While retirement promises the freedom of your own schedule, it also brings with it a question, for some, which can be more difficult to answer: How do I fill the time? Not everyone has a budget or situation where laying back on a warm beach is possible or realistic. Part-time work, on the other hand, is a more accessible option for us living near family or simply looking to break up the day. More work after you’ve retired may sound counterintuitive, but there are many benefits to it. These include:

A Sense of Community

Isolation is a health concern that affects more people today than ever. Finding a respectful part-time work environment allows you to give back to the community you call home—not to mention, first-hand exposure to family and friends that share your neighborhood! A work environment is sometimes superior to simply volunteering or charity work, because you will be connecting with people during their everyday lives, rather than when they’re performing for others.

You’d Like to Explore New Roles

Is there a profession you always wanted to try your hand at but could never justify the time to explore? Part-time work allows you to dip your toe into the pool of sectors you haven’t experienced: Education, the arts, business, whatever you’d like. The mind stays elastic from continual use, so exploring something new will keep you sharp while you work.

More Money for Your Budget

Retirement savings are not always enough to cover expenses you might incur with your newfound freedom. Working part-time offers a tangible monetary benefit to address these issues. Your work could take on an additional sense of purpose with specific goals you plan to save the money toward. Or maybe you’re just looking to catch up on your bills. Either way, more money in your pocket is always a good thing.

Insight of Age

Studies show a regular amount of productive work of any kind is good for our long-term health—more so when we’re engaged with the work that we’re doing. As a retiree with decades of experience under your belt, you have the advantage of perspective on your side. Working part-time after a career allows you to take stock of things others workers might miss, such as impacts of general management, emotional well-being of your coworkers, and how your co-workers’ interactions compare to other jobs you’ve held. People may be surprised by what you notice and find your insight useful.

Furthering Your Interests

Those of us passionate about our industries know saying goodbye to career can sometimes mean saying goodbye to much more. Among other things, our careers can be fonts of education and experience that are unique and difficult to replace. If you’re not ready to let this go – you don’t have to. Consider taking up work that continues to pursue your interests – not for the money, but for continued growth and understanding about the subjects you love. Part-time, non-career-oriented work may allow you to explore things you previously could not.

 

Even though working after retirement may seem like the opposite of what you’d like to do, you may be surprised by how fulfilling and rewarding it can be. Instead of “work,” think of it as a whole new era—a chance to explore your passions, be a part of your community, and earn a little extra cash while doing it.

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