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15 Surprisingly Great Second Careers for Baby Boomers

Start the next chapter in your professional life with a new job.

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Updated May 28, 2024
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Just because you retired doesn’t mean you have to stop working. For some baby boomers, retiring from one career opens the possibility of trying something else.

Perhaps you decided to retire early and are now finding it more challenging to make ends meet. A part-time job or full-time position to supplement your retirement income.

Regardless of whether you need some extra cash or want something new to do, here are some second careers you can take on, regardless of age.

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Virtual assistant

Studio Romantic/Adobe senior business woman planning schedule

Consider becoming a virtual assistant if you want to make some extra cash while also working remotely.

Virtual assistants are similar to administrative assistants who book meetings, schedule travel, or answer emails for a client. But as a virtual assistant, you can do all of it from a computer wherever you want to work.

Bartender

fesenko/Adobe barman splashing lemon in champagne

Taking a job as a bartender can be a good change from sitting in a cubicle all day.

As a bartender, you can interact with customers, create unique concoctions, and make extra cash with tips. Bartenders usually work nights and weekends.

Bookkeeper

Vadim Pastuh/Adobe senior female employee working from home

Put your accounting, finance, or math skills to work as a bookkeeper for a company or organization.

You can work as a freelancer or try to get a full-time or part-time position. You also might be able to set your own hours.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

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Consultant

NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe senior female ceo in office corridor

You probably still have plenty of knowledge about a particular field after years of working in that industry. So, check out consulting jobs.

You can use your extensive knowledge to help clients in a particular industry with problem-solving or learning new ways to do their work.

Teacher

olly/Adobe senior teacher besides blackboard

Another way to spread your knowledge about a particular field is as a teacher or tutor.

Teach others about a specific topic in your industry or help others learn managerial skills. You can also become a tutor, which allows you to set your own hours and help clients either in person or virtually.

Fundraiser

Grustock/Adobe senior businessman having video meeting

You may want to help your community as a fundraiser in your second career.

Check in with local nonprofits who might need someone to help them raise funds for programs, projects, or events.

Politician

pressmaster/Adobe female politician talking to press

You don’t have to run for president of the United States to be politically active in your community.

There are plenty of elected positions in your local community that may need someone with your previous work experience or interest in supporting local issues. You can run for city council, school board, library board, or any other number of local positions.

Writer

deagreez/Adobe stylish senior man making notes

A second career could be a good time to pursue writing if you’re interested in putting words out into the world.

Work for a local community paper writing articles or start your own blog online. Consider publishing books about what you learned during your career, or perhaps try to write that novel you always wanted to publish.

Sales representative

Enrique/Adobe senior manager posing in office library

Your work in sales or marketing can come in handy if you decide to work as a sales representative during retirement.

Sell products to customers and draw from your previous experience to tout your understanding of the item you are selling.

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Driver

troyanphoto/Adobe female truck driver talking by radio

If you have a good driving record, consider becoming a driver for a company.

You can take on a position as a driver for services such as Uber or Lyft. Or perhaps you prefer to work as a limo driver. School bus drivers are also in high demand.

Real estate agent

fizkes/Adobe woman holding keys with house keychain

Take on a second career as a real estate agent who helps clients find their perfect homes.

You may need to become licensed or take classes to become an agent, but it can be a rewarding job. It allows you to show off your community and help clients find a new place to live.

Event planner

Rawpixel.com/Adobe couple choosing wedding planner checklist

Use your planning and organizing skills as an event planner for conferences, parties, or weddings.

You can decide your areas of specialty and the types of clients you want to take on as you set your own hours.

Pet care

maywhiston/Adobe springer spaniels running on countryside walk

There are plenty of pets that need walking, grooming, or baby-sitting, suggesting the possibility of a fun second career.

Become a dog walker who works for several clients throughout the day. You could also open your home to pets while their owners are out for a long day or on vacation.

Park ranger

Preston/Adobe tour guide in sequoia national park

You don’t have to stay at home if you’re a boomer who wants a second career. Check out ways to get into nature, such as working as a park ranger for a national park or state park.

Maintain trails and other public spaces, or help visitors navigate the park.

Financial planner

Drazen/Adobe senior couple consulting male finance advisor

If you enjoy investing, use your skills to become a financial planner and help others get ahead financially.

You can help create an investing plan specific to each client’s wants and needs, or simply offer occasional guidance to DIY investors.

Bottom line

Maria Vitkovska/Adobe stylish confident businesswoman at work

Baby boomers don’t have to stop working. There are plenty of opportunities if you want to build up your savings and keep busy with a second career.

See if a second career can help you both make more money and give you some extra purpose during your golden years.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.