31 Of The Best Low-Stress Jobs To Try After Retirement

Most of us look forward to retirement.

The dream is to pursue hobbies, enjoy time at home, or travel. 

However, many retirees find they need something more to occupy their days, or they want to pad their retirement income with a part-time job

Luckily, there are many different jobs that are perfect for retirees.

The best retirement jobs are the ones that fulfill you while also providing an income that makes the job worthwhile.

What Kind of Job Can I Get After Retirement?

As a retiree, you might prioritize human interaction more than specific tasks. It might mean working with the public or consulting.

 If your primary goals are to make extra money and apply your skills, you probably won’t need to focus on a people-oriented occupation.

Generally, good jobs for retirees involve part-time hours or substantial flexibility. 

You’ve retired after all and are not interested in long hours and tons of responsibility.

You can insist on work-life balance now. Salaries likely won’t match what you made during your career, but you may accept that in exchange for an enjoyable, low-stress position.

As an older adult, look for jobs that:

  • Do not keep you on your feet constantly
  • Do not require heavy lifting
  • Leverage your prior work experience or talents
  • Put you in an appealing environment
  • You find meaningful
  • Offer health coverage to part-timers
  • Keep you engaged with the community

What is a Fun Job After Retirement?

Not every job works for everyone when looking for fun jobs after retirement. Before you even apply, you need to think about all of the factors, from what stresses you out to what you enjoy. Some things to consider:

  • Work Environment: Do you want a fast-paced or slow and serene environment?
  • Hours: Are you a morning person, or do you prefer to work in the afternoon?
  • Co-workers: Do you want to be around people your age, or are you energized by working with younger people?
  • Technology: Are you interested in learning new technology, or are you happier without it?
  • Compensation: Is it more important to fill your time or bank account?

Before jumping into a new job, knowing yourself and how much time and energy you want to devote to a job is valuable and can save you from a bad decision. 

31 Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement

There are numerous low-stress jobs you could pursue. The following list is not exhaustive, but these jobs are some of the most fun and fulfilling you can pursue in your retirement years.

1. Writing

The written word never goes out of style. If you are a competent writer, you can make a part- or full-time living by writing. 

Freelance writers can get started through online brokerage services like Textbroker or Upwork with a pool of clients waiting for them. This kind of work keeps your mind busy while your schedule stays flexible. 

Maybe you have a novel you’ve always wanted to write. Now is a perfect time to start. Once you finish your book, find an editor and agent to get that contract you’ve always wanted. Or you can self-publish and possibly earn a few extra dollars.

2. Retail

Retailers and supermarkets employ individuals to greet shoppers at the front door or checkout lines. If you love people and you want to find a way to spend a few extra hours each day, look for a part-time job as a greeter or cashier. 

This job is an excellent, low-stress way to earn some income. Other retail options include working in stocking shelves or working on the floor and interacting with customers while they shop.

3. Driving for a Ride-Sharing Company

Companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed the transportation sector. You don’t need a CDL or any other specialized driver’s license. All you need is the ability to drive, your own vehicle, and some free time. 

woman typing low-stress jobs after retirement

You also don’t need to work a specific shift. You can make yourself available for driving as you wish. Because there is no investment in ride-share driving, you can also quit anytime you decide it’s no longer working for you.

4. Personal Shopping

Once upon a time, personal shopping was reserved only for the rich and famous. Today, people from all walks of life take advantage of personal shopping services. 

They simply go online, fill up a shopping cart, and send their retail or grocery order through an app. The personal shopper’s task is to look for the items, load up a cart, and deliver them to the online shopper. 

You get paid for your time and receive tips from the shopper. This job is an excellent choice if you love shopping but don’t love spending money.

5. Babysitting

Babysitters are always in demand. If you love children and have a lot of energy, you can open your home to kids of any age you choose. 

Some retirees choose to become licensed daycare providers who can watch as many as eight children at a time. Others might prefer to function as nannies who only look after one or two kids from a single family. Whatever your preference, you will undoubtedly stay busy if you choose to pursue babysitting.

