10 fun part-time jobs for retirement

Updated

Many retirees need to earn some extra money to make ends meet in retirement. But you don't have to drudge through life to bring in some extra cash. Consider one of these fun job options for retirees:

1. Babysitting. If you love to spend time with kids, you might as well earn some money at the same time. Babysitting is often a flexible part-time job that allows you to work when you want to. To make a steady income, you could become a part-time nanny or daycare provider for one or more kids. Or offer your services on evenings and weekends, giving parents a chance to get out. You might even be able to work out an arrangement with your children to babysit your own grandchildren on a regular basis.

[See: 10 Ways to Make Extra Money in Retirement.]

2. Uber. If you like to drive,Uber provides flexible hours and a chance to meet people from all over the world. To get started, you'll need a car that meets Uber's standards and a valid driver's license. The job will be easier if you know your way around your local area.

3. Crafting. If you love making quilts, wooden furniture or doll clothes, there's someone out there who would love to buy your craft. It's easy to open an Etsy shop on your home computer, but you'll have to put some effort into marketing to sell a lot of handmade goods. Or you could set up a booth at local craft shows to display and sell the items you make.

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4. Gardening.Put your green thumb to work by selling home-grown vegetables at a roadside stand or local farmer's market. If you're in a small town, you don't need a huge variety of veggies or cut flowers to sell at a weekly market. Remember to check with your local regulations before you get started.

5. Tour guide. This is a great gig for outgoing folks who live in an area that attracts tourists. Becoming a tour guide can help you get to know your town even better, including its history. Plus, you'll get to meet all sorts of interesting people. You can get a job with an existing tour company or start your own tour of your town's quirkiest areas.

[Read: How Working an Extra Year Improves Your Retirement Finances.]

6.Bartender. Getting a bartending license is fairly simple in most areas, and bartending can be a fun and flexible part-time job. You can work limited hours at a nearby bar or sign on with an event company to work whenever it suits you best.

7. Movie theater. Working at a movie theater could be a good fit for movie-loving retirees. You can often work limited hours that suit your schedule, and you can typically see current movies for free. If you like to see all the latest blockbusters, working in a movie theater could help you both earn money and reduce your entertainment costs.

8. Wedding or event planner. If you're a type-A list maker with an eye for detail, wedding or event planning may be the perfect part-time gig for you. This job can sometimes be stressful, but you can set your own hours and help create beautiful events.

9. Cruise ship work. Working on a cruise ship is typically a full-time job when you're actually on the ship, but you don't have to work year-round. Whatever your skill set, there's a cruise ship job to match it. You could be a housekeeper, server or retail assistant. Or you could put your current hobby skills to use by teaching a class for cruise goers. Cruise ship work is a great way to see the world.

RELATED: 21 states raising their minimum wages:

[See: 10 Jobs Hiring Older Workers.]

10. Pet sitting. Animal lovers could find a relaxed part-time job as a pet sitter. Many pet owners are willing to pay to avoid taking their precious pooches to the kennel during a vacation or business trip. Just put the word out, and you could find yourself raking in some side income while snuggling with other people's pets.

Copyright 2016 U.S. News & World Report

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