So you’ve retired from the daily grind and now you’re asking yourself what’s next? Whether you are looking to fill some time, make some extra money or turn your avocation into your next vocation, opportunities for meaningful part-time work in our area are as diverse as they are abundant. Here are just a few interesting part-time jobs recommended by Westchester’s “unretired” population.
Historic Hudson Valley:
Tour Guide
If you love history and want to share your passion with the public, a part-time gig as a tour guide at one of the Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) sites may be right up your alley. Just ask Hal Greenberg, a retired businessman turned part-time guide at Sunnyside in Tarrytown, who explains, “In addition to giving my week structure, providing me with an entirely new set of friends, keeping me physically and mentally active, I have been given an opportunity to give back to the community.” HHV’s program associates and museum guides provide seasonal tours to the public as well as to schools at Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Union Church, and Kykuit. Look for job openings on their website hudsonvalley.org, and submit applications via email.
The Best Part: You get to indulge your inner history buff while touring around a fantastically beautiful venue and make a little extra money!
Westchester County Public Schools:
Paraprofessional Educator
Paraprofessionals are always in demand in our public schools. There are 43 school districts in Westchester, so there are plenty of opportunities for work right in your own backyard. Besides prepping lessons, monitoring recess and lunchrooms, paras work in the classroom assisting teachers, and sometimes are assigned one-on-one to students with special needs. Marie Haniuk started working as a paraprofessional at Pequenakonck Elementary School in North Salem 20 years ago after she retired from being an art teacher. Haniuk says, “My favorite part of my job is helping the children learn to read and write.” Each district has their own pay scale and packages. The starting pay can be anywhere from $15 to $17 per hour and can increase with years of service. You do not need to have a teaching background to apply, but applicants do need to submit to a thorough background check and, depending on the district, may need to pass a proficiency test or have an undergraduate degree.
The Best Part: Being surrounded by the laughter of little children, not to mention snow days, school vacations, and summers off!
Person 2 Person, LLC Recruiting Firm:
Consultant, Administrative Assistant, Data Entry & Receptionist
According to Luba Sydor, owner of Person 2 Person, a recruiting firm which places individuals in biotech, research, and pharmaceutical jobs, boomers taking on part-time work is a growing trend among today’s workforce. “More companies are recognizing the value of mature workers – and they’re starting to hire them,” she says. Sydor, who places job seekers from every age demographic says she has plenty of part-time opportunities for those looking to come out of retirement and try their hand at data entry, reception, and administrative roles. Or for those retirees with a background in the life sciences, a part-time consulting gig might be perfect for you! To apply for a position, send an email to: lsydor@person2personllc.com
The Best Part: You get the opportunity to dive headfirst into an entirely new industry, meet new people and maybe even make new friends.
Seniors Helping Seniors of Westchester & Putnam:
Home Companion
With a mission to help seniors live at home as long as possible, this elder care company hires people for part-time, non-medical home care for seniors in need of a little extra assistance. Home companions can earn between $13 to $15 per hour, providing companionship, help with light chores, and assistance running errands. Owner Debra Lang says of her team (who range in age from 56 to 74), “My employees come from all walks of life, but what they all have in common is that they enjoy making connections and working with and helping other seniors.” Long-time employee Veronica Kimball agrees, “ If you are a people person, this job is a great fit!” To apply, send an email to SHS.DebraLang@gmail.com.
The Best Part: This is a job that keeps you busy while enabling you to meet new people and – because you are helping those in need – you go home feeling great every day!
If none of these part-time positions strike a chord, don’t worry. According to Sydor, there is plenty of work out there. The trick is to think of this time as a chance to specialize in what you truly love and perhaps even discover an entirely new industry that you’ve always been eager to learn about. “Think about the key strengths and skills that made you successful in your professional career. These skills, along with your passion for a specific cause, will be your greatest selling points during the search.”
Ali Jackson-Jolley & Maryanne D’Amato are a writing duo based in Westchester County, NY, where they work as columnists and contributing writers to some of the top local and regional publications in Westchester.
