20+ Low Stress Jobs After Retirement (For 50 Yrs & Older)
Retirement is supposed to be that golden phase of life where you can finally kick back, explore new passions, and say goodbye to the daily grind.
But let’s be honest—many of us aren’t looking to spend our days solely watching daytime TV or perfecting our garden.
Most retirees I’ve talked to want to stay active, maintain social connections, and yes, supplement their retirement income without the stress that defined their primary careers.
After spending weeks researching the current landscape of post-retirement opportunities, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find that perfect balance between work and leisure.
Whether you’re looking to leverage decades of expertise or try something completely new, there’s a low-stress job waiting for you.
Why Consider Working After Retirement?
Before diving into specific jobs, let’s talk about why working during retirement makes sense for so many people:
Financial Benefits
The financial advantages of part-time work during retirement can be substantial:
- According to recent 2025 data from the Social Security Administration, retirees under full retirement age can earn up to $23,400 annually without affecting their benefits
- Extra income can help preserve your retirement savings and delay drawing down investments
- Even modest earnings can help cover rising healthcare costs or fund travel adventures
Mental and Social Benefits
Work isn’t just about the paycheck:
- Mental stimulation keeps your cognitive abilities sharp
- Social connections prevent isolation, which is linked to numerous health problems
- Purpose and routine provide structure that many retirees find they miss
- Learning opportunities keep you growing at any age
High-Paying Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement
If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential while minimizing stress, these options might be perfect for you:
1. Bookkeeping
Imagine balancing the books for a small business or non-profit from your home office, setting your own hours and working at your own pace.
As someone who’s managed finances throughout my career, I can tell you that bookkeeping offers that perfect blend of structure and flexibility.
You’re using your organizational skills without the pressure of corporate deadlines.
Skills needed: Good with numbers, attention to detail, basic accounting software knowledge Potential earnings: $20-$80 per hour, with annual earnings of $40,000+ for part-time work.
Where to start: Take a refresher course in accounting software like QuickBooks, or check out comprehensive training through programs like Bookkeeper Launch
“After 30 years in corporate accounting, becoming a part-time bookkeeper for three local businesses gives me income without the stress.
I work 15 hours weekly and make about $35,000 annually,” shares Michael, 68, who I interviewed for this article.
2. Consulting
Your decades of experience are incredibly valuable—why not monetize them?
Consulting allows you to work on your terms while sharing the wisdom you’ve accumulated. The best part? You can be selective about projects and clients, focusing only on work you genuinely enjoy.
Skills needed: Industry expertise, problem-solving abilities, communication skills Potential earnings: $50-$200+ per hour, depending on your field and expertise. Where to start: Leverage your professional network, create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your expertise, or join consulting platforms like Clarity or Maven
According to a 2025 Ladders report, consulting is one of the highest-paying remote jobs for retirees, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, and technology.
3. Real Estate Agent
If you enjoy helping people and have strong interpersonal skills, real estate can be rewarding without being overwhelming.
I recently spoke with Diane, 64, who started her real estate career after retiring from teaching: “I work with 2-3 clients at a time, mostly on weekends.
Skills needed: People skills, negotiation abilities, local market knowledge. Potential earnings: $30,000-$100,000+ annually, depending on your location and time investment.
Where to start: Take real estate courses to prepare for licensing exams, then join a broker who supports flexible schedules
4. Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant gives you tremendous flexibility while putting your organizational skills to good use.
Skills needed: Good computer skills, organization, communication, time management.
Potential earnings: $15-$30 per hour, with specialized VAs earning up to $50/hour.
Where to start: Create profiles on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or check out specialized VA training through programs like Fully Booked VA, which provides excellent training on landing your first clients
What makes virtual assisting particularly attractive is the diversity of tasks. From email management to travel arrangements, you can focus on responsibilities that match your strengths.
5. Proofreader
If you’ve always been the person spotting typos in menus and newspapers, proofreading could be your perfect retirement gig.
Skills needed: Excellent grammar, attention to detail, basic computer skills. Potential earnings: $20-$40+ per hour, with potential for $50,000 annually for part-time specialized work.
Where to start: Check out Caitlin Pyle’s Proofread Anywhere course, which offers comprehensive training specifically designed for beginners
“I started proofreading academic papers for graduate students three years ago,” says Carol, 72.
“Now I work about 15 hours weekly from my sunroom, earning around $30,000 annually while keeping my mind sharp.”
Fun Retirement Jobs That Keep You Active
Maybe your priority isn’t maximizing income but finding work that’s enjoyable and keeps you physically active.
