Restless in retirement? 6 part-time jobs to consider
Written and accurate as at: Apr 16, 2026 Current Stats & Facts
Most soon-to-be retirees can’t wait to say goodbye to the 9 to 5. But when retirement finally rolls around, many find they have to try extra hard to fend off boredom and restlessness.
For many people, the antidote might just be returning to work on a part-time basis. This can reintroduce some structure to your week, supplement your retirement income, and give you some much-needed opportunities to stay socially connected. If you’ve reached your golden years but aren’t quite ready to slow down, here are some part-time jobs worth considering.
Retail assistant
Local shops often rely on part-time staff, particularly during busy periods such as weekends or the holiday season. If you enjoy chatting with people and don’t mind being on your feet throughout the day, hop over to a bookstore, hardware store or homeware store to inquire about vacancies.
Museum or gallery attendant
If you’ve ever visited a gallery or museum, you’ve likely noticed the (usually black-clad) attendants, on hand to share insights and gently remind rowdy kids not to get too close to the exhibits.
This role typically involves welcoming visitors, answering questions and helping maintain the atmosphere of quiet contemplation that so many people value. And as an added bonus, working in a museum or gallery can allow you to learn while contributing to the visitor experience.
Pet sitter
If you enjoy spending time with animals and already have a good rapport with pet owners in your neighbourhood, put out some feelers to see if any are in need of a pet sitter.
You might find more than a few are eager for someone to walk their dog while they’re at work or mind their pet for a week or two while they’re away on holiday. It can also be a nice way to stay active – and reap the therapeutic benefits of being around animals.
Rideshare driver
The rise of the gig economy has made it easier than ever to pick up work as a taxi driver. And while you’ll have to cover the cost of fuel and maintenance, that might not matter as much if your main goal is to pass the time and meet interesting people. There’s also the option to deliver meals and groceries if having strangers in your car isn’t for you.
Freelance consultant
Depending on how senior a role you held during your working years, there’s a good chance your skillset is still in demand. Assuming you’ve maintained ties with your old network, you might be able to take up work as a freelance consultant. This might be as simple as offering an extra set of eyes on a project or as involved as helping guide larger, more high-stakes initiatives.
Volunteering
If a paycheck isn’t a priority, volunteering can be a great way to connect with engaged members of your community and contribute to causes that matter.
Volunteering opportunities come in many forms – delivering meals to vulnerable people, assisting migrants with English lessons or resume preparation, and maintaining parks and other outdoor spaces, to name just a few. You might even be able to utilise the skills from your working life at a non-profit that wouldn’t have been able to afford your services.
Retirement tends to be very open-ended, and for many people that takes some getting used to. If you’re still buzzing with energy, it can be comforting knowing that there are plenty of opportunities to dip your toe back into the workforce and stay engaged.