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17 Mar 2017
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So you’ve retired from the daily grind and now you’re asking yourself what’s next? Whether you are looking to fill some time, make some extra money or turn your avocation into your next vocation, opportunities for meaningful part-time work in our area are as diverse as they are abundant. Here are just a few interesting part-time jobs recommended by Westchester’s “unretired” population.
Tour Guide
If you love history and want to share your passion with the public, a part-time gig as a tour guide at one of the Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) sites may be right up your alley. Just ask Hal Greenberg, a retired businessman turned part-time guide at Sunnyside in Tarrytown, who explains, “In addition to giving my week structure, providing me with an entirely new set of friends, keeping me physically and mentally active, I have been given an opportunity to give back to the community.” HHV’s program associates and museum guides provide seasonal tours to the public as well as to schools at Philipsburg Manor, Van Cortlandt Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Union Church, and Kykuit. Look for job openings on their website hudsonvalley.org, and submit applications via email.
The Best Part: You get to indulge your inner history buff while touring around a fantastically beautiful venue and make a little extra money!
Westchester County Public Schools:
Paraprofessional Educator
Paraprofessionals are always in demand in our public schools. There are 43 school districts in Westchester, so there are plenty of opportunities for work right in your own backyard. Besides prepping lessons, monitoring recess and lunchrooms, paras work in the classroom assisting teachers, and sometimes are assigned one-on-one to students with special needs. Marie Haniuk started working as a paraprofessional at Pequenakonck Elementary School in North Salem 20 years ago after she retired from being an art teacher. Haniuk says, “My favorite part of my job is helping the children learn to read and write.” Each district has their own pay scale and packages. The starting pay can be anywhere from $15 to $17 per hour and can increase with years of service. You do not need to have a teaching background to apply, but applicants do need to submit to a thorough background check and, depending on the district, may need to pass a proficiency test or have an undergraduate degree.
The Best Part: Being surrounded by the laughter of little children, not to mention snow days, school vacations, and summers off!
Person 2 Person, LLC Recruiting Firm:
Consultant, Administrative Assistant, Data Entry & Receptionist
According to Luba Sydor, owner of Person 2 Person, a recruiting firm which places individuals in biotech, research, and pharmaceutical jobs, boomers taking on part-time work is a growing trend among today’s workforce. “More companies are recognizing the value of mature workers – and they’re starting to hire them,” she says. Sydor, who places job seekers from every age demographic says she has plenty of part-time opportunities for those looking to come out of retirement and try their hand at data entry, reception, and administrative roles. Or for those retirees with a background in the life sciences, a part-time consulting gig might be perfect for you! To apply for a position, send an email to: lsydor@person2personllc.com
The Best Part: You get the opportunity to dive headfirst into an entirely new industry, meet new people and maybe even make new friends.
Seniors Helping Seniors of Westchester & Putnam:
Home Companion
With a mission to help seniors live at home as long as possible, this elder care company hires people for part-time, non-medical home care for seniors in need of a little extra assistance. Home companions can earn between $13 to $15 per hour, providing companionship, help with light chores, and assistance running errands. Owner Debra Lang says of her team (who range in age from 56 to 74), “My employees come from all walks of life, but what they all have in common is that they enjoy making connections and working with and helping other seniors.” Long-time employee Veronica Kimball agrees, “ If you are a people person, this job is a great fit!” To apply, send an email to SHS.DebraLang@gmail.com.
The Best Part: This is a job that keeps you busy while enabling you to meet new people and – because you are helping those in need – you go home feeling great every day!
If none of these part-time positions strike a chord, don’t worry. According to Sydor, there is plenty of work out there. The trick is to think of this time as a chance to specialize in what you truly love and perhaps even discover an entirely new industry that you’ve always been eager to learn about. “Think about the key strengths and skills that made you successful in your professional career. These skills, along with your passion for a specific cause, will be your greatest selling points during the search.”