Part-Time Employment Opportunities for Seniors Over 65 – A Summary

Part-time work can be a rewarding way to stay socially engaged and mentally active while balancing health, family, or hobbies. Many employers value reliability, communication skills, and life experience—qualities often developed over decades. For those over 65 in Ireland, the part-time landscape spans on-site, hybrid, and remote roles, with options that suit varying mobility, schedules, and interests.

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs

A wide range of roles can align with experience and preferred working patterns. The examples below are commonly pursued by older adults and are presented for guidance rather than as specific offers.

• Reception and front-of-house: Greeting visitors, fielding calls, and supporting basic administration.
• Retail assistant: Customer support, stocking shelves, or point-of-sale duties with predictable shifts.
• Library or museum support: Visitor assistance, cataloguing, or event facilitation in calm environments.
• Administrative assistant: Scheduling, data entry, or document preparation in office or remote settings.
• Tutoring or mentoring: Sharing knowledge in academic subjects, trades, or professional skills.
• Driving and delivery: Local deliveries or scheduled transport with clear routes and timeframes.
• Care companion roles: Non-clinical support such as companionship or light household tasks.
• Hospitality support: Host, cashier, or back-of-house duties during daytime or limited shifts.
• Facilities attendant: Light caretaking, key holding, or building oversight for community venues.
• Tour guiding or cultural events: Sharing local knowledge, history, or interests with visitors.

When considering options, think about physical demands, noise levels, and commuting needs. Roles with defined routines and clear task boundaries often suit those who prefer steady pace and predictability.

Hiring for Over 70s

Employers in Ireland increasingly recognise the value of multi-generation teams. Age alone does not determine suitability; what matters is the alignment between duties and personal capacity. When exploring roles beyond 70, it helps to plan for the practicalities that support success:

• Role clarity: Confirm task scope, equipment provided, and expectations for training or onboarding.
• Work patterns: Discuss shift length, breaks, and the possibility of shorter or split shifts if useful.
• Ergonomics: Request simple adjustments—seating, screen height, or lifting limits—to support comfort and safety.
• Garda vetting and references: Some roles with children or vulnerable persons require vetting; gather documents in advance.
• Insurance and policies: Understand workplace policies on health and safety, sick leave, and any mandatory training.

Clear communication around availability and any access needs promotes smooth collaboration from the start and helps employers plan rosters effectively.

65 Plus Opportunities

Opportunities for those 65 and older span both experience-based roles and fresh directions. Many people repurpose prior careers into lighter, advisory, or project-based formats, while others choose something entirely different for variety and social connection.

• Use experience: Roles in mentoring, training, and customer care benefit from strong interpersonal skills.
• Consider remote or hybrid: Phone-based support, scheduling, or documentation can reduce commute time.
• Seasonal or event-based: Museums, festivals, and community venues may need part-time help at predictable times of year.
• Community-focused: Roles supporting local services, clubs, or cultural groups can be meaningful and flexible.

A practical step is to outline preferred hours, physical tasks you’re comfortable with, and any technology you use confidently. This aids conversations with potential employers about a realistic fit.

Skills and CV Tips for Later-Career Jobseekers

A concise CV and a short, targeted cover note make it easier for busy hiring managers to see fit quickly.

• Prioritise relevance: Lead with the last 10–15 years of experience or the achievements most related to the role.
• Show outcomes: Replace long duty lists with brief results, such as improved customer satisfaction or streamlined filing.
• Add transferable skills: Communication, timekeeping, conflict resolution, and basic digital literacy are widely applicable.
• Keep format readable: Clear headings, consistent dates, and simple fonts help with quick scanning.
• Prepare a short profile: 2–3 sentences on your strengths and preferred working pattern (for example, two or three short shifts per week).

If there are career breaks, a simple one-line explanation—caring responsibilities, volunteering, or study—usually suffices.

Balancing Health, Time, and Transport

Choosing an arrangement that supports wellbeing is key. Think about how the role fits your day-to-day life.

• Energy levels: Shorter shifts or non-consecutive days can help with pacing and recovery time.
• Commuting: Check public transport timings, lighting for early or late hours, and parking availability.
• Physical tasks: Clarify lifting requirements and access to trolleys or assistive tools when needed.
• Breaks and hydration: Establish where to rest, access to water, and quiet spaces if sensory breaks are useful.

These considerations reduce friction and make part-time work more sustainable over the long term.

Simple Steps to Start Your Search

A structured approach can make the process efficient and low-stress.

• Map strengths: List 5–7 tasks you enjoy and are willing to do regularly.
• Define limits: Note maximum hours per week and any days to avoid.
• Prepare a basic tech setup: A reliable phone, email access, and familiarity with video calls cover many roles.
• Gather documents: Photo ID, references, and records of any training or certifications make screening smoother.
• Explore local services: Community noticeboards and organisations in your area may share part-time needs.

Networking remains powerful. Brief conversations with acquaintances, clubs, or community groups can surface possibilities that align with your preferences, even when no formal vacancy is advertised.

Conclusion

Part-time work after 65 can be purposeful and adaptable, offering social connection, structure, and a channel for experience. By selecting roles that match energy, mobility, and interests—and by communicating clearly about hours and support needs—older adults can find arrangements that are both practical and personally satisfying, whether on-site, hybrid, or fully remote.