Being your own boss isn’t a position that everyone can handle, especially after retirement. While there is more freedom when you are self-employed, there is also more responsibility. In a second career after retirement, you may want the freedom to set your own schedule, but in order to get the most out of your opportunities, you’ll have to be driven to succeed. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, consider these self-employment jobs for retirees as great options.
If you are in early retirement and still yearn for the sense of fulfillment, there’s few better ways to earn it than by running your own business. Starting from the ground-up can lead to long hours, sleepless nights, and the chance of failure if the endeavor doesn’t lift off in a few years. Since it can be difficult for a retiree to bounce back from that, a better option would be to purchase an existing, successful business.
Compared to other self-employment routes for retirees, owning a business could be a way to really make your mark while removing a percentage of the initial risk. Retirees have the experience to change and improve successful businesses, but as an owner, also have the flexibility to make their own rules. Need to step out for a few hours or step away for a few days? It’s no problem since you’re the boss!
If you’d love to own a business, but don’t see any that spark your interest, there’s always the opportunities to start small and make a hobby into a new business venture. Since you’ll already be doing something that you love, this lessens the risk of failure. Should an investment of selling your wares at local outlets, markets, and online not be a source of revenue, this isn’t a loss. You were going to enjoy spending time and resources on your hobby anyway, and there’s no loss in time well spent.
Turning hobbies into a revenue source provides retirees with a lot of flexibility in schedule as well. Since you already enjoy the effort, you can work as much or as little as you need to on any given day. If you are selling products online, the only deadline you might need to make is making sure items are shipped on time.
Great self-employment jobs for retirees usually focus on where retirees have already proven themselves to succeed. With a career’s worth of knowledge and experience, sharing this information can turn into the perfect side-gig. By blogging about the industry that you just came out of, you can share (and monetize) your experience. Gaining a sense of fulfillment can be a challenge, but as you see younger professionals share comments of their success and gratitude with you, you will begin to understand how great a role you have played.
Another role that can lean on years of experience is the role of a Franchise Consultant. These professionals assist potential franchise owners during their journey to owning their own business. Consulting provides a lot of benefits, including the flexibility to set your own schedule, work from home (or on the road!), and, of course, the commissions. While the franchise industry might be a new one in terms of self-employment jobs for retirees, a good business background, excellent communication skills, and specialized training can make this a great option.
To complete training in about 4 to 6 weeks, the International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG) has a program that is perfect for motivated retirees. With initial training, a mentorship program, continuing education programs and industry events, IFPG’s training helps set new members up to succeed - an important benefit for retirees.
Additionally, there are resources such as a CRM of leads, personalized website for your business, and access to networking events that could give your Franchise Consulting career the solid foundation it needs to succeed.
For more information about why becoming a Franchise Consultant is one of the best self-employment jobs for retirees, browse IFPG’s website and learn more. When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to their network of franchise professionals.