, meaningful service, or a creative project, the path is yours to shape.

Start with One Small Step

Don’t worry about having the perfect plan. Instead:

Talk to someone who's doing what you want to do
Volunteer or freelance in a field that interests you
Block one hour this week to explore job boards or brainstorm business ideas

Small steps build clarity. Clarity builds momentum.

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Embrace Work That Lights You Up

You’ve spent decades building skills, wisdom, and resilience. Now’s the time to channel that experience into something that fits your life, not vice versa. Work can be light. It can be meaningful. It can be yours.

“Retirement isn’t an ending—it’s a license to build your best life on your terms.”

✅ Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best jobs for retirees who want flexibility?

Great flexible jobs for retirees include virtual assistant, tutor, consultant, delivery driver, and customer support. These roles allow you to set your own schedule and adjust your hours as needed.

Are part-time remote jobs realistic for retirees?

Yes. Many companies seek part-time help in admin, sales, education, and customer service. Remote platforms make it easy to work from home without a full-time commitment.

How do I choose the right job after retirement?

Start with your skills, interests, and ideal schedule. Then explore roles that align with your goals—whether that’s earning income, staying social, or giving back through meaningful work.

What are some low-stress jobs retirees enjoy?

Low-stress roles include library assistant, tour guide, online tutor, receptionist, or pet sitter. These jobs tend to have predictable hours, minimal pressure, and enjoyable daily tasks.