Wanna Work? | Part-Time Job Ideas for Empty Nesters

When I started Empty Nest Blessed, I was actively investigating part-time job ideas. I landed on blogging, which has turned into much more of a full-time job than I initially intended. (But I love it way more than I thought I would, and I’m so happy about that!) When my kids left the nest, I knew I wanted to work part-time. I wanted to have some structure in my days, fill my life with purpose, and have the opportunity to share my gifts with others. I wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like, or what I wanted to do, so I investigated several different options. I also knew that it would involve learning, growth, and challenge, and I was excited about that as well. If you’re looking for part-time work, but don’t quite know what you want to do, I’ve got some ideas to get you started.

Oh, and just for fun, I’ve interspersed photos of my home office so you can see where I make the Empty Nest Blessed magic happen. (LOL!)

Learn a Marketable Skill

Have you always loved photography? What about sewing or calligraphy? While you might need to brush up on the latest skills and techniques, if there’s something that you enjoy and want an excuse to deep dive into, now is a great time. My friend Wendy taught herself calligraphy, took a few specialty classes, turned it into a business. As an experienced calligrapher, she makes $2.50 per envelope to address wedding invitations! My mother-in-law is a whiz at placing and arranging home accessories. Thanks to her, the bookshelves in my home look amazing! She got to know some interior designers and turned her unique skill into a fun and flexible part-time job working with them. Another empty nester friend who home-schooled her kids now works part-time as a tutor. She reached out to a few schools in our area, laid out her qualifications, and she quickly had her first student. From there, word of mouth took over and now she has to turn down students.

Sell Something You Love

Empty nester Nancy Lacke always loved jewelry and gemstones but says her family and raising her kids was her passion. But once her kids entered high school, she knew she needed to find something to spark another passion. So she started taking art classes. One of them included jewelry making, and she was hooked. She started gifting her creations, and her niece encouraged her to start an Etsy shop. After the kids left home, she upped her production, started attending weekend craft shows, and put together a website where she sells her beautiful, hand-made creations.

Also, there are great opportunities for empty nesters with direct marketing or multi-level marketing companies like Rodan + Fields, CAbi Clothing, and Juice Plus. If you enjoy their products, you’d probably be good at selling them.

Consider Seasonal Work

From doing taxes or book-keeping work from January-April 15 to working retail during the holidays, part-time seasonal work opportunities abound. Even large companies like UPS and Amazon want to hire full or part-time seasonal workers. Think outside the box! I have a photographer friend who specializes in taking family Christmas card photos, so she’s busy in October and November, but takes off the rest of the year!

Work Where You Shop

Do you have a favorite boutique or retail outlet where you love to shop? Get to know the manager and ask if she’s hiring. I’m such an enthusiastic customer, I’ve had managers at , , and offer me jobs on the spot. (Bob: “What in the world did you do to precipitate that?”) LOL.

Serve Others

Do you love kids? Many people would rather hire older babysitters, nannies, pet or house sitters, or even senior companions than someone younger. Many non-profits offer paid positions that would allow you to make a difference. Does your church have a job board? (If not, maybe you should start one!) Several churches hire babysitters for their Mother’s Day Out programs, and if you love kids, it could be the ideal situation.

Are you working part-time in the empty nest? If so, I’d love to know what you’re doing! Please share with me in the comments, okay?

The photos included in this post were taken in my home office back in February (hence my yummy that is now 50% off!). Yep, you’re looking at the world headquarters of Empty Nest Blessed! (It’s basically a closet under my stairs.) I recently decided that I need more room, so next fall when the young attorney moves out, I’m going to be converting his room into the new world headquarters. Of course, I’m going to bring you along for the transformation! (What fun!) xoxo

Blessings,

Photo by Megan Weaver.

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