6. Blogging

You can become a blogger if you have any kind of passion you want to share with the world. Gardening, baking, camping, or even general observations about life can become lucrative if you have a good command of language and the ability to market yourself. 

You might find you don’t care about monetizing your blog. Managing a website about something you find interesting might be the only reward you need. 

Maybe you’d rather make informational videos instead of writing blogs. Vlogging can be profitable too once you build a large following.

7. Photographer

Photography studios have gone the way of the dodo. This isn’t because photographers aren’t needed but because most photographers have found that renting a studio is an unnecessary expense. 

Today, most photographers do on-site photography. All you need is a good camera, photography knowledge, lighting equipment, and a way to get the word out to potential customers. You can charge by the hour or by the session. 

You will likely have more photography work than time to complete it if you are talented.

8. Cake Decorating

All of those years baking cakes, cupcakes, and cookies can pay off in your retirement. Busy parents don’t have time to make custom goodies for their kids’ birthdays, holidays, and celebrations. 

Make an online photo album of all of your beautiful creations. Before you know it, customers will line up to buy your tasty treats.

man playing with his dog low-stress jobs after retirement

Make sure you do a bit of research before starting down this road. Some areas require that you have a license for selling cakes, even if it is a side business out of your home.

9. Nursing

Yes, you can have a second career as a nurse. You can earn your nursing degree in as little as two years. You can earn CNA certification in just a few months. Nursing is very rewarding for people who have a lot of compassion and energy. 

It is not a career for the faint of heart, but it will provide a good salary and benefits. Nursing is not a career to pursue if you want something easy and relaxing.


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10. Substitute Teaching

Substituting is not low-stress for everyone. However, if you love kids and are energized by being around young people, you might find that subbing is your calling. 

The requirements vary by state, but all you need is an Associate degree and the appropriate licensing in most places. 

You can then be added to a local school district’s substitute list and then choose to take or not take offers as they come in. Substitute teaching can be gratifying. Many retirees even consider it a second career.

11. Tutoring

If substitute teaching for an entire classroom is too overwhelming, you might try tutoring. This job is an excellent choice for former teachers who specialize in subjects that are in demand, like reading and math. 

You can open your home to children or become an online tutor. Teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) is becoming a popular way to work from home through a company specializing in this skill. You don’t even need to have teaching experience to teach ESL.

12. Fine Arts Instruction

Another post-retirement career in the teaching field is music instruction. It’s one of the fun retirement jobs that pay a small fortune as you can set your own pay scale. 

Piano teachers are highly sought after, but you can build a roster of students in virtually any area where you have expertise. You can even serve as a vocal coach to students who want to improve their singing.

Are you not musically inclined? You can teach arts and crafts, including painting, cake decorating, quilting, and more.

13. Adjunct Instructor

Yet another teaching job, this one focuses on slightly older learners. You can work part-time as a college instructor if you have a Master’s degree or higher. These usually pay per course, and there is rarely a contract involved. 

You will probably have to do all grading, as adjuncts do not typically have teaching assistants to help them out.

14. Office Clerk

Most offices need someone to work the front desk on a full- or part-time basis. Your duties might include answering phones, greeting clients, working with accounts, tidying the office, managing appointments, and data entry. 

As long as you have a solid grasp of the type of programs used in the office, you could be a very successful office clerk. Keep in mind that there are multiple names for similar positions. 

Any given environment might refer to this position as an administrative assistant, receptionist, office manager, or secretary. Understanding the job duties is much more important than the job title.

15. Telephone Support

You can offer phone support out of the comfort of your own home. You may need a dedicated phone line but most simply require a landline and a headset. 

You will have specific hours of the day that you must be available for calls as they come in, but you can do this job from home with little training.

16. Docent

A docent or tour guide is vital for museums and other tourist areas. Serving as a docent allows you to interact with new people every day. 

You have the benefit of sharing interesting cultures and history with the world. Many docent positions are unpaid, but the volunteer hours may be worth as much to you as a salary.

