Have you Considered Part-Time Work in Retirement?

There’s no one reason older adults take on part-time work. For some, it’s about topping up retirement income or keeping the lights on during a financial rough patch. For others, it’s the chance to stay connected, structured, and useful. Whatever your motivation, part-time work can offer flexibility, satisfaction, and a welcome sense of purpose.

The beauty of part-time work later in life is it doesn’t have to be career-driven. You’re freer to choose something suitable for your lifestyle, energy levels, and interests—without the pressure of climbing a ladder. You may be surprised how many employers value what you bring to the table: reliability, patience, life experience, and people skills.

So what kind of work suits older adults particularly well? Let’s take a look.

Retail Roles

From garden centres to bookshops and hardware stores, retail can be a great fit. Many older adults find satisfaction in helping customers and being part of a team, especially in slower-paced environments. Larger retailers often need part-time or on-call help to cover staff illnesses, afternoons or weekends, and your people skills can be a real asset.

Admin and Reception Work

Local schools, health clinics, and small businesses regularly need part-time help with reception and admin. These jobs often involve answering phones, booking appointments, greeting visitors, and light computer work. They offer routine and structure, without being physically demanding.

Hospitality – the Friendly Kind

Not all hospitality work is in fast-paced cafés. Many community-based venues—like art galleries, tourism spots, and museums—need staff or volunteers to serve light refreshments, take tickets, or welcome guests. If you enjoy interacting with people in a calm setting, these roles can be fulfilling and fun.

Education and Supervision Roles

If you’ve got a background in teaching, coaching, or simply enjoy working with young people, there are opportunities in tutoring, after-school care, and school supervision. These part-time roles often involve helping with homework, reading groups, or overseeing activities. The pace is manageable, and the work can be deeply rewarding.

Driving and Delivery Work

If you have a licence and a reliable car, delivery or driving jobs could be an option. You might deliver groceries, meals, or parcels—or help with community transport services that get people to medical appointments. It’s a good fit for people who like being on the move and value independence.

Council and Community Roles

Councils, not-for-profits, and libraries often need extra pairs of hands. Roles might include front desk work, helping with events, shelving books, or supporting outreach programs. These jobs often come with a sense of giving back and can connect you with your local community.

Seasonal and Event Work

Looking for something short-term or casual? Christmas retail, tourist season roles, fruit picking or ushering at local events and theatres might suit. It’s a great way to work in bursts—enjoying the social and financial perks without year-round commitment.

What to Consider

When choosing a role, ask yourself:

1. Do I want to work with people or prefer quiet tasks?
2. Can I be on my feet for long stretches?
3. Do I want something regular or more casual?
4. Will the income affect my superannuation or benefits?
5. How far am I happy to travel?

Make sure the job fits your lifestyle—not the other way around.

The Confidence Gap

One of the most common barriers to re-entering the workforce in later life is confidence—particularly around technology. You might worry you’re “too old” to learn new systems, or feel uneasy using computers or tablets at work.

The truth is, many older adults feel exactly the same way. The key is to look for an employer willing to support your learning curve. Patience, guidance, and a little bit of time can go a long way. If you’re upfront about needing help with unfamiliar systems, most understanding employers won’t see it as a flaw—they’ll see it as honesty.

You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Often, it’s about knowing the basics and being open to learning. Community centres and libraries sometimes offer free or low-cost courses in digital skills—worth a look if you want to build confidence before applying.

Part-time work isn’t just about income. It can provide a sense of rhythm to your week, social connection, and renewed purpose. Whether you’re supervising kids at school, shelving books at the local library, or delivering meals to someone’s front door, your contribution matters.

Pick a job that suits your lifestyle, your energy levels, and your interests—and don’t be afraid to ask for a bit of support along the way. It’s not about proving yourself. It’s about choosing what works for you.