Here are some great options:
1. Pet-Related Jobs
For animal lovers, few retirement jobs bring more joy than working with furry friends:
a) Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
What it involves: Caring for pets while owners are away or taking dogs for daily walks.
Why it’s great: Regular exercise, animal companionship, flexible scheduling. Potential earnings: $15-$40 per dog walk, with monthly earnings of $1,500+ in urban areas
Where to start: Create profiles on Rover or Care.com, start with friends’ and neighbors’ pets to build references
According to a recent pet industry report, demand for professional pet services has increased 37% since 2023, making this a growing opportunity for retirees.
b) Pet Groomer
What it involves: Bathing, trimming, and styling pets
Why it’s great: Creative satisfaction, regular animal interaction, potential home-based business.
Potential earnings: $20-$50 per hour.
Where to start: Consider a certification course in pet grooming, apprentice with an established groomer, or check out online courses through platforms like QC Pet Studies
2. Tour Guide
Sharing your knowledge of local attractions can be incredibly rewarding.
The walking keeps me fit, and the social interaction is the highlight of my week.”
Skills needed: Knowledge of local attractions, storytelling ability, stamina for walking.
Potential earnings: $15-$30 per hour, with tips adding significantly to income. Where to start: Connect with local tourism bureaus, museums, or historical sites about opportunities
3. Garden Consultant
For those with a green thumb, helping others create beautiful gardens can be deeply satisfying.
Skills needed: Gardening expertise, design sense, plant knowledge.
Potential earnings: $25-$50 per hour.
Where to start: Offer services through local garden centers, create social media showcasing your own gardens, or partner with landscape companies for referrals
Remote Jobs Perfect for Retirees
According to a 2025 ZipRecruiter report, remote work opportunities for seniors have increased by 65% since 2023.
Here are some excellent options:
1. Online Tutoring/Teaching
Whether you’re a former educator or simply knowledgeable in a specific subject, online tutoring provides meaningful work with flexible hours.
Skills needed: Subject expertise, basic technology skills, patience.
Potential earnings: $20-$60 per hour, with specialized tutors (like SAT prep or advanced subjects) earning $100+ hourly.
Where to start: Join platforms like Wyzant, Chegg, or VIPKid to connect with students
2. Freelance Writing
If you’ve always had a way with words, freelance writing can be both creatively fulfilling and lucrative.
Skills needed: Strong writing abilities, research skills, and meeting deadlines. Potential earnings: $20-$500 per article, depending on complexity and expertise. Where to start: Create profiles on Upwork or Fiverr, or check specialized job boards like ProBlogger
3. Customer Service Representative
Remote customer service roles offer steady work with predictable hours.
Skills needed: Good communication, basic computer skills, patience.
Potential earnings: $15-$25 per hour.
Where to start: Check job listings on Remote.co, FlexJobs, or company career pages for businesses like Amazon, Apple, or American Express
4. Social Media Manager
Many small businesses need help managing their social media presence but can’t afford full-time staff.
Skills needed: Understanding of social platforms, basic content creation abilities, and organization.
Potential earnings: $20-$60 per hour.
Where to start: Take free courses through platforms like HubSpot Academy or Meta Blueprint, then approach small local businesses or nonprofits
This role is perfect if you enjoy keeping up with digital trends and helping businesses connect with their customers.
Creative Side Hustles for Artistic Retirees
If you’ve always had a creative side, retirement is the perfect time to monetize those talents:
1. Etsy Seller
What it involves: Creating and selling handmade items, vintage goods, or digital products.
Why it’s great: Creative outlet, flexible schedule, potential passive income (digital products).
Potential earnings: Highly variable, from supplemental hundreds to $50,000+ annually.
Where to start: Identify your niche, create quality products, learn basic product photography, and set up an Etsy shop
The trick with Etsy is finding that sweet spot between what you enjoy creating and what sells well.
According to Etsy’s recent seller statistics, the most successful shops in the 55+ age bracket focus on specialized crafts that leverage years of expertise.
2. Photography
What it involves: Selling photos online, booking portrait sessions, or photographing events.
Why it’s great: Creative expression, opportunity to socialize, flexible scheduling. Potential earnings: $25-$100 per hour for sessions, with stock photography providing passive income.
Where to start: Build a portfolio, create social media showcasing your work, consider specialized niches like pet photography or real estate photos
3. Online Course Creator
If you have specialized knowledge from your career or hobbies, creating online courses can generate passive income.
Skills needed: Expertise in your subject, basic video recording abilities, and organization.
