Past 50 and looking for part-time work? You’re not alone. Although the unemployment rate among older workers is lower than that for their younger counterparts, older persons who do become unemployed spend more time searching for work, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But there are jobs for those who are willing to put their passion and experience to good use. Following, from the Home Instead Senior Care® network and a review of various web sites, are a few ideas.
- Temp worker – Temporary jobs offer great opportunities for those who don’t want a permanent position to call their own. Contact a temp agency in your area to find out about part-time possibilities.
- Home care worker or paid companion – Companies like Home Instead Senior Care often hire older workers for a number of reasons including great work ethic and compatibility with older clients. Home Instead Senior Care trains and insures workers, and offers flexible, part-time hours.
- Party Planner – Party planning, while a demanding career for many professionals, also can be customized to be a great part-time job. If you are organized, creative and love a fun get-together, this could be for you.
- Crafters – Do you enjoy a hobby such as photograph, jewelry- or quilt-making? Why not make the rounds of flea markets and craft shows. You could meet new and interesting people and make money as well.
- Gardeners – Gardening is a wonderful hobby for older adults. The fruits of your labors – both fresh and canned – make saleable products at farmer’s markets and other outdoor as well as indoor markets. You could also hire out your gardening services if you enjoy working outdoors.
- Consultants – What did you do when you were working full-time? Would your career lend itself to consulting that you could do on a part-time basis now? Why not network with old friends and colleagues from work as well as business groups in your area to discover the need for your services.
- Seamstresses – If you have sewing skills and a sewing machine, send out the word. You might be surprised who needs repairs and alterations. Why not contact a dry cleaning service in the area to see if they could use some part-time sewing help.
- Handy Dandies – If you’re handy repairing things around the house, just say the word and you likely could have more business than you can handle. Post a note on the bulletin board at your church or synagogue, or create an online application for craigslist.
- Caterers and Cooks – If you enjoy cooking, why not hire out to help with parties and special events. You could be a part-time caterer, or call one who is already in business. He or she might need help.
- Baby sitting – If you’ve had plenty of experience raising your own children and now are taking care of grandchildren, you may have a way with youngsters. Why not put the word out. Plenty of working parents need extra help and a surrogate grandparent for their kids.