17. Pet Sitter

Animal lovers will be thrilled to know they can make a decent income simply from watching pets. You might build a roster of clients who regularly travel for work, or you may make yourself available for people who go on vacation but don’t want to board their pets. 

senior man teaching younger students jobs after retiring

Some pet sitters go to the pet owner’s home, and some invite the pets into their own. You can even specify which pets you are willing to watch. If you prefer furry friends to reptiles, there is no rule saying you have to be a pet sitter who feeds snakes.

18. Crafting

Have you always loved sewing, making jewelry, knitting, woodworking, or making your own soaps? Believe it or not, you can make extra dollars by selling your handmade items. 

It is popular to sell these items on sites like Etsy, but you can also save them for bazaars, farmer’s markets, or local craft shows. Advertise your crafts on social media or build your own website to showcase your talents. There is no wrong way to share your crafts with the world.

19. Translator

Do you speak multiple languages? If so, you can take a job as a translator. You can work online or in person. Hospitals, museums, and schools often need interpreters and translators. 

Online, you can use your knowledge of a second language to translate during video conferences or the written word. Sign language is of particular interest during video conferencing.

20. Referee

Youth sports are almost always in need of referees. With just a little training, you can work as a youth sports officiant for baseball, basketball, flag football, or soccer.

If you love sports, you might also find a rewarding career in ticket sales, working concessions, or even coaching.

21. Multi-Level Marketing

You are highly unlikely to make money with any MLM despite any pitches to the contrary. If the MLM you enter into requires an initial investment, you may lose money. 

That said, you can also have a lot of fun by hosting parties to sell the items. In addition, if your product is something that you love and regularly purchase anyway, getting the discount may be worth entering into the program – especially with consumables like makeup, candles, and oils.

22. Bookkeeper

Are you an organized person with knowledge of financial records? 

Many small businesses outsource their bookkeeping to freelancers. You can easily make this a work-from-home side business or seek a part-time position at a local business. 

Either way, you’ll track expenses and revenue, prepare monthly and annual reports, and perhaps process payrolls. 

To pursue this work, you’ll need a standard home computer, scanner, printer, and filing cabinets.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Knowledge of Excel spreadsheets, Quickbooks, office equipment, and business accounting practices. Earn from $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

23. Tax Preparer

If you don’t want to work year-round, you can earn during tax season when individuals and businesses need people to do the tedious work of plugging numbers into tax accounting software. 

Most people find this work mysterious and baffling. 

You could work seasonally at a local accounting firm or take on your own clients. 

Expect to be very busy late winter through spring but then have plenty of free time for the rest of the year.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Knowledge of tax software, willingness to learn software updates every year, experience with financial records, and ability to pay close attention to details. Earn from $21,000 to $60,000 per year.

24. School Bus Driver

School districts have a growing need for bus drivers. You’ll typically work short shifts in the mornings and afternoons. 

Longer assignments would involve field trips and transporting teams to events. 

Bus driving can be a demanding job depending on whether the children behave well or not. However, many drivers value their role in transporting kids safely. 

The job will not require you to be on your feet much or do heavy lifting.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Commercial driver’s license, good vision, appreciation for children, and desire to support your community. Earn from $22,000 to $35,000 per year.

25. Telehealth Provider

Retired medical professionals, like nurses, nurse practitioners, and MDs, have opportunities in the world of telehealth. 

You work in online video conferences with patients. Depending on your credentials, you would answer questions, evaluate medications, and diagnose problems. 

You’ll be able to work from home and leave the demands of a clinical environment behind while helping people obtain timely medical information. 

Pay varies widely according to your credentials.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Medical education and experience, current medical licensing or other credentials, reliable internet, and ability to communicate via technology platforms. Earn from $40,000 to $100,000.

26. Librarian

You could find part-time and full-time opportunities at your local library. Physical demands are light because you have carts to move books. 

Expect to interact with many people as they check out materials or ask for help. The environment should be low stress because it’s supposed to be a quiet place and patrons generally love their libraries. 

