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Freelancing as a retirement career
| Published: | 25 Aug at 6 PM |
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Tagged: Canada, Teach Abroad
Retiring overseas is a dream for many would-be expats who just can’t wait to exit the daily grind of a job they’ve held for a lifetime, but there are alternatives to inactivity which can also earn extra cash.
The desire to get up and go to a warmer, cheaper location with an already established expat community is totally understandable, especially as the sun, sea and sangria lifestyle is so persuasively set out on the websites of service providers. Retirees could be forgiven for being tempted by the prospect of an endless holiday complete with new friends and exciting things to do. However, not all we wish for comes true, and it’s possible that boredom will set in eventually.
Luckily, we’re now in the 21st century online age, with freelancing from almost any point on the compass possible for those who feel their work experience is being wasted in retirement. The lifetime of expertise gained whilst working can be put to good use and can earn a casual, regular income, provided wherever you’re located has reliable internet access. The image of freelancers as present-day hippies needn’t act as a discouragement, as anyone at any age can fill their days with interesting, constructive work.
Blogging is perhaps the easiest way in to a career as a freelancer, due to the diversity of businesses which need regular blogs. Copywriting is another enjoyable way to earn extra cash, and there’s a steady demand for such services. Just remember all the endless online text content covers all aspects of life and work, and has to be written, edited and proof-read by somebody.
If you’ve previously worked in IT, becoming an online website designer or developer is tailor-made and gives huge opportunities to develop a freelancing career in later life. If accountancy was your thing during your working life, providing the service to local expat business owners on your own terms can be rewarding, although you’ll probably have to get to grips with the legal requirements in your new country.
If teaching was your career, you could consider teaching English to local people, or even use easily available software and video calling equipment to teach your subject online. Other possibilities include marketing, consultancy, academic writing, garden design and even becoming an author – with such a broad choice there’s no need to be bored during your retirement years.
The desire to get up and go to a warmer, cheaper location with an already established expat community is totally understandable, especially as the sun, sea and sangria lifestyle is so persuasively set out on the websites of service providers. Retirees could be forgiven for being tempted by the prospect of an endless holiday complete with new friends and exciting things to do. However, not all we wish for comes true, and it’s possible that boredom will set in eventually.
Luckily, we’re now in the 21st century online age, with freelancing from almost any point on the compass possible for those who feel their work experience is being wasted in retirement. The lifetime of expertise gained whilst working can be put to good use and can earn a casual, regular income, provided wherever you’re located has reliable internet access. The image of freelancers as present-day hippies needn’t act as a discouragement, as anyone at any age can fill their days with interesting, constructive work.
Blogging is perhaps the easiest way in to a career as a freelancer, due to the diversity of businesses which need regular blogs. Copywriting is another enjoyable way to earn extra cash, and there’s a steady demand for such services. Just remember all the endless online text content covers all aspects of life and work, and has to be written, edited and proof-read by somebody.
If you’ve previously worked in IT, becoming an online website designer or developer is tailor-made and gives huge opportunities to develop a freelancing career in later life. If accountancy was your thing during your working life, providing the service to local expat business owners on your own terms can be rewarding, although you’ll probably have to get to grips with the legal requirements in your new country.
If teaching was your career, you could consider teaching English to local people, or even use easily available software and video calling equipment to teach your subject online. Other possibilities include marketing, consultancy, academic writing, garden design and even becoming an author – with such a broad choice there’s no need to be bored during your retirement years.
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