Taxes and Bookkeeping

• If you worked in accounting or bookkeeping in your previous place of employment, you may already be equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to serve as a tax preparer. Market your services to friends, family and fellow retirees. With bookkeeping experience, you can reach out to local small businesses and offer assistance on a part-time basis. If you've always had an interest in fields, such as tax preparation and bookkeeping, local tax firms and colleges often offer courses that can give you the foundation skills necessary to get started in these fields.
  
  

Real Estate Agent

• Start hitting the books to get prepared to pass your real estate exam. As a real estate agent you can specialize in helping fellow retirees find homes that are easier to manage during their golden years. Reach out to this niche since you likely understand their needs and wants in a new or vacation home. Real estate agents can work in the neighborhoods they're most familiar with and enjoy flexible hours, which still leaves time for an active lifestyle outside of business. If you're a former real estate agent, you may decide to become a broker, dedicated to growing a firm of real estate agents you mentor.
  
  

Career Advisor

• With human resources experience, you can lend your expertise to job seekers. From assisting with resume and cover letter writing to providing coaching on interview techniques and how to dress for career success. You can focus on a specific market, such as stay-at-home moms re-entering the job force, recent graduates or mid-career changers. Network with local colleges, community centers or parenting associations to reach your potential clientele.
  
  

Travel Agent

• If you're an avid traveler with knowledge of all the best places to vacation during the winter and summer months, if you're traveling with children or if you want a romantic getaway, start a small travel agency. As a travel agent you can help your clients find the best vacation spots that fit their budgets, lifestyles and other wants and needs.
  
  

Public Speaking and Seminars

• With all of your years of work experience you've got knowledge to share, and if you promote yourself, people will want to listen. Whether you're a customer service professional or retired relationship adviser, you can offer your services as a keynote speaker at events or as a seminar leader. Outline the types of topics you're interested in speaking about and let local organizations and groups, who service your target market, know about what you can offer by mailing letters of introduction. Include your name, the types of topics you cover, what makes you the best person to speak on those topics, your typical rates and information on how to book you.
  
  

Craft Business

• Crafty retirees can spend more time creating while leaving thoughts of going to a nine-to-five job behind them. Whether you make pot holders, jewelry or ceramic creations, you can sell your products on your website; advertise on blogs and other websites; attend trade shows, local community arts and crafts shows; or at yard sales. You may even be able to partner with local businesses that are willing to hang or place your art in their stores and earn a commission from your sales.
  
  

Blogger

• Put your expertise or opinions on the web by starting a blog. Make yourself stand out by trying to attract a specific niche. If you were a daycare center director, you may start a blog offering current owners and directors tips for increasing enrollments, or if your previous career was in jewelry sales, you might start a blog that helps men pick jewelry pieces for their spouses.