Low Stress Jobs After Retirement: 15 Perfect Options

My father-in-law retired at 63 after four decades managing warehouse operations. Six months later, I found him sitting on his porch at 10 AM on a Tuesday, staring at nothing in particular.

When I asked if everything was okay, he said something that stuck with me: “I thought retirement meant freedom, but honestly? I’m just bored out of my mind.”

That conversation revealed a truth about retirement that financial planning rarely addresses. Sure, you need adequate savings and Social Security to cover expenses.

But what about purpose? What about staying mentally sharp and socially connected?

What about that nagging feeling that you still have valuable contributions to make?

Nearly 19% of Americans over 65 now work in some capacity, and that number keeps climbing. This isn’t always financial desperation.

Many retirees genuinely want engagement, structure, and meaning beyond golf games and Netflix binges.

The key lies in finding low stress jobs after retirement that provide income and purpose without the pressure and exhaustion that defined your career years.

After consulting with hundreds of clients navigating retirement decisions, I’ve identified work opportunities that offer flexibility, manageable physical demands, and genuine satisfaction.

These aren’t soul-crushing corporate gigs requiring 50-hour weeks.

These are roles letting you contribute meaningfully while maintaining the freedom retirement promises.

Why Do Some Older Adults Work After Retirement?

Understanding your motivation for post-retirement work helps you choose opportunities matching your actual needs rather than what you think you should do.

The reasons vary significantly between individuals.

Financial security drives many retirees back to work. Social Security and retirement savings don’t always stretch as far as pre-retirement calculations suggested.

Healthcare costs increase, inflation erodes purchasing power, and unexpected expenses appear regularly.

Earning $800-$1,500 monthly through part-time work creates comfortable financial cushions without depleting retirement accounts.

I’ve worked with clients whose retirement savings looked adequate on paper but real-world spending revealed gaps.

Medical expenses, home repairs, and helping adult children financially all drain accounts faster than expected.

Part-time income bridges these gaps without requiring full-time commitment or high-stress positions.

Mental and physical health benefits matter tremendously. Retirement research consistently shows that staying active and engaged correlates with better cognitive function and overall wellbeing.

Complete withdrawal from productive activity often leads to declining mental sharpness and physical health.

Work provides structure organizing your days around meaningful activities rather than aimless time-filling.

The routine of preparing for work, interacting with others, and accomplishing tasks keeps your mind engaged and body moving.

This structure prevents the drift into sedentary lifestyles that accelerate physical decline.

Social connection becomes increasingly important as you age. Retirement often means losing the daily social interactions that work naturally provided.

Many retirees underestimate how isolated they’ll feel without workplace relationships and regular human contact.

Purpose and identity considerations affect many retirees. After decades defining yourself through career roles, retirement can create identity confusion.

Who are you when you’re no longer the accountant, nurse, or manager? Work provides continued sense of purpose and identity beyond your career role.

The financial stability angle deserves specific attention because it affects retirement decisions profoundly. Even retirees with adequate savings often worry about outliving their money.

This anxiety creates stress that defeats retirement’s purpose. Earning supplemental income alleviates this worry while giving you more financial flexibility for travel, hobbies, or helping family members.

15 Low-Stress Jobs You Can Do In Retirement

Ready to explore specific opportunities? These roles offer varying time commitments, skill requirements, and earning potential. I’ll provide honest assessments about what each involves so you can identify options matching your preferences and capabilities.

1. Retail Worker

Retail work offers social interaction and flexible scheduling that appeals to many retirees. You’ll assist customers, organize merchandise, process transactions, and maintain store appearance through manageable physical activity.

The flexibility factor makes retail attractive. Most stores allow you to choose shifts matching your availability rather than demanding full-time commitment.

Work 15-20 hours weekly during times suiting your schedule, leaving plenty of time for other retirement activities.

Hourly wages typically range $12-$18 depending on location and store type. Specialty retailers and higher-end stores often pay better than discount chains.

Many offer employee discounts making this extra appealing if you shop there regularly.

Physical demands remain moderate. You’ll stand for several hours and do light lifting, but nothing approaching the physical intensity of warehouse or construction work.

Most retirees handle these demands comfortably, though you should honestly assess your physical capabilities.

Social interaction provides the real value for many retirees. You engage with customers, help solve problems, and work alongside colleagues.

