Seven of the Best Part-Time and Flexible Jobs for the Over-50s

For the over-50s or those planning their unretirement, part-time roles offer the flexibility older workers often need. Maybe you have multiple professional interests that you wish to explore? Perhaps you want to top up your pension? Or you’re just craving more free time to explore your hobbies?

Flexible jobs are attractive and convenient – we’ve compiled our pick of the 7 best part-time jobs that might be perfect for you.

Seven of the Best Part-Time and Flexible Jobs for Older Workers

1. Consulting Roles

Consulting is an excellent career path for professionals who are over 50. If you have spent many years in a corporate role and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience, then your expertise could be invaluable to other companies.

Businesses employ part-time consultants to provide specialist knowledge that gives the company an edge. Your experience and knowledge to cut to the heart of the matter is a valuable commodity. Use your own network to explore opportunities and let your key contacts know you are available. Also, reconnect with people you haven't been in touch with for a while. And don't forget to step up your activity on LinkedIn and use the platform to publicise that you want to help others.

There are also opportunities to become a mentor to companies to individuals. There's a guide on mentoring here. Or you could consider becoming a board member for smaller businesses or startups. These roles are often voluntary but can lead to paid longterm relationships.

2. Customer Service Advisor

The over-50s have acquired many soft skills during their career, such as listening, communication, patience and empathy. This Emotional Intelligence (or EQ) is exactly what customer service advisors need. Members of the public value a calm, measured and empathetic approach. It's good for the customer, it's good for business and it could be just right for you. Age-inclusive employers such as Bank of Ireland, Boots and 02 have all worked with 55/Redefined to source over-50s who have the right skill set to become customer service representatives. Jobs/Redefined has thousands of opportunities from age-friendly employers, including roles in Customer Service Departments.

3. Retail Jobs

Retail jobs come in all shapes and sizes: from stacking shelves in a supermarket to managing a small shop. There is a wide range of excellent part-time jobs for over-50s looking to top up their pension and stay integrated with the community. Many stores also give their employees the perk of a staff discount, too.

If you have good customer service and a friendly manner, then a part-time job in retail might be for you. You can find retail roles with age-inclusive employers here. You can search my role, company, location and more.

4. Turning Your Current Role into a Part-Time Job

Cutting back on the hours is something you may have already considered. You already understand the company’s expectations of the role and know that you can do the job, so cutting back to part-time is a relatively comfortable and safe bet. It is also good for your employer - they can utilise your expertise at the times it really matters, at a reasonable cost.

If this is an option that interests you, then it is worth reviewing your contract and your company’s handbook to see what policies your employers have regarding part-time jobs. Also, consider making a proposal to HR to explore this. Think about how the company will operate without your full-time input: perhaps you could job-share with someone else?

Consider chatting this possibility through with your employer – it could be a win-win for both of you.

5. Entrepreneur

Whilst you may be eager to leave your 9-5, you may not be ready to leave work altogether. Taking time away from work can enable you to assess what you really want – perhaps you want to retrain in an area that’s always interested you, or you might have a business idea you’re ready to bring to life.

Stepping into the entrepreneurial world doesn’t have to lead to working full time hours again – you may wish to make a little extra money by turning your side hustle into a part time small business venture. And the good news is older entrepreneurs are more likely to achieve higher growth.

To learn more about becoming an entrepreneur, read our article on setting up a business later in life.

6. Jobs in Education

If you have mastered a skill or become a formidable hobbyist, why not get a part-time job teaching that to others?

Whatever your skill, it is possible to teach it to others. There is a world full of people – not just children and teenagers in school but adults, too – keen to learn and there are many ways you can pass on your knowledge.

You could sign up to an online tutoring platform such as MyTutor and become an academic fount of knowledge. There are also many part-time teaching jobs (both freelance and otherwise) that give you flexibility, whilst you teach others about the things you love.

7. Charity Fundraiser Roles

As a freelance fundraiser for a charity, you would be organising events and initiatives to encourage donations. If you have good organisational skills and experience in event management, then this is a great part-time job.

Resources To Help You Find Your Next Part-Time Job

Here are some extra resources to help you find your next part-time job:

• Jobs/Redefined portal: A jobs portal for age-inclusive work opportunities
• Life/Redefined careers: Advice and resources to help you navigate your next career change
• Job Interview Skills for the Over 50s: Brush up on your interview skills and nail your next interview

Life/Redefined Purpose Finder: Figure out the next step in your career with our purpose finder