In the beginning of our careers, we are full of ambition to either climb the corporate ladder or land on a prestigious career path after investing in education and designations.  But, when retirement is a mere 10 to 15 years away, some have the desire to start slowing down their ambitions.  Perhaps we want to spend more time with family, desire more flexibility in your schedule or you may not want to commute to work anymore.  Perhaps, we become more passionate about other things and want to spend our later years focusing on them. What could this new career transition look like?

If you are looking for something that fits your desire for a new lifestyle, but you still want to make an income that you can live comfortably on, consider the following career choices.

1. Consulting A person or business is paying for your knowledge or expertise. If you have expertise in a particular field, you might want to consider becoming a Consultant.  Whether you work for companies on contract or you package your knowledge in a program format to sell, there are organizations that will buy.  Companies may not be in a position to hire someone full-time and would prefer to hire someone without all the costs involved in full-time employment. Selling your services can be daunting however as Teresa Gabriele CCP, Lead Career Coach with sourc3dCAREERS states, “There are organizations in the marketplace that can help you find contract positions within their client organizations. This will allow you to bill your time as a Consultant while you provide your expertise for a selected period of time. I recommend registering a business name as a sole proprietor, finding an excellent accountant and lawyer to help support your new consultancy business venture. “
2. Counselling or Life Coaching Clients pay you a fee to help them achieve goals and discover their potential in life, business or their careers.  The Coaching industry is expected to reach 1.3 billion dollars by 2022₁. Helping others find their true potential in a variety of different areas can become a very fulfilling business.  There are many certifications available like those recognize by ICF (International Coaches Federation) however, you do not need to be certified to coach others.  Counselling or providing advice in an area that you are an expert in can also be your “calling”.  Whether it is business, life, career coaching, counselling or advising, find yourself a personal coach.  Not only will you learn more about being a coach, but they will also help you unlock your potential in order to build your practice.
3. Freelancing Do you have a skill to sell for a short period of time? In today’s marketplace, freelance writers, creative and graphic designers and anyone that can support social media or marketing can become freelancers and sell their skills on a variety of platforms online or independently to consumers and businesses. For example, Fiverr is an online platform that you put your skills in front of potential buyers. Entrepreneurship is growing and many do not have the bandwidth or skills to manage content creating, social media, graphics and writing, so this type of short-term support is in high demand.
4. Retail Finding fulfilment working in retail provides flexibility to work days, evenings and/or weekends in a less stressful environment.  If a 9-5 feels restricted as you approach your senior years, consider the reduced pressure, your love for working with people and product and the flexibility of a role in retail can provide.
5. Driving If you enjoy driving, perhaps picking up a job with Uber or driving a school bus could be an exciting career move. Interacting with different people or school children every day can keep you rejuvenated, motivated, alert and communicative in the workplace every day.
6. Animal care Do you love animals and think it is finally time for your love of animals to become a full-time or part-time job? Whether it’s at a kennel, a shelter, or becoming a groomer, let your passion become your job with this very unique and exciting niche.
7. Volunteering Approaching your senior years and financially stable? Volunteer to a special cause, at special events that carry meaning for you or even at your local hospital, can go a long way to helping you feel good about contributing to your community and helping others.
8. Start a Craft Business Whether it’s making jewellery, knitting/crocheting scarves, or you’ve had a passion for making your own clothes, maybe it is time to start a craft business. With platforms like Shopify and Etsy to help you get started in selling your products, why not learn more about how you can take something you love crafting to people who would love to buy it.  Don’t forget about your local craft shows especially around Christmas time.
9. Create or Teach Courses Online Using platforms like Udemy to share your knowledge through courses can help you make money from your expertise.  Whether you create a course or a series of workshops, e-learning has become a lucrative industry in a market of continuous learning and improvement.
10. Caregiver Are you inspired to help the elderly or the sick.  As the population in Canada continues to age with approximately 38% of Canada’s population over 50 years of age in 2019 according to Statistics Canada₂, the market has an ever-growing need for personal support workers and caregivers. Some seeking a fulfilling second career should look into the growing industry of personal support workers. The educational portion can be achieved over an average of 30 weeks.  The market is in need so placement is quick.

So, is it time to leave your 9-to-5 job for more fulfilling and flexible work as you journey into your pre-retirement years? Consider some of these careers listed and explore them. You owe it to yourself to have the flexibility that life has to offer as you prepare for retirement and for your senior years.

₁ https://blog.marketresearch.com/us-personal-coaching-industry-tops-1-billion-and-growing

₂  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91-215-x/2012000/part-partie2-eng.htm