Due to the rising cost of living, or the desire to remain active and alert, many retirees are looking for part-time work – and National Seniors Australia has been advocating on their behalf through its Let Pensioners Work campaign. 

Those seniors looking for more income may find themselves participating in the “gig economy”.

This is a rapidly growing sector of the workforce that involves flexible, short-term jobs or projects rather than more traditional permanent positions.

“Gigs” can include anything from driving for a ride-sharing service and delivering goods to freelance writing or consulting work.

Participating in the gig economy can provide:

• A source of income that supplements retirement savings.

• The flexibility to work as much or as little as desired, allowing retirees to balance work and leisure time.

• A sense of purpose and social interaction that retirees may miss after leaving the workforce.

However, the changing face of work requires careful navigation. Here are some tips for navigating the gig economy in retirement: 

• Choose the right jobs. When selecting gigs, it’s important to choose ones that fit your skills and experience. This will make it easier to be successful and ensure that you enjoy the work. For example, if you have experience in accounting, you may want to consider freelance bookkeeping work.

• Set realistic income goals. This will help you determine how much work you need to do. Remember, the gig economy can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible and adjust your goals as needed.

• Be professional. Even though gig work is often short-term and flexible, it’s important to be professional and treat it like a real job. This means being on time, communicating clearly with clients, and delivering high-quality work.

• Be prepared for taxes. When working in the gig economy, taxes can be more complicated than traditional employment. Make sure to keep careful records of income and expenses and consult with a professional to ensure you are reporting income correctly.

• Network and build a reputation. In the gig economy, reputation is everything. Make sure to network and build a positive reputation with clients to increase your chances of getting repeat business and referrals.