As people get older and approach retirement age, they often look for new career opportunities that provide fulfillment and meaning without being too stressful. The good news is that there are many great jobs out there that allow seniors to stay active and earn an income, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are some of the best low-stress jobs for seniors.
Customer Service Representative
Working in customer service allows seniors to use their life experience and people skills to help others. Many customer service jobs involve working on the phone or online, providing information about products or services and resolving any issues customers have. The work typically does not require a lot of physical activity or demanding hours. Customer service roles are available in many different industries, from retail and hospitality to banking and healthcare.
Tour Guide
Leading tours is a fun, engaging job for outgoing seniors who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. Tour guides get to spend time interacting with new people every day and introducing them to interesting places and activities. The tours may be walking or driving based, usually lasting just a few hours at a time. Many tour guide jobs pay hourly with flexible schedules. Opportunities exist at museums, zoos, historical sites, and even cruise lines.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping is detail-oriented clerical work, tracking incomes and expenses for businesses or individuals. These days, bookkeepers mainly use computer programs like QuickBooks. The work can be done remotely and part-time to accommodate a senior’s schedule. No heavy physical labor is required, just good organization skills and comfort with numbers. Bookkeepers earn an average annual salary above $40,000.
Golf Course Marshal
For seniors who love golf, working as a golf course marshal allows you to be out on the green while getting paid. Marshals keep play moving smoothly by enforcing course rules, managing pace of play, assisting golfers when needed, and driving refreshment carts. The job provides plenty of fresh air and exercise without being overly strenuous. Marshals may work part-time, weekends, mornings, or afternoons.
Tour Director
Leading escorted tours domestically or abroad is an unforgettable experience for seniors who want to travel. Tour directors make all the travel arrangements, lead groups to attractions, share history and facts, and ensure the tour runs smoothly. It’s a glamorous job that allows you to vacation to exciting destinations. Tour directors work intermittently, leading tours that last weeks or months at a time. When not touring, the directors have extended time off.
Teacher or Tutor
Teaching provides the satisfaction of sharing your knowledge while learning from students of all ages. Part-time and substitute teaching opportunities allow flexibility for seniors. You can tutor students one-on-one in academic subjects or skills like music and foreign languages. Teaching English as a foreign language is also a fulfilling retirement job. The one-on-one nature removes stressful classroom management.
Tax Preparer
During tax season, accountants and businesses hire tax preparers to help file accurate returns for clients. Attention to detail is important in this job, as well as communication skills to interview clients. Tax prep may be a seasonal part-time job or a year-round career. While the job gets busy leading up to tax deadlines, preparers otherwise enjoy a flexible schedule with variety in tasks.
Golf Course Ranger
Spending sunny days driving across gorgeous golf courses and assisting players sounds idyllic for many retirees. As a golf course ranger, you’ll enforce rules, direct traffic, provide supplies, and help golfers as needed. The job requires good driving skills, physical ability to stand for periods, and solid customer service. It is a part-time seasonal job that keeps you active outdoors.
Tour Guide
If you love history, art, culture, or science, a part-time job as a tour guide may be right up your alley. You’ll get to share your enthusiasm about a subject with engaged visitors at sites like museums, botanical gardens, zoos, galleries, historic homes, and other attractions. Leading a few tours per week keeps your mind active with minimal physical demands.
Retail Sales Associate
Working part-time in retail allows seniors to earn extra income while interacting with shoppers. Sales associate duties include running cash registers, answering customer questions, processing returns, and shelving merchandise. It can be a low-stress job if you find a flexible schedule at a laid-back boutique, gift shop, clothing store, or other retail environment you enjoy.
Finding the right job match helps seniors transition to engaged, meaningful and lower-stress work. There are excellent opportunities to utilize your talents and experience, while avoiding high-pressure careers. With a little self-reflection and research, you can discover rewarding positions that provide fulfillment, social connections, and ongoing income. The key is focusing on your interests and priorities to select a low-stress job that enhances your retirement.
