5 Seasonal Gigs Retirees Love That Don't Feel Like Going Back to Work

Many retirees don’t want to say goodbye to working forever. Seasonal gigs can offer a balance between a full-time job and completely leaving the workforce.

These jobs provide a healthy middle ground that lets retirees earn money, make friends and feel fulfilled without committing to grueling schedules.

Why seasonal work appeals to retirees

Seasonal work often has distinct beginning and end dates with more flexibility than traditional jobs, which can make sense for people who have retired but are looking for part-time work. Roughly 38% of Americans who are 65 years or older worked part-time in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The extra income can make it easier to travel, shop for holiday gifts, keep up with inflation and more. It can also help retirees preserve their nest eggs while offering social interaction and light activity.

5 seasonal gigs retirees love

Each person has different interests and skillsets, but this list of seasonal gigs can offer a good starting point for retirees who are looking for part-time opportunities:

• Tax season assistant or tax preparer: Retirees who have finance, bookkeeping and administrative skills can take on this job from January to April — ahead of Tax Day — while having much less work for the rest of the year. Advanced credentials are not required for this role, and some firms provide training for beginners.
• Tour or museum guide: If you like history and enjoy learning new things, you may benefit from becoming a tour guide or getting a job in a museum. Seasonal tourism means you may have a busier schedule during the peak season and a more laid back schedule when the busy season dies down.
• Garden center or farmers market worker: You can work at your local farmers market or garden center in the spring and summer. This job lets you spend time outdoors.
• Pet sitter or dog walker during travel-heavy seasons: Summer vacations and holidays can give you the opportunity to pet sit in your neighborhood. It’s optimal for animal lovers, and you can also walk dogs on the side when pet sitting isn’t as busy. These occupations give you the option to dictate your hours, with various apps connecting you with potential customers.
• Holiday retail, gift wrapping or seasonal customer service: Retailers need additional workers during the holiday season and often feature seasonal gigs. These jobs can offer stable income for a few months, but not everyone likes the idea of standing, crowds and weekend shifts.

What retirees should check before saying yes

Seasonal gig work can provide purpose and extra income on a flexible schedule, but some jobs are better than others. You should ask about the following details before committing to a gig:

• Expected hours
• Physical requirements
• Weekend shifts
• If training is paid

You can still receive Social Security if you work a part-time job, but a portion of your benefits may be withheld if you are below the full retirement age. The amount withheld depends on how much you earn.

Self-employment gigs like pet sitting can be lucrative, but you must track your own income and expenses. You also have to be proactive with getting customers, but various apps such as Rover and Wag can make it easier to form those types of relationships.

You can earn a solid income with part-time, seasonal jobs, but make sure they are legitimate. Scammers operate in every industry, and if a seasonal job requires upfront payments, lists vague duties or offers unusually high pay for little work, it may be a scam. Start with comparing a seasonal gig with similar postings to assess if it is legitimate.