Boomer - Semi Retired but Insufficient Income

[Ombud]

So what's next? Worked in gov't for a few decades leaving as an Ombudsman [hence my title] but the pension is small despite what the press would have you believe. Plus I had to pay 66k on leaving to get even that so that really diminished my 457 [401k for gov't workers]. I have owned a business before and tried one after leaving but this economy is incredibly tough. I am only able to find minimum wage jobs and they all tell me that I am overqualified [MA in Behavioral Science emphasis: Conflict Resolution, like that'll pay for their college tuition! LOL] I even went to work for $8 an hour, less than 1/3 my prior position but cannot cry over spilt milk.

Has anyone made a go of turning a hobby into income? REAL income??

[mmhmm]

You might want to take this question down to the Your Money forum, Ombud. It's the kind of thing people there like to discuss and a lot of them have good advice to give. I won't move this thread, as it's pertinent where it is and some who have something to offer might find it here. I do think you'll get some action in Your Money, though.

[cronewitch]

I offered a job to a retired woman this weekend. She was a manager at her last job but she is retired a few years. She works part time for my brother and his wife and watches her grandson 3 mornings a week. She jumped at the chance for a part time temp job with no benefits. She will be doing data entry that doesn't pay half what she is probably worth in a real job. She is 59 and we need a adult who can do what they are asked to do without drama. We will let her go when we aren't so swamped with work but call her back whenever we need someone for even a few hours if she works out. So she is better than calling a temp agency and getting a different person each time we need someone and cheaper for us and more money for her.

Try temp agencies, you might get a few short term jobs then later after your contract is over you can contact them to see if they want you temp or part time without the agency. Most agencys don't allow you to bypass paying huge fees to them if you hire a temp away from them so any company that tries that isn't ethical and you shouldn't want to work for them.

[kittensaver]

My retired neighbor just went to the extension program at our local community college to learn medical billing. With the advent of ACA in 2014, this field is expected to take off. She intends to work part-time from home on her own schedule. According to her, she already has leads from other independent billers who are looking to pass along work they don't want or can't handle.

It will be interesting to see if it actually pans out after she finishes next semester. BUT - something to think about?

[Ombud]

Update: PT asst marking rep. Yea me! ;D

[Waffle]

Congratulations!

[Jaguar]

[resolution]

Congrats on the marketing job! Have you considered an adjunct instructor position at the local community college teaching a class in conflict resolution or some related topic?

[Ombud]

I've been working as a tax preparer for a non-CPA firm this season & he asked me to teach the class in the fall. I'm psyched! Just 1040s. I was trained by VITA in their first season over 10 years ago and have been a hobbyist in it ever since (my definition: it covers trips only)

[Peace Of Mind]

Our HOA is hiring a pool boy.  I think I'll offer to help with the interviewing process.  

[Jaguar]

Apr 16, 2013 16:21:43 GMT -5 Peace Of Mind said:

Our HOA is hiring a pool boy.  I think I'll offer to help with the interviewing process.  

First find your glasses and your cane.

[Peace Of Mind]

I could always use my hands to feel my way around.    

[Jaguar]

Oh yeah you most certainly could do that. Or oversee that the HOA doesn't hire a pool boy needing glasses and a cane. Make sure this chap is EE approved. We want pictures.

[Ombud]

Entertaining offer to sell business. Does 3x last 3 years income seem fair?