Retirement can be a scary thought for people who have been busy and fulfilled their entire lives. They wonder what they'll find to occupy their days and how they can prevent boredom from setting in.
We have a few ideas. AOL asked readers to tell us what they found themselves doing, once they were officially "retired". Some of them just wanted to stay active while others appreciate the extra income.
The folks who responded have found interesting opportunities that are still out there, economy be darned. Check out our gallery to get inspired by what they found.
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Best Retirement Gigs
If you think leaving your career means ending your adventures in life, you are mistaken. We asked our AOL users to tell us how they are making money and having fun in retirement. Click through our gallery to get innovative ideas.
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Best Retirement Gigs
If you think leaving your career means ending your adventures in life, you are mistaken. We asked our AOL users to tell us how they are making money and having fun in retirement. Click through our gallery to get innovative ideas.
Best Retirement Gigs
Working at a Winery
Submitted by RGambatese: "After I retired, I started working part time giving tours and pouring wine at an historic winery in the Napa Valley. I meet people from all over the world and enjoy some of the best wine in the world. What a great retirement job!"
Best Retirement Gigs
Driving Instructor
Submitted by Donuthin: "Found this job called Driving Instructor! Not as scary as it sounds! I have a brake on my side! Teaching private lessons and Driver Education is a job that's lets say isn't for everyone! To me it's a fun job and I enjoy meeting drivers of all ages and instructing them on the finer points that will make them a safer more confident driver, and hopefully make the roads a safer place to be!"
Best Retirement Gigs
Relationship Coach
Submitted by LOTRHM1: "I retired after 32 years in the aerospace industry and became a relationship coach for Ask Mars Venus. I get to talk to people on the phone from all over the world, while working from home. I help people who are having troubles in their relationships & their lives. I help men and women figure out how the 'opposite sex' thinks. I teach them effective communication and conflict resolution skills and how to get what they really want. It's the best gig in the universe!"
Best Retirement Gigs
Work at a Campground
Submitted by MortgagesEditor: "When I was vacationing with my family this summer at a KOA (Kampground of America) we ran into a retired couple who stayed in the resort-like campground in their travel trailer for free in exchange for working in a minimal number of hours per week--maybe 10 hours...The work was really light (driving golf cart to show campers their "spot" or working in the little camp store). This couple really seemed to enjoy the lifestyle..."
Best Retirement Gigs
Work at a Pot Club
Submitted by ZephyrCJW: "As a chronic pain patient, I received a recommendation for medical marijuana from my physician. Here in California, we have that option. There are many clubs around the area, and one day when I walked in I saw a sign that said "Help Wanted." I worked there about a year, had a great time, [and] met a lot of very unusual (and funny) people. I was what they called a "bud tender." I would listen to the patients and make cannabis strain recommendations based on their needs..."
Best Retirement Gigs
Be a Pet Sitter
Submitted by Debbiesklar: "I live in a retirement community and I pet sit. Talk about the perfect job. I love pets."
Best Retirement Gigs
Driver at a Car Dealer
Submitted by Phanntom: "When my dad retired he was just hanging around the house until one day he [took] his car into the dealer for service. While he was waiting and chatting with the Service Manager people kept coming [up] wanting to know if he could spare anyone to drive a car to another dealer in another city. My dad told them he could do it. After he did that one [other dealers] kept calling him, and before long he was busier than he ever was working..."
Best Retirement Gigs
Novelist
Submitted by Wfpatt: "After teaching and supervising mathematics for over 30 years, I rode off into the sunset with every intention of penning another math textbook. Then it dawned on me that the students haven't finished reading the two I've already written. So my fantasy turned to fiction and I've written five screenplays, which I've since adapted to novels. My latest mystery novel, "Pretty Maids," has been nominated by the Georgia Writers Association as Novel of the Year. Is that a dream retirement job or what?"
Best Retirement Gigs
Reader for Library Deciding on Books
Submitted by Bchrastka: "I got a part time job at my local library in the Reader's Advisory Department. This is like being a personal shopper at Nordstrom, only for books. There is no stress. I meet a lot of my neighbors, and since I'm a reader, it's like working in the candy store. So far, I can't think of any drawbacks. And, oh yes, I get paid for this."
Best Retirement Gigs
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-17-2010 @ 3:35PM
Overkill said...
All good gigs; the main thing is people are doing things, not just sitting on their duffs
I retired 13 years ago and have been a Caddie on the PGA Tour ever since
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9-18-2010 @ 10:20PM
Gorkbird said...
I am 72 years old - Five years ago, I converted my hardware store to a specialty paint dealership. Best move I ever made! Now I get to employ other retirees. (My youngest employee is 35 years old; my store manager is 57. Two other employees are 58 and 72 respectively. Retirees rule!
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9-27-2010 @ 9:44AM
'Gill Sprawson said...
I am 70, nine years ago we built a house to enable us to run a Bed and Breakfast. My husband retired from business 7 years ago and we have both enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and providing a beautiful home away from home for them. It has kept us active and feeling useful. Walnut House B&B Oakville Ontario
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2-24-2011 @ 8:50PM
Mary said...
When I quit my job as a personal trainer at 51 I became a tie dye maker and vendor at our thriving farmers market. make a living making and selling tie dye! So fun!
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7-18-2011 @ 3:24PM
Martinus said...
I was a horticulturalist - teacher - principal - mediator - social services assistant - funeral director - senior citizen home owner - contractor - etc. I always wanted to be on an adventure. If I did it for 5-6 years....then I would search to do something else. There is a continuity in my life. My God lives!
I had to retire early (57) due to an accident 7 years ago (brain injury - fell off the garage roof and onto the concrete). i believe in God-given miracles! That was a trying adventure...and tries to remain to be. I endured non-sleep headaches.....saw double for three months...had to learn to love my wife again (she is a beautiful blessing) ...forgot the names of my friends and ....then had to teach myself to read....then teach myself to write....then discipline myself to remember as I read ...and lose embarrassment for stuttering....now over the 7 years, I can say, "that adventure is over! with the exception of getting my right hand to obey me when I paint or hammer or brush my teeth."
I think I would like to go back to University with one of my grade-school buddies....then write a book
At his point in my life (62) my wife and grown children tell me that I am the 'old husband-dad' I used to be.
The older I get the more I realize that my life is not about me. Your life is not about you. Your life is about those around you. Who are you? ....look around ....that is you. When we look in the mirror, we believe we see ourselves. No, you see your spouse, your children, others those is need,
Therefore.... you are only rich when you give. You don't have to be a millionaire to be rich (and/or quit the gambling and lotteries) It is not the amount that you give. If you don't give, you are poor. Life is not about having. Just because you have does not make you successful.
If everyone gives of her/himself each day.... smiles and compliments will abound. You learn to read your environment.
There are numerous smiles and hugs around here! Now...off to riding the motorcycle.....
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