This daily social contact combats isolation while keeping you mentally engaged.

2. Event Coordinator

Event coordination leverages organizational skills you’ve developed over decades of managing households, projects, or careers.

You’ll plan details, coordinate vendors, manage timelines, and ensure events run smoothly.

Starting as an assistant makes sense initially. Work with established event planners handling administrative tasks, vendor communication, and day-of coordination.

This approach lets you learn the business without bearing full responsibility immediately.

The work varies from casual to formal events including weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, and community gatherings.

You can specialize in event types matching your interests and expertise.

Earning potential scales with experience and responsibility. Assistants typically earn $15-$25 hourly, while independent coordinators charge $30-$75 hourly or take percentage-based fees on event budgets. Building a reputation takes time but generates sustainable income.

Flexibility depends on your business model. Working for established planners means scheduled hours.

Running your own coordination business lets you accept only events fitting your availability and interests.

3. Writer

Freelance writing offers complete location and schedule flexibility perfect for retirees wanting to work from home.

You’ll create articles, blog posts, website content, or marketing materials for clients across various industries.

The barrier to entry remains low if you possess strong writing skills and basic computer literacy. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect writers with clients seeking content, though building sustainable income requires patience and skill development.

Earning potential varies dramatically. Beginning writers might earn $20-$40 per article or $15-$30 hourly.

Experienced writers with specialized knowledge command $50-$150+ per article or $40-$100 hourly. Financial, medical, and technical writing typically pay premium rates.

The work suits retirees with relevant expertise. Your career experience provides subject matter knowledge clients value highly.

Former engineers can write technical content, healthcare professionals can create medical articles, and business executives can produce marketing materials.

Time investment flexibility matters tremendously. Write for 5-10 hours weekly earning supplemental income, or commit 20-30 hours for substantial earnings.

You control your workload based on financial needs and desired activity level.

4. Gardener

Gardening combines physical activity with outdoor time creating therapeutic benefits beyond financial compensation. You’ll plant, maintain, and harvest gardens for yourself or clients while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

The physical demands suit active retirees comfortable with moderate exercise including bending, lifting, and prolonged standing. This activity level keeps you fit without excessive strain.

Monetization options include several approaches. Maintain gardens for neighbors or local businesses charging $20-$40 hourly.

Sell produce at farmers markets generating $100-$500 weekly during growing seasons. Offer landscaping consultations or design services commanding higher rates.

Community garden opportunities provide free garden space plus social connection with fellow gardeners. Many programs welcome volunteers sharing gardening knowledge with newer participants.

Starting costs remain minimal if you already own basic tools.

Expanding into client services might require $200-$500 for professional-grade equipment, but this investment pays back quickly through earnings.

5. Babysitting

Childcare provides meaningful work for retirees who enjoy children and possess patience for their energy and needs. You’ll supervise, feed, entertain, and ensure safety for children whose parents need temporary care.

The demand for reliable babysitters exceeds supply in most communities. Parents desperately need trustworthy caregivers, and retirees often inspire more confidence than teenage babysitters.

Earning rates typically range $12-$25 hourly depending on number of children, your experience, and local market rates. Many babysitters earn higher rates for overnight care, multiple children, or children with special needs.

Schedule flexibility makes this attractive. Accept only sitting jobs matching your availability.

Many retirees babysit for specific families regularly, creating predictable income without full-time commitment.

The emotional rewards often exceed financial ones. Building relationships with children, witnessing their development, and providing families with peace of mind create satisfaction money can’t quantify.

Plus, the physical activity of keeping up with kids keeps you surprisingly fit 🙂

6. Craft Shop Employee

Craft store work suits artistic retirees who appreciate creative environments and enjoy helping customers with projects. You’ll assist shoppers finding supplies, provide project advice, demonstrate techniques, and maintain store organization.

Employee discounts represent significant benefits for crafters buying supplies regularly. Many stores offer 20-40% employee discounts making this financially attractive beyond hourly wages.

The work environment remains low-pressure compared to high-volume retail. Craft stores attract passionate hobbyists seeking help rather than rushed shoppers demanding instant service.

This creates pleasant interactions rather than stressful confrontations.

Hourly wages typically range $12-$16 though experience and specialized knowledge sometimes command premium pay.

