13 jobs retirees are stepping in to fill as employers struggle to find workers
Retirement doesn’t necessarily mean leaving the workforce for good. Across the United States, millions of older adults are still working, while some retirees are returning to paid employment for extra income, social connection, flexibility, or simply something meaningful to do.
At the same time, employers in fields ranging from school transportation to education have struggled to fill certain positions. Jobs with split shifts, seasonal schedules, modest pay, or only a few hours of work at a time can be difficult to staff—but those same characteristics may make some of them particularly attractive to retirees who aren’t looking for another traditional 40-hour workweek.
The result is an interesting overlap: older Americans can be a natural fit for jobs that communities need filled but that don’t always attract enough applicants. From driving school buses to staffing museums and helping at election sites, here are 13 roles where retirees and other older workers can make an outsized contribution.
School Bus Driver
Morning and afternoon routes perfectly match the schedule of an early riser who loves kids. Economic Data Policy says that there were 12.2 percent fewer school bus drivers on the road in 2024 compared to 2019. Driving a yellow bus gives older adults a fantastic way to stay active while helping the community.
These folks enjoy a split schedule that leaves the middle of the day completely free. Districts desperately need reliable drivers to transport students safely every single week. Seniors gladly take the wheel because they appreciate the predictable part-time hours and long holiday breaks.
Substitute Teacher
Younger educators are leaving classrooms for corporate jobs with better pay and less stress. A 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that one out of five requests for substitute teachers goes unfilled. Retirees with a background in education or mentorship find this gig incredibly rewarding.
They can pick and choose the exact days they want to work. Controlling their own schedule allows them to earn extra cash without committing to a full-time grind. The students benefit immensely from the patience and life experience these older substitutes bring to class.
Election Poll Worker
Civic duty calls to older generations who remember a time before digital voting machines. A recent AARP survey shows that 7 percent of retirees have reentered the labor force to stay busy or earn cash. Younger people simply cannot take a random Tuesday off from their salaried jobs.
Seniors happily spend election days handing out ballots and guiding voters through the process. This crucial civic role gives them a chance to chat with neighbors and serve the country. Without their dedication, voting locations would experience massive delays and chaotic lines.
Retail Hardware Clerk
Big box stores struggle to find young workers who actually know how to fix a leaky faucet. Retired contractors and home improvement enthusiasts naturally gravitate to these aisles to share their wisdom. They love helping confused shoppers find the exact right screw or pipe fitting.
Shoppers love getting advice from someone who has spent decades working with tools. These older employees provide a level of patient customer service you rarely see anymore. They turn a frustrating plumbing repair into a friendly and successful weekend project.
National Park Attendant
Remote outdoor jobs offer low pay, which pushes young people to seek city opportunities instead. Annuity data shows that 59 percent of workers actually plan to work in retirement to stay active. Older nature lovers view these seasonal park roles as paid vacations in beautiful places.
They spend their days checking permits, answering questions, and enjoying the fresh air. Working at a campground or visitor center feels more like a hobby than actual labor. Park visitors get the benefit of interacting with enthusiastic guides who genuinely love the outdoors.
Tax Preparer
Crunching numbers during a stressful three-month season sounds terrible to most young professionals. Retired accountants see tax season as a perfect sprint to fund their summer travel plans. They enjoy keeping their minds sharp while helping neighbors complete confusing financial forms.
They can sit at a desk, chat with clients, and solve puzzles without heavy lifting. The short duration of the job prevents them from feeling tied down all year long. Their vast financial knowledge helps nervous families get the biggest refunds possible.
School Crossing Guard
Standing on a corner in a reflective vest does not appeal to a recent college graduate. More than 11.6 million Americans age 65 and older are currently part of the U.S. workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retirees gladly take on this neighborhood responsibility because it gets them out of the house every morning.
The extremely brief shifts fit perfectly into a relaxing retirement lifestyle. Earning a little pocket money for just an hour of work per day is a great deal. Parents feel much better knowing a watchful elder is keeping their children safe from traffic.
Library Assistant
Sorting books and organizing shelves requires patience that many younger job seekers lack. Older folks love the quiet environment and the chance to surround themselves with great literature. They handle the checkout desk with a smile and recommend their favorite mystery novels to patrons.
Libraries run on tight budgets and rely heavily on dedicated part-time staff. Seniors step up to keep these vital community centers open and functioning smoothly. It gives them a peaceful place to socialize while sharing their lifelong love of reading.
Local Delivery Driver
Gig apps and courier services constantly struggle to retain young drivers who hate the vehicle wear and tear. AARP reports that 48 percent of unretirees say their primary reason for returning to work is to make money. Delivering flowers, groceries, or auto parts provides a stress-free way to explore different neighborhoods.
They appreciate being out and about instead of sitting in a rocking chair all day. The flexible nature of delivery work means they can stop for a coffee break whenever they want. Friendly chats with customers at the front door make the gig surprisingly social and fun.
Childcare Aide
Daycare centers face massive turnover because the pay rarely matches the intense energy required. Grandparents who miss having little ones around find immense joy in helping out a few days a week. They bring a calm and nurturing presence that soothes anxious toddlers and frantic parents alike.
Reading stories and wiping messy faces feels entirely natural to someone who raised their own kids. These older workers provide a level of deep compassion that you just cannot teach. Daycares desperately need their reliability to keep their classroom ratios safe and legal.
Museum Docent
Memorizing historical facts to guide rowdy tourist groups is a tough sell for young folks. History buffs in their golden years happily step in to share their passion with visitors. They love answering questions and showing off cool artifacts to curious kids.
Working in a climate-controlled building keeps them comfortable regardless of the weather outside. Leading tours keeps their brains incredibly active and completely engaged. Visitors get a much richer experience when their guide genuinely cares about the exhibits.
Pet Sitter
Walking energetic dogs in the middle of a Tuesday is impossible for someone with an office job. Active retirees jump at the chance to spend time with animals without the full-time cost of ownership. They get their daily exercise while throwing tennis balls and exploring local parks.
Pet owners trust older adults implicitly with the keys to their homes. Knowing a responsible senior is watching their furry friend gives families total peace of mind. It is a delightful way for older folks to make money while getting plenty of fresh air.
Customer Service Representative
Young workers often burn out quickly from dealing with angry callers on the phone all day. Seniors have spent a lifetime dealing with difficult people, so they handle complaints with unmatched grace. Their thick skin and patience make them the perfect fit for call center roles.
Many companies now allow these representatives to work straight from their own living rooms. Skipping the morning commute makes this job incredibly appealing to an older demographic. They resolve issues calmly and leave customers feeling heard and respected.
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