Work is a part of most people’s lives. In fact, the average person spends around one-third of their life at work so it’s important to pick the right job. Many people over the age of 50 can have difficulty finding jobs to suit their needs. Nevertheless, there are many jobs for over 50s that are perfect for those who want to stay active in their careers.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, employment rates for people aged 50 to 64 increased by 16.2% between 1984 and 2020. Data from the ONS also showed that 82% of the UK’s employment growth was driven by over 50s in 2018. If you’re over 50 and still on the hunt for the perfect job then you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we will list 20 of the best jobs for over 50s that you might not have considered!
Jobs for Over 50s
If you’re looking for the best jobs for over 50s, here are some careers you should consider.
Store Manager
A store manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a single store. They are in charge of making sure that customers have an excellent shopping experience and employees provide quality customer service. A store manager will work closely with other departments, including human resources, merchandising, advertising/marketing, purchasing and inventory management to ensure all aspects of the business run smoothly. To succeed in this role, you’ll need to be confident, organised and have great communication skills. If this sounds like you then why not consider taking on a store manager role
Catering Supervisor
Catering supervisors are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a catering business. They will work closely with staff members, including cooks and waiters/waitresses, to ensure that all food meets the high standards set by their company’s mission statement or contract specifications. You don’t always need a degree or further qualifications to become a catering supervisor, relevant experience, skills and personal qualities are often considered to be more important than qualifications in these roles.
Librarian Assistant
A librarian assistant is responsible for helping keep the library organized and maintaining all of the books. They will work closely with other employees, including librarians or researchers, to ensure that everything runs smoothly on a daily basis. A librarian assistant may also need to assist patrons in finding materials they are looking for. Librarian assistants are a common option for anyone looking for jobs for over 50s.
Tour Guide Operator
If you love being out and about in your local community and your village, town or city has plenty of history and culture, or even just some interesting places then you could pursue a career as a tour guide operator. You will have to have great knowledge and passion for your local area as well as be confident and organised. If this matches your description, then you could consider looking at roles as a tour guide operator. As a tour guide operator, you will work closely with the organisation you are representing. You may also need to help plan and book events.
Restaurant Hostess, Server & Bartender
Restaurant hostesses, servers and bartenders are responsible for providing exceptional customer service to guests. They work closely with other staff members in order to maintain a well-run establishment at all times. Restaurant hostesses/servers may be required to provide receipts for the items that they have sold or served during their shift as needed by management. Many jobs in the food industry offer flexible working hours, which could be perfect for those over 50 with other commitments.
Medical Office Assistant
A medical office assistant is responsible for performing administrative duties in a medical office. They will work closely with other employees, including doctors and nurses, to ensure that all records run smoothly from day to day. A medical office assistant may also help plan events or coordinate meetings as needed by management.
Massage Therapist
A massage therapist is responsible for helping clients relax and relieve pain by performing therapeutic massages. They may work in a spa or clinic setting, but their exact responsibilities will vary based on the location of their practice. A massage therapist may also be required to help perform other duties around the office as needed by management. The list of benefits to becoming a massage therapist is extensive, high demand leading to job security, a relaxing job setting and flexible working hours are just some of the draws of this career.
Dog Walker
If you love dogs and the outdoors then a job as a dog walker could be perfect for you! It’s becoming more and more common for people to hire dog walkers to exercise their pets while they’re at work or running errands. If you enjoy being outside and exercising, then why not take on a job that allows you to do both with the company of some furry friends too? Dog walkers can either be independent business owners or part of a larger dog-walking business. So, whether you fancy a new business venture or simply want a low-stress job that doesn’t have you trapped in an office, dog walking could be a good option for you to consider.
Handyman/Handywoman
A handyman or handywoman is responsible for completing a variety of tasks around the house, such as installing new cabinets and painting. They may need to complete other miscellaneous jobs that require basic tools in order to keep an establishment clean and well-maintained at all times. A handyman or woman will work closely with the management of an organisation to determine their next task each day or independently as a sole trader. Having the freedom to go solo and work with your own clients to your own timescale is a big pull factor for individuals pursuing this career. Take a look at the carpentry jobs listed on our jobs board!
Door-to-Door Salesperson
A door-to-door salesperson is responsible for making in-person visits to residential homes or businesses in order to sell a product. They may work on their own, but they will also work closely with other employees and management while out on the road each day. Keeping active is so important as we get older. As a door-to-door salesperson, you’ll be active every shift whether you’re walking door-to-door or driving between neighbourhoods. This job will keep you alert and on your toes, as well as provide you with the opportunity to socialise all day every day!
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative is responsible for helping customers and clients solve any problems they may be having with a product or company. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs. If you have great communication skills, love working with people and problem-solving, then a job in customer service could be a perfect fit for you.
Cashier/Sales Associate at Retail & Clothing Stores
A cashier or sales associate is responsible for assisting customers in purchasing products at a retail store. They will work closely with other employees to help run the day-to-day operations of their assigned location, but they may need to perform various tasks throughout the shift if required by management.
Pet Groomer
A pet groomer is responsible for providing care and attention to animals that may be in need of grooming. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs. In this role, you’ll get to work with all different kinds of pets from cats and dogs to birds and sometimes even horses! If you’re an animal lover who loves to make things look neat and tidy then considering a job as a pet groomer would be a great choice.
Delivery Person / Courier
A delivery person or courier is responsible for delivering packages to their destination as quickly and safely as possible. They will work closely with other employees, but they may also be required by management to complete various tasks throughout the day if needed by their supervisor.
Home Health Aide
Home health aides and personal care aides provide help to people who are disabled, chronically ill, or cognitively impaired, as well as older adults who need assistance with day-to-day tasks. This job is very rewarding and is one of the best jobs for over 50s due to the high job satisfaction workers can get from it. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs.
Construction Estimator or Project Manager
A construction estimator or project manager is responsible for helping clients develop a new building, structure, etc. by providing them with cost estimates and creating plans to follow throughout the process of development. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs.
Home-Based Travel Agent
A home-based travel agent is responsible for helping clients find the perfect vacation package by searching various destinations, flights, etc. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs. This role could appeal to many people over 50 due to its flexibility. Remote work offers employees the chance to work from wherever they want, whenever they want, within reason. So, there’s no reason you can’t stay home and spend time with the family or travel the world while doing this job, provided you have a strong internet connection and a laptop!
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants are responsible for providing support to various areas of a business by completing tasks delegated to them. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs.
Cashier and Sales Associate
Popular amongst jobs for over 50s, cashiers and sales associates are responsible for helping customers by providing them with various products that they may need. They will also help to ensure the needs of each individual client are met throughout their interactions with the company.
Residential Advisor or Caretaker Assistant
A residential advisor or caretaker assistant is responsible for completing certain tasks around a property. these could include mowing the lawn or shovelling snow, in addition to taking care of any animals that may be kept on site. They collaborate with staff and management to meet individual client needs. Some organisations provide your accommodation on-site while you work with them. So, if you’re over 50 and looking for sociable housing or even a new adventure where you can meet new people, becoming a residential advisor or caretaker assistant could be a great option for you.
Apply for a Job Today
It may take time to find your dream job. Nonetheless, at Refreshing a Career, we have lots of valuable resources to help you on your way to finding your dream career.
If you still haven’t found your fit yet, don’t worry! Our site is packed with all of the best jobs for over 50s. To learn more about job openings, visit our career change job board.
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