Not Ready to Retire? Work Part-Time Instead

Not ready to retire? You’re not alone. For millions of Americans approaching official retirement age, the prospect of stopping work entirely has little appeal. While some may need to continue working to earn extra income, others simply want to remain active. Working part-time, and embracing semi-retirement, could be the answer. 

If you’re not ready to retire, but want to do something different for work, consider these part-time jobs.

For people who want to support others in their communities, a great option is working part-time as a companion caregiver with Papa. It’s not a medical or nursing role, and you don’t need any health care experience. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. 

Companion caregivers, called Papa Pals, are matched with older adults, seniors, and families who need a little extra help. For example, you can offer companionship and help around the house. Plus, you can also provide pet care, teach basic technology, offer car rides to appointments, and lend a hand with shopping.

Companion caregivers are especially needed in small towns and rural areas where access to support services is often more difficult. As a Papa Pal, you will make a significant impact by helping others to stay connected to the greater community.

If you have a passion for the outdoors, consider working part-time or seasonally as a park ranger. The National Park Service (NPS) offers opportunities to work in more than 400 national parks and offices. 

It might surprise you to learn that the NPS also has a recruiting program to capture the expertise of older workers. Their Experienced Services Program offers temporary employment opportunities for people ages 55 and up to work on specific projects. You can contribute to the National Park Service mission by mentoring interns, seasonal, and newer employees; providing critical or specialized skills; and filling short-term project needs.

Did you know the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides opportunities for workers who are at least 55 to support environmental projects, including pollution prevention? Many of these jobs are part-time.

When you’re hired into the EPA's Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program, you can perform a range of assignments. For example, you can write and edit education publications.

The program draws upon the vast pool of talent, experience and skills possessed by older workers. Currently, hundreds of SEE Enrollees work in various EPA offices around the country. 

School districts across the country need people like you to serve in a variety of part-time roles. It might surprise you to learn that it's not just teaching jobs. There are plenty of other ways to support local schools. 

Do you have experience in fields such as technology, social work, coaching, food service, office management, or childcare? Chances are, there is a part-time opportunity waiting for you. Plus, you can also find hourly work helping at athletic events as a scorekeeper, ticket taker, or scoreboard operator.

Assisted living communities are a great place to begin a local job search. These communities provide personalized care and round-the-clock assistance to seniors and older adults. Many positions are part-time, including food service, concierge/front desk support, maintenance, and life enrichment assistant.

What’s a life enrichment assistant? It’s exactly what it sounds like. As a life enrichment assistant, you will help others by encouraging them to participate in activities like music and exercise. Not surprisingly, this job is often a great fit for people who thrive in social settings.

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is also a great resource for low-income job seekers. It’s a community service and work-based job training program designed for older adults. In the program, you can find work in places like schools, hospitals, daycares, and senior centers.

If the idea of flexible hours appeals to you, there’s no better time to become a Papa Pal. You’ll enjoy knowing that your work is making a meaningful difference in your neighborhood.

Applying is easy. Click here to apply to become a Papa Pal.