Finding meaningful and low-stress employment after retirement has become increasingly popular as retirees seek to stay active while supplementing their income. According to Due.com, over 60% of retirees express interest in part-time work that offers flexibility and reduced pressure compared to their previous careers. While some retired professionals like teachers often gravitate toward educational roles that leverage their experience, there are numerous options across various sectors that provide both fulfillment and financial benefits. Whether seeking remote work opportunities or preferring in-person interactions, today's retirees can choose from positions that match their skills and desired work-life balance.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | $20-$50/hour | Finance professionals | Visit Site |
| Virtual Assistant | $15-$35/hour | Administrative experts | Visit Site |
| Online Tutor | $20-$60/hour | Former educators | Visit Site |
| Library Worker | $12-$25/hour | Book enthusiasts | Visit Site |
| Consultant | $50-$200/hour | Industry experts | Visit Site |
| Tour Guide | $15-$30/hour | History buffs | N/A |
| Retail Associate | $12-$18/hour | Social personalities | N/A |
| Pet Sitter/Dog Walker | $15-$25/hour | Animal lovers | Visit Site |
| Personal Shopper | $18-$30/hour | Fashion enthusiasts | N/A |
| Babysitter | $15-$25/hour | Childcare experienced | Visit Site |
| Craft Shop Employee | $12-$18/hour | Creative types | N/A |
| Landscape Artist/Gardener | $15-$35/hour | Outdoor enthusiasts | N/A |
| Proofreader | $20-$45/hour | Detail-oriented writers | Visit Site |
| Travel Agent | $15-$40/hour | Travel enthusiasts | Visit Site |
| Life Coach | $50-$150/hour | Experienced mentors | Visit Site |
15 Best Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Bookkeeping
Perfect for retirees with accounting or financial experience, remote bookkeeping lets you manage business records and transactions from home. Modern platforms like Pilot provide the software and resources needed to serve multiple clients efficiently.
Key benefits:
- Typical earnings: $20-45 per hour
- Flexible schedule - work with 2-5 clients
- Most work can be done remotely
2. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants handle email management, scheduling, data entry, and other administrative tasks for businesses and entrepreneurs. This role is ideal for those with organizational skills and basic computer proficiency. Many retired teachers excel in this field due to their planning and communication abilities.
What to expect:
- Average pay: $15-30 per hour
- Choose your clients and workload
- Set your own hours and work location
3. Online Tutor
Teaching students remotely via video calls lets you leverage your expertise in subjects like math, science, or English. Tutor.com connects qualified instructors with students worldwide, providing all the necessary teaching tools and payment processing.
Notable features:
- Earn $15-40 per hour depending on subject
- Choose your availability and subjects
- No lesson planning required - materials provided
4. Library Worker
Library workers enjoy a calm, organized environment helping patrons find books, managing circulation, and assisting with basic research queries. The role typically requires minimal physical effort and offers regular daytime hours with predictable schedules.
Key benefits:
- Part-time positions widely available (15-25 hours/week)
- Average pay: $14-22 per hour
- Access to books and educational resources
- Climate-controlled, quiet work environment
5. Consultant
Consulting lets retirees leverage decades of professional expertise while maintaining flexibility. Most consultants work remotely or hybrid, choosing projects that match their experience in fields like business strategy, IT, or operations management.
Rates vary significantly based on industry and expertise, with many charging $75-200 per hour. This role pairs especially well with retirees from corporate careers who can transition their expertise into advisory services.
6. Tour Guide
Tour guides share knowledge about museums, historical sites, or natural attractions while interacting with visitors in a relaxed setting. This role suits outgoing retirees who enjoy public speaking and have deep interest in specific subjects like art, history, or nature.
What to expect:
- Typical pay: $15-25 per hour plus tips
- Flexible scheduling (weekday/weekend options)
- Light physical activity (walking, standing)
7. Retail Associate
A popular option for retirees seeking social interaction and flexible work, retail associate positions offer low-pressure environments in stores, boutiques, and shopping centers. Most roles involve operating cash registers, assisting customers, and maintaining store displays with typical hourly rates of $12-18.
Key benefits:
- Flexible part-time schedules (15-25 hours/week)
- Employee discounts (typically 20-40% off)
- Social interaction without high pressure
8. Pet Sitter/Dog Walker
Perfect for animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking provide flexible income while staying active. Through platforms like Wag Walking, you can set your own schedule and rates, typically earning $15-25 per 30-minute walk or $40-60 per day for pet sitting.
