Among Generation X workers in their late 40s and 50s, 40% expect to retire at age 70 or older, or do not plan to retire at all. Many soon-to-be retirees want to earn extra income without sacrificing their hard-earned flexibility.
According to an AARP survey, flexible work hours are now a job requirement for 79% of older workers (defined as individuals who are at least 40 years old).
The good news is that the rise of remote work has opened up more opportunities than ever for seniors to put their valuable skills to use on their terms. From part-time customer service roles to freelance writing gigs to virtual tutoring sessions, you can earn money from the comfort of your home in numerous ways.
This guide will cover:
- The benefits of work-from-home jobs for seniors.
- Top job categories and opportunities matched to your skills.
- Where to find legitimate remote jobs for seniors.
- Tips for applying and setting yourself up for home-based success.
Whether you’re looking to supplement your retirement income, keep your professional skills sharp, or simply enjoy more flexibility, there’s a remote work option out there for you.
5 Types of Jobs for Seniors at Home
The world of remote work offers many opportunities that can fit nearly any skill set or interest.
Here are some of the top five categories of work-from-home jobs for seniors.
1. Customer Service
- Job titles: Customer service representative, virtual call center agent, online chat support.
- Typical duties: Assist customers by phone, email, or chat to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and process orders.
Many major companies hire remote customer service agents, from retailers to tech giants.
2. Freelance and Creative Pursuits
If you have a way with words, an artistic eye, or clever coding skills, you may find ample opportunities to put your talents to use in the gig economy. Some popular freelance paths for seniors include:
- Writing and editing articles, blog posts, marketing content, and more.
- Graphic design for websites, businesses, or individuals.
- Selling handmade goods, art, or photography online.
3. Education and Tutoring
Retired teachers, professors, and other experienced professionals can share their knowledge with students of all ages through online tutoring and teaching platforms. Some subject areas in high demand include:
- Test prep (SAT, GRE, LSAT, etc.).
- English as a Second Language (ESL).
- Math and science.
4. Consulting and Professional Services
Seniors can leverage decades of career experience to provide valuable consulting services to businesses in human resources, accounting, IT, legal, and more. Consultants are often hired for projects on a contract basis, providing the ultimate flexibility.
5. Virtual Assistants and Administrators
Many businesses hire remote administrative assistants to handle tasks like:
- Scheduling appointments.
- Data entry.
- Travel arrangements.
- Invoicing and record-keeping.
A detail-oriented, problem-solving senior would thrive in this remote job while avoiding a hectic commute.
With many paths to explore, seniors can find fulfilling remote work options that align with their skills, interests, and ideal retirement lifestyle. The next section will cover how to find legitimate opportunities and position yourself to land the job.
Finding Your Ideal Work-From-Home Opportunity
With so many remote job possibilities, where should you start your search? Here are some tips to help you find legitimate opportunities that match your goals:
Tap Into Remote-Focused Job Boards
While general sites like Indeed and Monster list some work-from-home positions, you may have better luck on boards specializing in remote and flexible jobs. Some top options include:
These sites vet job listings to weed out scams so that you can focus your search on legitimate opportunities. Many also allow you to filter by job type, schedule, and industry criteria.
Let Your Network Know
Your former colleagues, industry connections, and even friends and family can be valuable resources in a job search. Let them know the type of flexible work you’re looking for – you never know what opportunities they may be aware of.
Combat Age Bias With a Targeted Resume
Unfortunately, age discrimination can be a real concern for older job seekers. To showcase the value of your experience while downplaying concerns about overqualification or tech-savvy, craft a tailored resume that:
- Highlights relevant achievements and skills from the last 10-15 years.
- Incorporates keywords from the job description to show your fit.
- Demonstrates comfort with current technology and remote collaboration tools.
- Includes any recent certifications or training you’ve completed.
How to Protect Yourself From Job Scams
Unfortunately, seniors are often the target of job scams, especially work-from-home job scams. These can take many forms, and knowing what they look like is the first step to avoiding them. They can take many forms, such as:
- Bogus LinkedIn job offers: Scammers send direct messages promising high-paying jobs that are supposedly private but ask for a fee to set up an interview.
- Fraudulent employers: Scammers post fake job openings using names, logos, and staff information from legitimate companies to lure unsuspecting job seekers.
- Work-from-home scams: These often promise six-figure incomes for working from home but require purchasing starter kits or coaching packages to qualify for the “opportunity.”
- Identity theft: Some scams involve job seekers submitting personal information to potential employers, only to have that information stolen and used for fraud.
As you search for work-from-home opportunities, be aware of some common red flags that can signal a job scam:
- Vague job descriptions with no company details.
- Emails from generic addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) rather than company domains.
- Interviews are conducted only via messaging apps.
- Requests for sensitive personal or financial information right away.
- Offers to send you money or equipment before starting work.
Trust your gut; never send money or reveal bank account details to a prospective employer. Stick to reputable job boards and company sites, and research businesses before applying.
Set Yourself Up for Remote Work Success
Once you’ve landed a work-from-home job, invest some time in setting up a productive workspace and establishing positive routines. Some tips:
Create a Dedicated Office Area
Even if it’s a corner of your living room, having a specific spot for work helps you shift into a professional mindset. Make sure your space has the following:
- A comfortable, ergonomic chair and desk.
- Ample lighting.
- A door you can close to minimize distractions.
- Reliable internet and any necessary technology.
Get Comfortable with Remote Communication
When working remotely, proactive communication and collaboration are key. Get comfortable with tools like:
- Video conferencing (Zoom, Skype).
- Instant messaging (Slack, Teams).
- Project management platforms (Trello, Asana).
Be responsive and proactive in your communications to build trust with remote colleagues.
Establish a Schedule
The flexibility of online jobs for seniors means working from home—which is a major perk—but having some structure to your day can help you stay on track. Establishing working hours, breaks, and a wind-down routine can prevent work from bleeding into your personal life.
Embracing the Possibilities of Remote Work
The rise of work-from-home jobs has created new possibilities for seniors to continue working and pursuing their passions in retirement. Whether you want to supplement your income, pursue a passion project, or keep your skills sharp, remote work offers many opportunities for seniors.
Your next steps:
Reflect on your skills and interests.
- Update your resume.
- Network for leads on flexible work.
- Set up profiles on remote job boards.
- Create a dedicated workspace and familiarize yourself with remote technology.
With persistence and a proactive mindset, you can thrive in this new landscape. Take charge of your career journey and enjoy the benefits!
Sources
Economic Policy Research. (n.d.). How Americans feel about their retirement prospects: Surveying the surveys. Economic Policy Research. https://www.economicpolicyresearch.org/resource-library/how-americans-feel-about-their-retirement-prospects-surveying-the-surveys
AARP. (2023). Gig work on the rise among older adults as demand for workplace flexibility grows. AARP. https://press.aarp.org/2023-01-18-Gig-Work-on-the-Rise-Among-Older-Adults-as-Demand-for-Workplace-Flexibility-Grows
