Of Course You Have Skills And Talents You Can Use In Retirement!
You’ve probably thought about what you want to do once you retire, but did you ever stop to think about the things that are already useful or enjoyable for you, that could transfer into a full-time job? You may be surprised by the number of skills and interests that can turn into work.
In this post, we explore some of those underused skills from around the house that might help generate income in retirement. Let’s get creative!
1. Repair Stuff
Who needs a fancy skillset when you can learn to fix things around the house yourself? Do you wish you could repair the kitchen sink, or just hose out the rain gutters? You may find that your current DIY skills are adequate, or a little rusty, but they won’t be forever. Learn to do it right, and you’ll build confidence through repetition.
2. Make Cool Stuff
If you love to make things, then follow your creative impulses after retirement. You can turn hobbies into a career all on your own. The possibilities are endless. There’s nothing stopping you from being an artisan or a freelance artist or even a jewelry or clothing designer.
3. Start A Blog
Hate writing, but also love to ramble on and on about stuff? You might be a born writer and don’t even know it. Share your thoughts, ideas and experiences with an audience that is genuinely interested in what you have to say.
4. Become a Photographer, Painter or Sculptor
Are you simply a sucker for taking pictures? Or do you just love to paint and draw? Do you love to create with your hands? If so, there are plenty of opportunities for those who are fascinated by art, even if those options don’t yet exist as a full-time job right now.
5. Do Small Business
If you’re the creative type, have a knack for business, are self-motivated and self-directed, then do start your own business! You can make some money on the side while you figure out what kind of full-time work is best suited for you. Here are 7 great tips on how to start a small business.
6. Do Maintenance Work
If you enjoy projects that involve carpentry, masonry and the like, then you might want to consider working on houses. Residential maintenance opportunities are abundant. You might be able to clean houses or take care of pets while waiting for a full-time offer.
7. Work For Yourself
If you want to make your own rules, then start your own business and have fun with it. You might start out by doing fun stuff on the side like selling your arts and crafts or repair services. Or maybe you can get a job that lets you work from home so you can avoid the stress of commuting.
8. Talk, Teach or Do Public Speaking
If you’re a natural born speaker and teacher, then consider starting a part-time career that allows you to do what you love in retirement. You can travel and make money at the same time. Or you can do it full-time if that’s your passion.
9. Become a Barista
If you love to make coffee and chat with people, then consider working as a barista. You’ll get a little extra cash while also meeting new people that may turn into a potential client or customer someday.
10. Be a Light Switch Tester and Fix Furnace
If you’re handy and can fix something that’s broken at home, such as a broken light switch or a dripping faucet, then you might want to consider being self-employed. You might be able to make a little extra money on the side by doing small jobs for people around town.
11. Start Your Own Business
If you’re talented and passionate, you could start your own business in retirement. This could be a great option for those with the right personality who like to work on their own schedule. You can control your own hours and avoid the daily grind of other office jobs.
12. Do Genealogy Research or Teach It Online
If you’re passionate about research and records, then consider doing some of that work on the side as another source of income.
Conclusion
If getting to retirement involves some careful planning, then so does your life after retiring. Look under the rocks at the things you have going for you right now and see if you can turn that into a source of income in retirement. You’ll be surprised how creative you can be in your own mind when you stop to think about it.
Hello, my name is James Smith and I’m a freelance writer from South Africa who has been writing professionally for over 6 years.