For retirees looking to earn extra income or stay active, picking up a temporary position may be an ideal fit. “Seasonal work can be fun, as you know it is just for a specified amount of time,” says Dawn-Marie Joseph, founder of Estate Planning & Preservation in Williamston, Michigan. You could have the chance to learn new skills and meet people too.

Some retailers and online businesses are taking on additional employees as companies gear up for a new holiday season. Sales are predicted to be up 7% from last year, according to a September 2021 shopping report by consulting firm KPMG. The job search website FlexJobs reports that 1-800Accountant, Amazon, Gap, Godiva, Nordstrom, Williams-Sonoma and Wine.com are among the businesses hiring for seasonal jobs.

Opportunities for temporary positions extend beyond the holiday months, as organizations may take on more employees during busy periods like harvest time, peak vacation days and seasons that have special events like proms, graduations and weddings.

Some jobs begin as temporary and extend into a long-term commitment. While much depends on the company's needs and budget, if you’d like to stay, you may have the chance to discuss the option. You could also use a seasonal job as an opportunity to dip back into the job market. “Getting your foot in the door is an advantage,” says Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster in New York City. “You can demonstrate your hard work ethic and strive to maintain a positive attitude.”

Seasonal jobs for retirees include:

  • Customer service.
  • Retail stores.
  • Resort work.
  • Package delivery.
  • Tax preparer.
  • Orchard jobs.
  • Driver shifts.
  • Substitute teacher or aide.
  • National park employee.
  • Nursery worker.
  • Lawn care.