The Joy of a Retirement “Jobby”

Jobby

We all dream of the day we can declare ourselves officially retired.  Many of us imagine taking trips, walking on the beach, reading books, and enjoying lots of free time.  But, after a highly productive and successful career, it may be hard to shift to the retirement lifestyle. We may also need to supplement our income.  Many retirees consider getting a jobby– a hobby that can also generate income.  Here’s how to discover the joy of a retirement jobby.

Reasons to Work in Retirement

When you retire, you may no longer be financially motivated to get a job. But, having a job (or jobby) provides benefits beyond finances.  

  • Physical Health Benefits: It’s a scientific fact: working after retirement can result in fewer health problems and can help maintain mental sharpness.  “The key is to do something that keeps you busy, but doesn’t add extra stress to your life” (WebMd). A job or hobby where you are learning new things will keep your body moving and your curiosity alive. 
  • Social Connection Benefits: When we retire, we lose a big portion of our social network.  A jobby working with other people can fill an important need. “Social isolation is as high a health risk factor as obesity and smoking 15 cigarettes a day.  On the psychological side, self-esteem can be weakened and there’s a higher risk of depression” (Pascale, Forbes).  Throughout each stage of life, people need to feel a sense of belonging and have a purpose. It is easy for retirees to focus too much on family for their purpose and become overly dependent on them, Pascale states. Finding a group who share the same interests gives retirees a necessary support system beyond family.  

Popular and Fun Jobbies

It is never too early to explore your interests in the form of hobbies or possible jobbies. Start investigating options before you retire to make the transition easier. 

Here are some ideas for jobs from Indeed that are both flexible and part-time: 

library aide, pet sitter, gardener, coach or referee, photographer, blogger, delivery driver, artist, travel agent, florist, or tour guide. These jobs can bring in anywhere from $20,000- $50,000 annually. Becoming a consultant is an even higher-paying way to work part time.

If money is not needed, volunteering is an excellent consideration. Become a mentor to someone just starting out in your field or volunteer at a nonprofit or religious organization. Working with children can be especially rewarding.

Having a hobby does not mean heading to a craft store. According to statistica.com, the most popular hobbies in the US in 2024 is cooking or baking, followed closely by reading, video gaming, and outdoor activity.

Retirees should consider joining groups based around things they love like wine tasting, art, music, hiking, or painting.  There are many ways to find like-minded people, especially through websites like MeetUp.  On meetup, you can search by events or by groups.  Simply select the maximum distance you are willing to travel and the category. 

Put in the work to figure out what you enjoy. It can take several tries to find the right group or hobby that inspires you.  Ask around to see what others are into and be willing to try different hobbies.  

Finding Fulfillment in a Jobby

A jobby is the opportunity to discover something that excites you. Jobbies and hobbies give us the chance to leave a different kind of legacy.  Your work life may have been a job, or a career, or maybe it was a calling for you.  But maybe work has mostly been about the ability to provide financially. Psychology Today says that “A legacy can be the sum of what our lives have taught us or how we make others feel about themselves. Think about what matters most to you.” 

Artemis Consultants knows that our priorities change at different points in our lives.  What is important at age 20 is not the same at age 50.  We build relationships with clients and companies that span decades.   

-Written exclusively for Artemis Consultants by Business Content Writer Mellody Melville

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