Finding a flexible job after retiring.

[Kaz2200]

Just that really, looking at selling our business to get away from the commitment, retail 7 days a week, but not ready to give up working completely. Looking to maybe start a small business that we can pick up and but down around travelling. Has anyone done anything that works for them.

My OH retired at the beginning of the year, he's now bored! So he has started freelancing in his old profession. Is this something that you could do - ie holiday cover for people in the same or similar industry that you are stepping away from ? This way you could work when it suits you and holiday the rest of the time ?

Wanted any suggestions to do with retirement ..

Baby sitting?

I know someone who does House Sitting. She has a small list of regular clients who often go away at weekends and she does a bit of weeding and looks after pets.

I also have a friend who is a house sitter - obviously on hold at the moment - but she has regular clients with homes abroad. Its a wonderful opportunity so stay in new places and see the inside of some fabulous homes. You need to be flexible and enjoy living out of a suitcase. Also prepared to do a variety of tasks usually looking after pets (which can come in all shapes and sizes) cleaning, light gardening and so on. A couple can share the duties. You need to be resourceful, independent and assertive in negotiating contracts.

All good ideas.

I'll do teaching cover work, though only in the most local of schools.

I run a care service for a charity for older people. Quite a few of our carers are retired people who come to us to work a couple of shifts a week, or on a bank basis. None of them have worked in care before and they all really enjoy it. One of them has withdrawn her availability for 3 months to visit family abroad, so it can be a very flexible way to work part time.

Have a look at the restless website for ideas

I'd certainly consider doing my current job on a bank basis if I am still physically capable of it when I retire. I'm pretty drained by it now though and I've got 15 years to go...