Many retirees do not want to say goodbye to work forever. Seasonal gigs can provide a balance between full-time work and leaving the workforce entirely.
These jobs provide a healthy middle ground that allows retirees to earn money, make friends and feel fulfilled without committing to hectic schedules.
Why seasonal work is attractive to retirees
Seasonal work often has different start and end dates that are more flexible than regular jobs, which can make sense for people who are retired but looking for part-time work. About 38% of Americans age 65 or older will work part-time by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Extra cash can make it easier to travel, buy holiday gifts, keep up with inflation and more. It can also help retirees preserve their nest eggs while providing social connections and flexible work.
5 seasonal gigs for retirees
Each person has different interests and skills, but this list of seasonal gigs can provide a good starting point for retirees looking for part-time opportunities:
- Tax season assistant or tax preparer: Retirees with financial, bookkeeping and management skills can take this job from January to April – before Tax Day – while having very little work throughout the year. Advanced certifications are not required for this role, and some firms offer training for beginners.
- A tour or museum guide: If you love history and enjoy learning new things, you might benefit from becoming a tour guide or getting a job in a museum. Seasonal travel means you may have a very busy schedule during peak season and a more relaxed schedule when the busy season ends.
- A garden center or farmer’s market worker: You can work at your local farmers market or garden center in the spring and summer. This job allows you to spend time outside.
- Pet sitter or dog walker during heavy travel seasons: Summer vacations and holidays can give you the opportunity to pet a pet in your neighborhood. It’s perfect for animal lovers, and you can even walk the dogs along if the animal shelter isn’t too busy. These jobs give you the option to quote your hours, with different apps connecting you with potential clients.
- Holiday sales, gift wrapping or seasonal customer service: Retailers need more staff during the holidays and often put on seasonal gigs. These jobs can provide a steady income for a few months, but not everyone likes the idea of standing, crowds and weekend shifts.
What retirees should check before they say yes
Seasonal gig work can provide purpose and additional income to a flexible schedule, but some jobs are better than others. You should ask about the following details before attending a gig:
- Expected hours
- Physical needs
- Weekend shifts
- If training is paid
You can still get Social Security if you work part-time, but part of your benefits may be withheld if you are under full retirement age. The amount withheld depends on your income.
Freelance gigs like animal sitting can be very lucrative, but you have to track your own income and expenses. You also have to be proactive in finding customers, but various apps like Rover and Wag can make it easy to build those kinds of relationships.
You can earn a steady income through part-time, seasonal jobs, but make sure they are legitimate. Fraudsters operate in every industry, and if a seasonal job requires advance payments, lists vague jobs or offers an unusually high salary for little work, it could be a scam. Start by comparing seasonal gigs with similar postings to check if they are legitimate.
