Working part-time during retirement can be an excellent decision, especially if you’re planning to collect Social Security benefits at age 62. Engaging in part-time work can help you optimize your resources, regardless of whether you have a substantial or limited amount saved.
Many retirees find part-time work fulfilling, allowing them to remain active and creative. For example, I know a woman who, although financially secure, chooses to work one or two days a week just to get out of the house!
No matter your motivation, don’t let anyone deter you by claiming that you’re not truly retired if you take on part-time work.
Collecting Social Security while Working Part-Time
It’s your hard-earned money, so be smart about how you use it. Consider starting to receive Social Security benefits at 62 while supplementing your income with part-time work.
Invest in yourself, following principles similar to those outlined in “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” Make your Social Security benefits work for you; explore ways to invest them while still earning a paycheck.
When I mention investing, I’m not referring to the volatile stock market where your retirement savings could disappear overnight.
Instead, consider investing in yourself. This could involve purchasing land for retirement, starting a business, writing that book you’ve always wanted to, or paying off debts. Use your funds in a way that will enhance your situation and explore opportunities that can generate passive income in the future.
It’s important to note that before you reach full retirement age, there are limits on how much you can earn annually before it affects your Social Security benefits. However, this shouldn’t be a major concern.
Read: Exceeded Social Security Earnings Limit: Don’t Worry
Advantages of Working Part-Time While Receiving Benefits
Working part-time while collecting Social Security offers multiple benefits. When you work part-time and pay Social Security taxes, you can increase the credits in your account, potentially raising your benefits at full retirement age.
If you continue to work after you begin collecting Social Security benefits at age 62, the Social Security Administration will recalculate your benefit amount to reflect those additional years of work.
Taking advantage of part-time work during retirement can be quite beneficial.
Stretching Your Resources with Part-Time Work
After retirement, you may have another 20 years or more to enjoy. If you need extra income, consider part-time work. Many retirees opt for seasonal jobs, like driving shuttle buses in national parks or taking temporary retail positions during the holidays.
Others use their expertise to start businesses or offer consulting services.
Even if you feel financially secure with your retirement savings, a part-time job can still be a smart move. It can supplement your income and allow your retirement funds to continue growing longer.
Embrace Your Creativity with Part-Time Work
Research shows that maintaining social connections and engaging your mind can significantly enhance your health and reduce the risk of serious illnesses. A wonderful way to exercise both body and mind, while also seeking new challenges, is to pursue creative part-time work.
With a little effort, you can turn your creative talents into income. For instance, if you enjoy painting, now could be the perfect time to dive deeper into this passion. Selling your artwork at a local shop can be very rewarding and can generate some additional cash flow. Alternatively, you could create an Etsy store to market your crafts online, transforming a beloved hobby into an exciting part-time role.
YouTube offers a fantastic platform for sharing your creativity and experiences. Many older adults create content on a variety of subjects, such as RV lifestyles, pantry prepping, and wilderness survival skills. Here are a few channels to explore:
You might find these websites interesting:
After years of raising children and collaborating with my husband in business, I now focus on building my online presence, a journey that many older adults are also embracing.
Conclusion
Choosing to work part-time during retirement is a wise decision for many. Collecting Social Security benefits while taking on a part-time job allows you to invest in yourself and maintain financial security. If you need additional income, part-time work can provide the support you require. Even if you don’t need the extra money, working part-time can help you grow your savings. Additionally, maintaining a job in retirement can keep you active as you age, promoting better health while potentially creating a new income stream.
Last Update: 11/07/25
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Are you retired and working part-time? Please feel free to comment below! And before you go, please take a moment to subscribe to our newsletter, and like us on Facebook!
Hi,
Thank you for your interesting article. I have a question about your comment…
“When you work part-time and pay Social Security taxes, the credits in your account increase, which can raise your benefits when you reach full retirement age.”
What do you mean by this? It sounds like you are saying that If I retire early and still work, when I reach full retirement age I will suddenly get a higher amount of social security? I never know this to be true. Please elaborate.
Hi Rebecca, Great question! Let me clarify. If you work and if your latest year of earnings turns out to
be one of your highest years, Social Security will recalculate and pay you any increase that’s due. Your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Not knowing your history, or current earnings, I can only say that’s it’s possible. It’s a point I try to emphasize because many people don’t know this. This PDF from Social Security explains the topic in detail. https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf Please check out page 7 where this question is answered. Thank you!
Best,
Marlene, Yoga Woman
What about healthcare insurance?
Hello Dottie, Thanks for asking. Rebel Retiree and I went for a time without coverage until Medicare kicked in. However, some of the options available include COBRA, Medicaid, state programs, individual and family plans, and health savings accounts. I’ve read that part-time work occasionally includes health insurance. I encourage you to explore these options to determine if they are appropriate for your unique situation. I know that health insurance is expensive and can be a deal breaker for some folks wanting to retire at 62. Thanks for stopping by. I hope this helps and you’re able to retire sooner instead of later.
Best,
Marlene, Yoga Woman
Health Insurance is a big deal. You need it more than ever. Thirty six months without it is NOT advisable. You will need to buy insurance. Consider that it could cost you a lot more than before you started to collect benefits and were receiving benefits from SS. Do your research before you take the leap. Learn from my mistakes. One more thing most part time jobs DO NOT offer benefits like health insurance, holiday, sick pay or personal time pay. Be careful.
Congratulations on your retirement, Eric! Happy to hear that retiring at 62 has been so beneficial to your health. Thanks for stopping by and leaving an uplifting comment.
All the best,
Marlene, Yoga Woman