A library employer may also be able to accommodate moderate mobility problems. As a bonus, you’ll never have trouble finding something new to read again.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Library science degree or equivalent experience, willingness to work with the public, and good communication skills. Earn from $25,000 to $65,000 per year.

27. Youth Sports Coach

Many communities have youth athletic teams outside the school systems that rely on hiring private coaches. 

man in the convenience store jobs after retirement

A person who played in college or sports in adult leagues could qualify for a coaching position. 

You can expect to work weekends, afternoons, and evenings. Out-of-town travel to events is often necessary. If you desire an active retirement job, coaching will deliver.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Prior coaching or teaching experience, athletic experience, good fitness level, willingness to mentor talent, and manage potential conflicts. Earn from $30,000 to $40,000 per year.

28. Park Ranger

State parks departments and the U.S. National Park Service have part-time and seasonal positions for rangers, especially during the summer. 

USAjobs.gov is the place to apply for National Park jobs. At the state level, check with your Department of Natural Resources. 

It could be a very satisfying job if you’re physically fit and love the outdoors. You might conduct tours at historic sites, scenic areas, or patrol trails to check for problems and collect trash.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Knowledge of outdoor safety, good speaking skills, and physical fitness. Earn from $15 to $40 per hour.

29. Editor

A career in journalism or publishing positions you to take part-time or freelance editorial work. 

You might edit anything from textbooks to blogs depending on your experience. 

Editorial freelance jobs are frequently available at online freelance sites like Guru or Freelancer.com. 

You can also approach publishers directly. You can expect to work from home and receive and transmit files electronically.

Skills Needed and Salary:

College degree in English or Communications, industry experience in journalism or publishing, and reliable internet. Earn roughly $30 per hour.

30. Notary

Obtaining a notary commission from your state is quite affordable with the major expense being the purchase of a bond and a few supplies like a notary stamp. 

An additional certification makes you qualify for loan signing agent work. You would work with people in your community who need documents notarized or completed real estate paperwork. 

Complete information is available from the National Notary Association.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Ability to organize documents, assess people for soundness of mind, confirm government identification, and follow detailed directions. Earn from $5,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the population density in your area.

31. Camp Host

Public and private campgrounds need on-site people to make sure that the community runs smoothly as campers come and go. 

You’ll get a campground to stay at and be responsible for trash collection, checking campers in and out, and running the camp store. 

This could be a year-round occupation or seasonal. You might even move back and forth between seasons around the country to stay employed 12 months a year.

Skills Needed and Salary:

Love of camping, nomadic mindset, willingness to work with the public, enforce camp rules, and retail skills. Earn from $18,000 to $30,000 per year.

FAQs About the Best Jobs for Retirees

You may have some questions about taking a job in retirement. Don’t worry – we’ve answered all of your burning questions below.

What should I do immediately after retirement?

Take some time to decide what you want out of your retirement. As long as you have a solid retirement fund, you can wait before you jump into another job.

old man doing welding low-stress jobs after retirement

Most new retirees need to adjust to their new lives and schedules before making any big decisions or additional changes. 

What careers have the least amount of stress?

It depends on your personality, but retirement jobs from home typically have the least amount of stress as you usually have a flexible schedule with little or no outside stressors.

However, if you’re an extrovert and love to be around people, you may find that a job working around others is more relaxing and enjoyable. 

What is the highest paying lowest stress job?

Freelance writing is incredibly low stress and can be a lucrative career. Working as an office 

clerk is also a good-paying job with low stress. In addition, it can also include benefits that freelancing does not.

Does stress decrease after retirement?

It depends. Some people truly enjoy retirement, while others find the lack of a routine and the loss of structure stressful. 

The stress can be due to financial difficulties or difficulty adjusting to being with a spouse or partner more hours a day.

Retirement income may be necessary when living on a fixed income. Likewise, having a job during retirement is a great way to stay sharp and engaged.

You will feel healthier and happier if you have something interesting to do each day. Whether it’s a job, hobby, or volunteer project, keep busy! You still have many wonderful and exciting years ahead of you.

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