https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:35:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1366518 Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:21:04 +0000 Anonymous 1366518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not working right now, but I worked part time retail with very specifics hours, no evenings or weekends. If they need someone they will comply with your wishes and demands. The pay was not the greatest, but the discount was the reason I worked there.</p> <p>I also worked about 13 hours a week in accounting in a job share situation. I worked 2 days for 6.5 hours a day and another person filled in for the other 3 days. This made a great deal of sense for the company, because they did not have to pay benefits for 2 parttimers, plus the other person and I could cover for each other in case of sickness, vacation, etc. The pay was very very good!</p> <p>I have friends who nanny after school. The kids are school age and usually need to be driven to certain activities or even need help with homework. They work 3 hours after school and sometimes on school days off, but not usually. This is not something I ever want to do. I also have another friend who works for a contractor in their "sample show house". She dresses up, takes info from potential buyers, sends out mailers, shows the sample homes, answers questions, etc. she only works about 20 hours a week, no more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1364184 Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:16:58 +0000 karymk 1364184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Career coach! Brilliant idea!</p> <p>Parsley I love the idea of being a commercial model or actress. &nbsp;Every day I look at the drug commercials and want to be the lady swimming in the lake with her friend, the husbands in the distance on a yacht...The dog happily paddling beside it all... I think, "I could do THAT!!!"</p> <p>I know what i need to do, someone has an agent connection for me.&nbsp;&nbsp;But the only thing its tons of driving around LA, waiting, then getting dumped. I don't know if I am willing. So far subbing is looking pretty good.</p> <p>I could play a regular person! I think it would be a hoot..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1362531 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 09:02:08 +0000 Parsley 1362531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Janet has the right idea of pursuing something you love.<br /> If you really enjoy teaching and would like to be in a classroom, maybe you should pursue substitute teaching even if you don't come out ahead financially very much. One of the biggest advantages of that is the flexibility, that unfortunately most jobs don't have.<br /> Also, have you thought about modeling? These days there are apparently quite a few jobs for, ahem, more "mature" women, and you certainly have the looks and figure for it. That would be another job with a lot of flexibility, and it might be fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1360620 Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:49:09 +0000 Jennifer 1360620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Janet's response. Also, this might be a great time to work with a career coach to determine areas of your interest and which ones you find worth pursuing to earn income. Working with someone else may provide structure and accountability toward implementing your developing vision. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359923 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:58:20 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1359923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet's response is wonderfully insightful and One I myself took to heart! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359906 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:20:49 +0000 Laurinda 1359906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What really eased my&nbsp;career transition in my mid-40s was a few sessions with a job/life coach.&nbsp;My coach&nbsp;is a licensed clinician/psychologist, so she&nbsp;was able to help me work through some other career-related issues as well. I appreciated having a guide who has seen many others through similar situations. We started from a blank slate, with a&nbsp;Myers-Briggs profile and a&nbsp;Strong Interest Inventory. I found the survey in Marcus Buckingham's&nbsp;book&nbsp;<i>Now Discover Your Strengths</i> especially useful. Overall I was reassured that I had been on the right path all along, but she helped me clarify my goals and focus on the next steps I needed to take.&nbsp;This was a major life change, and my investment in myself&nbsp;paid off many times over.</p> <p>Best wishes on your life journey!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359750 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:08:59 +0000 karymk 1359750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thimbelina I would love to also sub in special ed, but I think I would need more than just the CBEST for that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really applaud all your ideas and support!&nbsp;</p> <p>I would love real estate but it can never just be part time. I grew up in a real estate house and my mom was always busy and unavailable. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359537 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:41:14 +0000 Flytigress 1359537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about getting your real estate license? