What would I do when I retire? That’s what I keep asking myself every time work becomes too much to handle. No more deadlines to catch up. No need to car pool with people, I don’t like. No dangerous surprises in pink slips. No need to think of what to wear and how to clinch that hefty account. I am my own boss. Not that’s what I want after 67.
But you may want to differ. Many companies want to hire people with a rich experience of 35 to 40 years. Companies don’t need to train them. In fact, these seniors can help train the youngsters.
Let The Learning Continue.
Some retirees I know have gone back to college. They are keen to get the degree they had given up for other priorities earlier on in life. Some take up studies to be intellectually stimulated. Some want to satisfy their curiosity about certain areas of interest.
Some universities allow retirees to audit classes. This is excellent PR for integrating the college into the surrounding community. Sometimes the college finds its name in the will of its senior students.
You could also take up an online course with universities like MIT, University of California, Berkeley and the Yale University, to name a few.
Make Money
Listed below are a few ways to earn extra dough while having fun:
• Become a home agent for companies like Avon, Party Lite, Southern living at Home or Tastefully Simple. You can gross $100 to $400 for catching up with friends and acquaintances and making them your clients.
• Pet lovers can make retirement living a profitable time by petting. I mean you can charge to walk dogs, groom pets, sit pets or even provide day boarding.
• Teach the subject that you have mastered. Check listings of opportunities at your neighborhood adult education centre or YMCA. You can easily make $20-$50 per hour. Likewise, you may give tuitions, if academics interest you.
• If you have a spare room with a bathroom, consider renting it. The going rate is $400 plus. You may reduce the rent for services like help in the garden or the kitchen. But please check for references before you let strangers in.
• Want to earn $40 to $100 per hour for your opinion? Check for focus groups in your local newspaper. Become a part of the panel for market research companies.
• You can also help the busy ones. Do stuff like buying groceries, watering the plants, driving to the airport and charge per hour.
• Often theatres hire to usher. You get to watch free movies and meet people.
• Ebay is a good site to sell your clutter and make a decent amount.
• Have you heard of workamping? If you are a travel bug, get that RV on the road and earn doing part time seasonal jobs at resorts or theme parks. That’s working and camping for you. Pay off could be $7 to $12 per hour.
For a comfortable retirement living, one definitely has to plan much in advance. Wise investments in IRAs, 401(k), quality stocks, mutual funds, CDs and other financial instruments would hold you in good stead. Getting professional help in these matters is always advisable.