The relaxed atmosphere and creative environment provide value beyond compensation.

Physical demands stay manageable involving light lifting, moderate standing, and basic stocking tasks. Most retirees handle these requirements comfortably.

7. Substitute Teacher

Substitute teaching leverages career expertise or subject knowledge you’ve maintained throughout life. You’ll manage classrooms, deliver lesson plans, supervise students, and maintain educational continuity when regular teachers need coverage.

Certification requirements vary by location. Some districts only require bachelor’s degrees and background checks. Others mandate teaching credentials or substitute-specific certifications. Research your area’s requirements before pursuing this option.

Daily rates typically range $80-$150 depending on location and education level. Suburban districts often pay more than rural areas, and secondary education usually pays better than elementary.

The schedule offers perfect flexibility for retirees. Accept assignments matching your availability rather than committing to regular schedules.

Work two days one week, five days another, or take entire weeks off as desired.

Mental engagement keeps you sharp through constant problem-solving, classroom management, and subject matter delivery.

The variety of subjects and grade levels prevents monotony while maintaining cognitive challenge.

8. Sports Team Coach

Coaching allows sharing athletic knowledge and passion accumulated through playing or following sports closely.

You’ll teach fundamentals, develop strategy, motivate players, and build team cohesion for youth or adult recreational teams.

Compensation varies dramatically. Youth league coaching often pays $500-$2,000 per season. Adult recreational league coaching might pay $25-$50 per practice or game.

Some positions remain volunteer-based offering satisfaction over compensation.

The time commitment ranges from moderate to substantial depending on competition level and season length.

Expect 5-15 hours weekly during active seasons including practices, games, and administrative tasks.

Physical demands depend on sport and coaching style. Demonstrating techniques requires moderate fitness, though older coaches often focus on strategy and motivation rather than athletic demonstration.

The emotional rewards rival financial compensation. Watching players develop skills, build confidence, and achieve success creates profound satisfaction.

Many retired coaches cite this as their most fulfilling post-retirement activity.

9. Driving

Rideshare and delivery driving offers ultimate flexibility through apps like Uber and Lyft letting you work whenever you choose. You’ll transport passengers or deliver food/packages following app navigation and customer instructions.

Earning potential varies by location and hours worked. Urban areas during peak times generate $15-$30 hourly after expenses. Suburban and rural areas typically produce $10-$18 hourly. Weekend evenings usually offer highest earnings.

Vehicle requirements and expenses matter significantly. Your car must meet age and condition standards varying by platform.

Gas, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation reduce gross earnings by 30-50%, making net income calculations essential.

The solitude suits some retirees perfectly while feeling isolating to others.

You control conversations with passengers and enjoy relative independence uncommon in structured employment.

Safety considerations require honest assessment. Driving requires alertness, quick reactions, and physical ability to enter/exit vehicles repeatedly. Urban driving during busy periods creates stress some retirees prefer avoiding.

10. Pet Sitting

Pet care combines animal companionship with flexible income for retirees who love animals and can accommodate them temporarily. You’ll feed, walk, play with, and monitor pets while owners travel or work.

Earning rates typically range $15-$40 daily per pet depending on services provided and local market rates. Dog walking commands $15-$30 per 30-minute walk. Overnight boarding in your home generates $40-$80 nightly.

Multiple pets multiply income quickly. Caring for three dogs simultaneously might generate $75-$150 daily, though you need adequate space and energy for multiple animals.

Physical activity from dog walking provides excellent exercise keeping you fit. Many pet sitters report improved health from regular walking routines they might otherwise skip.

The companionship benefits matter tremendously for retirees living alone. Animals provide affection, entertainment, and purpose structuring your days around their needs.

11. Tour Guide

Tour guiding shares local knowledge and history you’ve accumulated through decades living in or learning about your area. You’ll lead groups through attractions, share fascinating stories, and answer visitor questions.

Compensation varies by employment structure. Working for tour companies pays $12-$25 hourly plus potential tips. Operating independently allows charging $20-$50 per person per tour, though you handle all marketing and logistics.

Physical demands require honest assessment. Most tours involve 2-4 hours of standing and walking, sometimes over uneven terrain. Ensure you can comfortably maintain this activity level before committing.