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359533 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 17:31:35 +0000 karymk 1359533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your thoughtful replies YLF friends. &nbsp;I really appreciate it. &nbsp;</p> <p>Texstyle, Retailgirl you're probably right about retail. &nbsp;Maybe that's why I haven't jumped in earlier. &nbsp;It might feel confining indeed. &nbsp;</p> <p>Mo, the concept of the "hidden career" is intriguing! definitely something to think of...Maybe I could work the desk at Bar Method where I work out. &nbsp;The gals that work there seem to enjoy the social aspect of it, and they do get free memberships...</p> <p>kkards, volunteering is exactly how my sister has gotten a job at United Way. &nbsp;I could follow suit. Most of my volunteering experience has been in education, so the sub teaching job would be directly in line with that.</p> <p>abc I love the idea of driving for Uber. But safety would be a concern. &nbsp;I'd hate to have my picture on Milk Cartons: Have You Seen This Woman? Last Seen Driving Livery Cab.</p> <p>Gwennie: I will get the substitute teacher app in as soon as possible just so I have an option in that arena. &nbsp;It would be a natural for me.</p> <p>Isabel your ideas are great, especially the driving kids to the bus one. Driving! The other thing I thought of is childcare. &nbsp;I mean, some of these teens are making $15-20 an hour to do what I have 20 years of experience at! I would love to sit and hold someone's newborn for a few hours while mama got in her workout or doc appointments! Why not? I could put up a sign on the bulletin board at our pediatrician's office.</p> <p>Janet I so appreciate your story!&nbsp;</p> <p>Joyce I don't want to fly. &nbsp;I'm bad enough as it is on a plane!!! :0</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359502 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 16:38:02 +0000 thimblelina 1359502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went back to work full time this year at age 50 with an 11 year old still home &amp; an 18 year old on her way out. I cast a broad net and 'succeeded' in securing a whopping 21 first, second &amp; a few third interviews over roughly 16 weeks. I turned down one firm offer for the right reasons and got none of the other jobs! I was hoping to work in horticulture, but found that my age &amp; qualifications in owning my own horticultural business previously appeared to scare prospective employers. They would insist that I could never be happy doing a 'simpler' job despite my assurances that a simpler job was indeed just the thing. So I have ended up subbing in special ed for our county. The pay is low, but I made nothing in my SAHM years. With the extra income, even after taxes, we can pay our older daughter's tuition out of pocket as we go without using savings &amp; also keep our net taxable household income within Berkeley's 'middle class' income requirements which qualifies our daughter for about $7500 in merit aid. When I add that into my salary it doesn't look so bad... Mom math! And I have to say the hours are perfect. Had I taken one of the many jobs I lost out in the end I would have missed my younger daughters sports activities, worked through school holidays, etc. So don't underestimate the aggregate potential of just a little more household income over the long term. I also leave work everyday feeling like I touched lives &amp; taught valuable skills to some of the most vulnerable &amp; underserved in our world. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359473 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 15:40:25 +0000 Joyce B 1359473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would work for an airline using my skills in different languages and I would get wonderful free travels... The pay is probably not very good but the travels are and it beats standing all day in a store. Plus you get to help a lot of people.<br /> I am sure you will find a job that is good for you. Let us know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359407 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 13:20:55 +0000 Janet 1359407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to come at this from a slightly different tack. We're pretty close to the same age, but I've not been in your shoes -- I was never a SAHM (just a stepmom, and only at home with the boys during summers and every other weekend during the rest of the year). </p> <p>What would you love to do to fill your time? What are your hobbies, your interests, your loves? What makes you lose track of time or forget to eat? Can you pursue them more deeply now? Is there a way to take whatever that/those activity(ies) are and create some sort of venture or project for yourself? </p> <p>I ask because I hesitated for years to concentrate fully on what I really loved to do because I feared I would not make any money. My husband saw that I wasn't fully happy doing what I was doing, and nudged me into pursuing what he knew I had always wanted to do, ever since before we met -- travel and photograph. I thought it would be terribly self-indulgent and not practical, and it was at a time when the economy had tanked and every photographer I knew was quitting to go sell real estate (which, well, didn't exactly turn out to be a slam dunk either). But he convinced me that we could do without the income I'd been making, and I slowly -- yes, I move slowly -- took steps and started doing what I loved. </p> <p>Along the way I've had detours -- I took time to study interior design and architecture, which sounds like a total distraction, but has ended up being hugely valuable to where I am now, because I frequently work with designers and architects to place my art in their projects. In fact, this is becoming the bread and butter of my art business. I also took a lot of time away from photography