8 low-stress jobs after retirement

National Senior Citizens Day is on Aug. 21. This holiday celebrates the accomplishments of senior citizens, and it's an ideal time for you to think about finding a low-stress job after retirement. Ronald Reagan declared National Senior Citizens Day a holiday in 1988. We need to recognize it to increase awareness of issues that impact older adults.

Working after retirement lets you use less of your retirement savings, helping your money last longer. A part-time job is also a great way to avoid boredom, meet new people, and learn new skills. Here are some of the best low-stress jobs after retirement.

Dog walker

If you enjoy taking walks and spending time with animals, consider becoming a dog walker. You can run your own business or sign up for a dog-walking app so people can easily find you and schedule your services online. You can walk as many or as few dogs per day as you prefer. Some customers may want their dogs to walk alone, and others might let you walk their pets with other dogs. The length of each walk depends on the client's instructions and the breed. The duties of a dog walker often include:

Picking up dogs from people's homes for walks
Making sure they are wearing collars with identification tags
Using designated walking routes
Giving dogs food and water when needed
Rewarding them with treats
Following local laws about dog walking and animal care
Following schedules and keeping appointments

Dog walking is an excellent way to earn money while getting exercise and spending time with pets. You can start with just one dog and then add more clients if you feel like it. Dog walkers earn an average of $20.10 per hour.

Pet sitter

Many dog walkers also work as pet sitters. These people go to customers' houses while they travel for work or vacation. While they usually don't need to do as much walking as dog walkers, pet sitters often:

Feed pets while following dietary guidelines
Clean crates, litter boxes, and other spaces
Walk or play with animals
Administer medications
Give owners regular updates
Take pets to a veterinarian in emergencies

Some clients want pet sitters to stay in their homes, and others prefer those who take pets to their houses or visit in the morning and evening. Along with dogs, you can care for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, lizards, snakes, and other animals. On average, pet sitters make $15.45 per hour.

Substitute teacher

A substitute teacher works for a full-time teacher while they take vacation days or parental leave. In emergencies, schools often call replacement teachers to cover classes without much notice. They complete tasks for the regular teachers, including following lesson plans, assigning work, supervising students, and participating in staff meetings. Substitute teachers can work with students of various ages and teach many subjects. This is a great way to learn new things, and you can easily say no if a school asks for your help and you already have other plans or arrange to only work a few days per week.

Some schools require a bachelor's degree for substitute teachers, and others want people with an associate degree, high school diploma, or GED. Most school districts call for on-the-job training, and the length and content of these programs vary depending on the region. Substitute teachers make an average of $20.55 per hour.

"By getting one of these low-stress jobs after retirement, you can meet new people, improve your income, and learn new things. According to a Pew Research Center study, 77% of current workers expect to work after retirement."

Tutor

A tutor helps individual students after school hours. They can teach Math, English, Social Studies, Science, and many other topics. They create lesson plans to help students improve their grades, provide clarification, and aid in their comprehension of complex subjects. Some tutors work with kids in person, and others teach lessons online. You can teach as many or as few kids per week as you want and choose to visit them at their homes or meet with them at other locations.

Tutors usually need at least a high school diploma or GED and some experience with the subject they teach. For example, a successful writer who didn't get a college degree could become an excellent English tutor after retirement. Tutors make an average of $21.55 per hour.

Artist

After you retire, you'll have plenty of time to pursue hobbies like painting, sculpting, and crafts. You can sell your creations online or reserve a space at a local flea market. You can also accept commissions from clients for some types of art. For example, someone might want a painting of themselves or a blanket with their new baby's name. Artists make an average of $23.65 per hour.

Photographer

Photographers take photos of events, people, landscapes, animals, or other subjects. They use lighting, tripods, specialized cameras, and other equipment to produce appealing images. They often advertise their services online and take pictures of weddings, family photos, and headshots. Many photographers use photo editing software to enhance their photos and correct flaws. They also keep a portfolio to show potential customers and employers.

People often enjoy photography as a hobby, and becoming a professional doesn't require specialized training. You may want to take some photography classes, but customers often prioritize a good portfolio over extensive training. On average, photographers make $24.15 per hour.

Consultant

Consultants advise other people in their field. Many people use their experience to work as consultants after they retire. They help individuals and businesses make important decisions by spending time with customers, analyzing data, and presenting a variety of solutions to problems.

These professionals work in many different industries. For example, a former real estate attorney can consult with prior colleagues and offer guidance about the most complex cases. After retirement, many people have extensive knowledge that others find valuable. Consultants often work part-time. Some use phone or video calls, and others meet with clients in person. Consultants make an average of $39.75 per hour.

Real estate agent

Real estate agents help people buy and sell land, homes, and commercial spaces. They can work part-time or full-time and set the schedule they prefer. Real estate agents network with friends, relatives, and former clients to find new customers. They show properties, advise clients about improving their homes and making them more appealing to buyers, and help buyers and sellers negotiate with each other. They can also write and review contracts.

Agents often work with real estate brokers, contractors, and lawyers. They receive a commission from each sale, but some sales can take several months. In most states, agents must complete a licensing course and take an exam. A real estate broker takes a more detailed course and test. On average, real estate agents earn an average of $31.65 per hour.

By getting one of these low-stress jobs after retirement, you can meet new people, improve your income, and learn new things. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor participation rate for people 65 to 74 years old was 25.8% in 2021. It's expected to rise to 30.7% by 2031. While you celebrate National Senior Citizens Day, upload your resume to CareerBuilder to apply for some of these positions.