Ah, retirement. While some look forward to throwing off the shackles of their job, others remain in the workforce due to want or necessity. In fact, one in five Canadians over the age of 65 are still working—a rate that has doubled since 1995! If you're not ready to call it quits, here are ten jobs that could keep you in the game well into your retirement years.
While some companies may be hesitant to invest in training older workers, many seniors already possess the skills necessary to perform the job; others may bring experience and insight that an employer is looking for. But if you don’t want to go back to your old job and don’t want to learn something entirely new, there are a number of great jobs that can be done full- or part-time to supplement OAS and other benefits that are ideal for seniors putting off retirement.
1. Babysitter or Nanny
Many parents question whether younger sitters or nannies have the skills or are responsible enough to look after their children, which can give active seniors an advantage when it comes to child-care opportunities.
2. Accountant
Whether you were once a career accountant or are just good with numbers, accounting skills such as payroll and taxes can often be applied part-time, whether with a company or as a consultant.
3. Hair Stylist
While you may be able to pick up work in a salon, you could also travel to clients’ homes to style their hair on your own. Seniors who are older or perhaps not as active as you make the perfect clientele.
4. Tutor
Miss teaching but can’t handle the stress of a 25-student classroom? Many retired teachers pick up tutoring as a way to make extra money. It can also be very rewarding to work one-on-one with a handful of students and watch their eyes light up once they “get it.”
5. ESL or FSL Teacher
Here's another opportunity to teach that doesn’t require going back to school full-time. There are many opportunities to pick up a class or two teaching English or French as a second language in Canada, and it can pay up to $20 an hour.
6. Librarian Assistant
Whether you have an educational background or just love books, cataloguing, sorting, and helping patrons locate books can be a great option for seniors. Plus, the quiet of a library offers a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the every day.
7. Tour Guide
Sounds great, but how to get started? If you know your local area well, there may be jobs with tourism groups; or, perhaps you can pick up work as a museum guide if you’re knowledgeable in art, history, or other field. Plus, there are ways to start your own tour up; for example, Airbnb Experiences in Canada allows you to set up and host your own tours, charging per person.
8. Dogsitter or Dogwalker
Maybe you love dogs, but don’t want the hassle (or expense) of caring for your own. That’s doesn’t mean you can’t still hang out with them. Rover.com and GoFetch allow dog owners to connect to dog-lovers within a specific city. You’ll need to pass a background check, and then set your own schedule. You can pick up on-demand jobs, or become someone’s regular sitter or walker.
9. Model
'At my age?' You may be thinking. Yes! Driven by the $2 trillion spending power of baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964, men and women in their 60s and 70s are in demand. Whether for print ads, online stock photography, or even Canadian fashion runways, you’re never too old to “work the catwalk.” Also check out local colleges and universities. Art programs are always looking for models of all ages as sit-ins.
10. Sell Online
Over the years, many seniors accumulate a lot of stuff. And that “stuff” can be very valuable to other people! Start selling online, and if you have a talent of your own, like knitting, woodworking, or jewelry design, set up an online shop with one of Canada’s popular e-commerce sites, like Etsy.
If you’re looking to keep working to stay busy, or if you’re looking to work to stay financially independent, there are a number of jobs out there that can be rewarding, fun, or both! These are just our top 10 picks. Be sure to read our recent story, 6 Tips for Dealing with Debt Before You Retire, and if you’re a senior working a great job now, or have an idea for someone else, let us know if the comments below!