in the year following my mother's death, and again when I accepted a temporary fill-in position at a radio station. I don't regret any of these detours, and in fact, in a way, I find all of my experiences end up enhancing each other -- my worlds often collide in unexpected and wonderful ways, as I have gotten more involved in my community's active music and art scene. </p> <p>So, long story about myself, sorry, but I was hoping to illustrate the point that following my heart rather than what I *should* do (take a practical job to make $$) has ended up enriching my spirit and my mind so much more. I realize it's a HUGE luxury that we could give up my income for me to pursue this dream -- we've come a long way since my husband had to pawn a guitar to take me out on a date when we first met. But it sounds like you aren't in dire need of the income right now, and you have the benefit of having some time to really have fun, explore, and dream. You seem like a creative person -- I bet there is something you've been wanting to do! </p> <p>I hope this is at least a little bit helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359332 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 05:49:53 +0000 Jeanie 1359332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know that feeling of wanting to get up and get dressed for something and I have searched near and wide for a professional part time job.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've seen some jobs at the library that involve helping the kids with their homework. &nbsp;You would be learning library skills and could be with kids and the library would give you a place to wear your clothes.&nbsp; Most people I know find retail grueling but the discount would be nice. &nbsp;It could be a good stepping stone for a job in fashion if you want to go there. &nbsp;If you want to try it out you could sign on for temporary holiday work just to try it out while you are looking for something else. &nbsp;I guess a lot depends on your priorities. &nbsp;If you truly want to work with kids and make decent money you might consider training to be a speech pathologist or librarian or&nbsp;something like that so that you could make money and do some rewarding work. &nbsp;It may sound crazy but I know three people my age who are just finished raising their kids and going back to get a nursing degree. &nbsp;If money is important but you can't fathom going back to school look for an office job at a company that is big enough that you can start out small and move up in the company. &nbsp;This probably won't be working with kids though. &nbsp;Most jobs are found though connections so tell everyone you know that you are looking. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359237 Sat, 20 Sep 2014 01:27:08 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1359237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No suggestions, but a great deal of compassion and understanding. I've been a mother for almost&nbsp;&nbsp;28 years (oldest b'dy Oct 3rd) &nbsp;and have never had a career though had a consignment store for a few years and managed a dept &nbsp;for&nbsp;my husband's previous company. &nbsp;With 3 kids on their way in colleges and a 14 year old left at home, I can see the new chapter approaching... Turning 49 just last week makes it more in the forefront. &nbsp;<br />I hope you find something with a purpose that fills your spirit if not your bank account...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359157 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 22:28:49 +0000 Echo 1359157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to suggest substitute teaching, but it looks like that might not be worthwhile for you. I have been a SAHM for about 14 years now, and I substitute teach and substitute aid at both the elementary/middle school and the high school. The money isn't great, but I needed hours that matched my kids since DH travels a lot, and it is more to keep me busy than for the money anyway. The schools cannot be beat for working hours, though.</p> <p>I was formerly in the printing industry, but that had me travelling about 4 days a week, constantly in airports. I cannot go back to that because my youngest is 10, and so I cannot leave them alone if I were to travel for work.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359073 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:08:00 +0000 Isabel 1359073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been a SAHM for 12 years now. &nbsp;I am also itching to get back to "something" over the next year or two. &nbsp;So I have been looking around. &nbsp;I also want to do a little substitute teaching and some volunteering at school, so that I can set myself up for tutoring. &nbsp;I am sure that you could tutor math and English for elementary kids...maybe even higher. &nbsp;There are so many things on Khan Academy and one is the entire curriculum for schools....and people are ALWAYS looking for tutors. &nbsp;You could also contact you local community colleges and ask if they need tutors in your areas of expertise.&nbsp;<br />I have a friend who actually teaches on-line courses at night in Biology and Chemistry. &nbsp;The great thing about all this is that all this is really, really flexible.<br />In our area there is also an enormous need for people to put kids on school buses in the morning and get them off the bus in the afternoon &nbsp;( because of parents' work&nbsp;schedules ) . &nbsp;Where I live, the going rate for 3 days&nbsp;at&nbsp;2 1/2 hours each day&nbsp;after school is $135.&nbsp;</p> <p>You could volunteer at a school or community college ( many provide tutors ) or at the library just so you can meet people and start building references and clientele by showing off your skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Good Luck !