What to expect:
- Set your own rates and availability
- Choose between walks, drop-ins, or overnight stays
- Build regular client relationships
9. Personal Shopper
Personal shopping combines retail knowledge with personalized service, helping busy clients select clothing, gifts, or groceries. Many retirees leverage their experience and taste to assist others, earning $15-30 per hour through independent work or shopping service platforms. Former teachers often excel in this role due to their organizational skills.
Common opportunities:
- Grocery shopping services ($15-25/hour plus tips)
- Fashion consulting ($25-30/hour)
- Gift buying assistance (seasonal peaks)
10. Babysitter
Babysitting offers flexible hours and meaningful work caring for children, perfect for those who enjoy nurturing young minds. Many families seek experienced mature sitters through platforms like UrbanSitter, where rates typically range from $16-25 per hour.
Key benefits:
- Choose your own schedule and clients
- Average rates: $16-25/hour
- Background checks provided through platform
11. Craft Shop Employee
Working at craft stores combines creativity with customer service, helping fellow enthusiasts find supplies and share knowledge. Most positions offer part-time flexibility with shifts ranging from 4-6 hours, ideal for maintaining work-life balance.
Many craft retailers provide employee discounts (typically 15-25% off) and the opportunity to teach occasional workshops. Starting pay usually ranges from $12-16 per hour, with specialty departments offering higher rates.
12. Landscape Artist/Gardener
Transform outdoor spaces while staying active and connected to nature. Landscaping work can range from basic lawn maintenance to complex garden design, with experienced professionals earning $20-35 per hour. Many retired teachers find this role particularly rewarding, combining their organizational skills with outdoor work.
Common opportunities:
- Residential garden maintenance: $20-25/hour
- Design consulting: $35-50/hour
- Seasonal planting projects: $25-30/hour
13. Proofreader
Working as a proofreader lets you leverage your eye for detail and language skills to review documents, academic papers, and business content. Proofed.com connects experienced proofreaders with clients worldwide, offering flexible remote work opportunities.
Most proofreaders earn $20-35 per hour, with rates varying based on expertise and project complexity. Teaching English online is a related option if you enjoy working with language.
What to expect:
- Flexible schedule with ability to choose projects
- Training and certification available
- Payment per word or per page (typically $0.01-0.03 per word)
14. Travel Agent
Travel Leaders connects independent travel agents with clients seeking vacation planning assistance. Perfect for retirees who love travel and enjoy helping others plan memorable trips, this role offers both remote and in-office opportunities.
Key benefits:
- Commission-based earnings ($25-45 per hour equivalent)
- Travel industry discounts and perks
- Flexible scheduling options
- Training programs for newcomers
15. Life Coach
Life coaching allows you to use your life experience and wisdom to help others achieve their personal and professional goals. Noomii.com connects certified coaches with potential clients, providing a platform to build your coaching practice.
Most life coaches charge $75-200 per hour-long session, with experienced coaches earning more. Many work part-time and set their own schedules, making it ideal for retirees seeking meaningful work.
Final Words
Whether you're looking to supplement your retirement income or stay active in your golden years, these 15 low-stress jobs offer flexible schedules and engaging opportunities, with earnings potential ranging from $10 to $35 per hour. Consider your interests and existing skills when choosing a post-retirement position, and remember to start with part-time hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Stress Jobs After Retirement
What are some popular work-from-home jobs for retirees?
Several low-stress remote options include virtual assistant work, online tutoring, and bookkeeping positions. These roles offer flexibility and the ability to work from home while leveraging existing skills in administration, teaching, or financial management.
Which low-stress jobs are best for retirees who want social interaction?
Tour guide positions at museums or historical sites, retail associate roles, and library worker positions offer excellent opportunities for social interaction in relaxed environments. These jobs typically offer flexible schedules and allow retirees to engage with people while maintaining a low-stress work environment.
How can retirees utilize their professional experience in low-stress work?
Retirees can work as consultants in their former field, offering expert advice on a part-time, flexible basis. Additionally, they can become life coaches or freelance writers, using their professional experience and knowledge to help others or create content.
What seasonal or temporary jobs are suitable for retirees?
Retirees can find temporary positions during holiday seasons or busy periods, such as gift wrapping or tax preparation. These roles provide short-term income opportunities without long-term commitments.