The social interaction appeals to outgoing retirees who enjoy meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Every tour brings new personalities and perspectives creating fresh interactions rather than routine monotony.

Seasonal variations affect income in tourist-dependent areas. Summer and holiday seasons generate substantial activity while winters might offer minimal opportunities. Plan accordingly for income consistency.

12. Flip Furniture

Furniture restoration transforms neglected pieces into valuable items through cleaning, repair, refinishing, or creative repurposing. You’ll source furniture from thrift stores, estate sales, or curbsides, then restore and resell for profit.

The creative outlet appeals to artistic retirees enjoying hands-on projects producing tangible results. Each piece presents unique challenges keeping work interesting rather than repetitive.

Profit potential varies dramatically. Simple cleaning and minor repairs might generate $50-$150 profit per piece. Complete refinishing or creative transformations can produce $200-$800 profits on individual items.

Physical demands require consideration. Moving furniture, sanding, and refinishing involve moderate physical exertion. You can hire help for heavy lifting while handling detail work yourself.

Space requirements matter significantly. You need workspace for projects plus storage for pieces awaiting sale. Garage or basement workshops suit this perfectly, though weather protection and ventilation matter for finishing work.

13. Travel Agent

Travel planning leverages personal travel experience helping others design memorable trips. You’ll research destinations, book accommodations and transportation, create itineraries, and handle logistical details.

The industry evolved significantly with online booking platforms, but personalized service remains valuable for complex trips, group travel, or destination-specific expertise.

Specializing in cruise travel, European destinations, or adventure tourism creates competitive advantages.

Commission structures provide passive income potential. You earn 10-15% commissions on bookings continuing even after initial client work completes.

Building a client base generates recurring income as customers book additional trips.

Certification requirements vary. Some specialties require specific training or certifications while others accept experience-based expertise. Research requirements for your chosen focus area.

Work-from-home flexibility makes this attractive for retirees wanting location independence. Handle client communications, research, and booking from anywhere with internet access.

14. Online Tutor

Online tutoring shares knowledge in subjects where you maintain expertise through platforms like Zoom connecting you with students globally.

You’ll explain concepts, review assignments, prepare students for exams, and track progress.

Hourly rates vary by subject and expertise level. Elementary subjects typically pay $15-$30 hourly. High school subjects command $25-$50 hourly.

College-level tutoring and test preparation generate $40-$100 hourly.

Complete schedule control makes this ideal for retirees wanting flexibility. Accept students matching your availability rather than committing to fixed schedules.

Tutor 5 hours weekly or 25 hours depending on income needs and desired activity level.

Technology requirements remain minimal. Reliable internet, basic webcam, and video calling software suffice for most tutoring. Some subjects benefit from digital whiteboards or screen-sharing capabilities.

The mental engagement keeps you sharp through constant explanation, problem-solving, and adapting teaching methods to individual learning styles.

Many tutors report improved cognitive function from regular teaching activities.

15. Sell Homemade Products

Creating and selling handmade products transforms hobbies into income through platforms like Etsy or local craft fairs. You’ll design, create, photograph, list, and ship products to customers valuing handmade quality.

Product categories span countless options:

• Handmade jewelry and accessories
• Knitted or crocheted items
• Woodworking and furniture
• Candles and soap
• Art and photography prints

Income potential varies dramatically based on products, pricing, and marketing effectiveness. Hobbyists might earn $200-$800 monthly. Serious crafters treating it as businesses generate $2,000-$5,000+ monthly.

The creative freedom appeals tremendously to artistic retirees who enjoy making things. You control what you create, how you price it, and which customers you serve.

Time investment scales with income goals. Casual crafters spend 5-10 hours weekly earning supplemental income. Full-time crafters invest 30-40 hours building substantial businesses.

Final Thoughts

Retirement offers freedom to structure your days around activities providing meaning, income, and satisfaction without career pressures.

The low stress jobs after retirement I’ve shared accommodate varying physical capabilities, time availability, and income needs.

Financial considerations matter but shouldn’t dominate your decision-making entirely.

Yes, supplemental income helps, but purpose, social connection, and mental engagement often provide greater value than paychecks.

Choose opportunities aligning with your interests and values rather than purely chasing maximum earnings.

Choose deliberately and purposefully, knowing you can always adjust course as circumstances change.