Potential earnings: From supplemental hundreds to $50,000+ annually for popular courses.
Where to start: Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Skillshare provide infrastructure for hosting and selling courses
Minimal Commitment Options for Maximum Flexibility
Looking for something with minimal commitment that still provides supplementary income? Consider these options:
1. House Sitter
What it involves: Staying in others’ homes while they’re away, handling basic maintenance and security.
Why it’s great: Change of scenery, potential to combine with travel, minimal responsibilities.
Potential earnings: $30-$75 per day, with luxury properties paying $100+ daily. Where to start: Create profiles on TrustedHousesitters or HouseCarers, start with friends and family for references
2. Focus Group Participant
What it involves: Providing feedback on products, services, or concepts.
Why it’s great: Minimal time commitment, interesting variety, no ongoing responsibilities.
Potential earnings: $50-$300 per session.
Where to start: Register with companies like Respondent, User Interviews, or Focus Group
Focus groups specifically seek diverse age representations, making seniors particularly valuable participants for certain studies.
3. Rideshare or Food Delivery Driver
What it involves: Using your vehicle to transport passengers or deliver food/groceries.
Why it’s great: Complete flexibility, immediate payment, social interaction. Potential earnings: $15-$25 per hour after expenses.
Where to start: Sign up with Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart
According to a 2025 report from Resume Builder, gig economy roles like these are particularly popular among the 13% of retirees planning to return to work this year.
Tech-Focused Opportunities for Digital Seniors
If you’re comfortable with technology, these roles offer excellent compensation with flexible schedules:
1. AI Consultant
The explosion of artificial intelligence has created demand for experienced professionals who can help businesses implement AI solutions.
Skills needed: Understanding of AI applications, business process knowledge, and problem-solving abilities.
Potential earnings: $50-$300 per hour.
Where to start: Take online courses in AI fundamentals through platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, and leverage your industry expertise
This emerging field is particularly welcoming to retirees with business experience who have taken the time to learn AI basics.
2. Website Tester
Companies need real users to test their websites and apps for usability issues.
Skills needed: Basic computer abilities, attention to detail, clear communication Potential earnings: $10-$60 per test (typically 15-20 minutes each).
Where to start: Sign up with platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or TestingTime
3. Tech Support Specialist
Many companies hire remote tech support representatives to help customers with basic technical issues.
Skills needed: Problem-solving abilities, patience, and technical knowledge.
Potential earnings: $20-$50 per hour.
Where to start: Check job listings on Indeed, FlexJobs, or company career pages
This role is perfect for those who have kept up with technology and enjoy helping others solve problems.
Financial Considerations for Working Retirees
Before jumping into post-retirement work, consider these important financial factors:
Social Security Implications
- If you’re under full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later), earnings above $23,400 in 2025 will reduce your Social Security benefits
- For every $2 earned above this limit, $1 is deducted from benefits
- In the year you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit increases to $61,560 (for 2025)
- Once you reach full retirement age, there is no penalty for working while collecting benefits
Tax Considerations
- Working in retirement can push you into a higher tax bracket
- Up to 85% of Social Security benefits become taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds
- Consider consulting with a tax professional to understand implications for your specific situation
Healthcare Coverage
- If you’re under 65 and receiving health insurance through the ACA marketplace, additional income may affect your subsidy
- Once on Medicare, additional income may increase your Part B and Part D premiums
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Questions to Ask Yourself
Choosing the right post-retirement job means aligning work with your priorities.
Ask yourself:
- What’s my primary motivation? Income, socialization, purpose, or structure?
- How many hours weekly am I willing to commit?
- Do I want to leverage existing skills or learn something new?
- How much physical activity do I want in my work?
- Do I prefer working with people or independently?
- What stress level am I comfortable with?
Conclusion: Your Retirement, Your Rules
The beauty of working after retirement is that you finally get to write your own rules.
You’ve earned the right to be selective, to prioritize enjoyment over advancement, and to create a lifestyle that balances work with leisure.
Remember, the perfect post-retirement job is one that: – Respects your time and desired lifestyle – Leverages your strengths without overtaxing them – Provides adequate compensation without unnecessary stress – Delivers satisfaction beyond the paycheck
Whether you choose to consult in your former field, walk dogs in your neighborhood, or create an online course sharing your expertise, the key is finding work that enhances—rather than detracts from—this new chapter of your life.
I’d love to hear about your experiences or plans for retirement work in the comments.
What jobs have you found fulfilling? What questions do you have about the opportunities mentioned here?