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1359035 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:16:06 +0000 Anonymous 1359035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I would get my feet wet&nbsp;in part time, substitute&nbsp;or volunteer work initially which would give&nbsp;you more flexibility to see what appeals to you.&nbsp;There are lots of&nbsp;organizations, substitute and&nbsp;contract companies in various fields to choose from. I would focus on what you know you like to do or would find interesting and try that route. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358940 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:57:52 +0000 abc 1358940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could drive for Uber if they are in your area (for some reason I've always thought a taxi/limo driver would be interesting - I hate monotonous work and like meeting new people) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358934 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:49:35 +0000 kkards 1358934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you might also think about non profit/volunter organizations. maybe start as an unpaid volunter to learn the ropes and meet people, then move into a paid postition. many of these types of organizations can't afford (and don't always need) a lot of full time employees, but will use some part timers to help round out staffing needs. also think about things like managing/running a doctors/dentists office etc. anyway, these are some of the things i think about when i dream about transitioning out of the 9-5 career, but not into full time retirement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358921 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:27:52 +0000 Mo 1358921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I figure it couldn't hurt to try. &nbsp;If you don't like it, you give notice and realize it wasn't for you. &nbsp;<br />It's funny, I have a friend who was a corporate shark of sorts and is now helping manage a gym and she loves it. &nbsp;So much more rewarding for her. &nbsp;It's the gym she's been going to for years. &nbsp;So her hidden career was right under her nose the whole time. &nbsp;And, yes, she's over 50, and overweight too if I'm being frank. You'd think a gym would want the 'toned physique' but that was not an obstacle for her.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, don't let any presuppositions&nbsp;get in your way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358902 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:04:13 +0000 retailgirl 1358902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As far as retail after 50 goes...if you aren't the one in charge, it can be confining. You will be on your feet, and told when to go on break, etc. you will work nights and weekends. you will have goals...sales goals as well as opening charge accounts, etc. much of the work is repetitive and monotonous, folding, hanging, making a display neat after a customer destroys it. But if you are in a specialty store environment where you have a lot of one on one customer interaction, it can be rewarding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358882 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:15:37 +0000 texstyle 1358882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could you start your own small business of some type? Maybe do tutoring for a fee? Depends on your contacts and such. </p> <p>I would think working at a retail store at 50+ might feel stifling after having so much freedom. Having to see the same three or so other workers every day in a tiny space, indoors, might make me a little crazy. I mean at first it would probably be okay, but the day to day grind, I'm not sure. I did retail when I was very young and even then I got a little cabin fever being in the store. Unless it's an exceptional jcrew in an outdoor type mall or something. There's a BR store in an outdoor mall I go to and it seems like it would be a much better atmosphere to work in as it has nice big windows looking out onto a well landscaped public spaced with a coffee shop right across the big sidewalk.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/getting-a-job-after-50-ideas-for-earning-a-little-money#post-1358876 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:56:04 +0000 karymk 1358876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all. &nbsp;Lately I have been itching to get into the workforce in some way, but I don't think I want a "career" 9-5 job so to speak. &nbsp;I just want the opportunity to learn some new skills and earn some money again. &nbsp;I am in the process of applying to our school district as a substitute teacher, but after I pay taxes in my husband's bracket the yield from subbing&nbsp;won't be that high. &nbsp;But I really do miss being in a classroom as a volunteer and at least this way I will earn something and get to be with little kids again.</p> <p>The other possibility is to work at my local JCrew. I don't know how i would fare in retail though. &nbsp;</p> <p>I guess my confidence is a little quashed due to "sitting out" the workforce to raise kids over the last 20 years.</p> <p>Before kids, I was a financial services product manager and &nbsp;money research writer. &nbsp;I do NOT want to go back into that dismal science again.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do you have any ideas? Have any of you been in my shoes, wanting to get out in the world and earn a little money? Have something to get up and get dressed for besides carpooling?&nbsp; </p>