The 9 Top Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

If you’re a baby boomer, you may have reached the typical retirement age. However, that doesn’t mean you have to stop working (if you don’t want to). According to a recent survey by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, almost half of baby boomer workers expect to or already are working past age 70. In fact, elderly workers, aged 65+, are the fastest growing segment of the workforce.

Many baby boomers are taking advantage of the increase in remote job opportunities to find the perfect side hustle or embark on a second career. In addition to providing extra income, remote jobs for baby boomers offer a practical way to balance career with life transitions. So, if you aren’t quite ready for retirement, but you’d like a change of pace and a boost in income, below are popular remote jobs for baby boomers.

1. Administrative Assistant Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Many businesses and professionals require virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks remotely, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing documents. This is a perfect opportunity for baby boomers with a background in office management or operations.

These positions offer a lot of flexibility as many are contract or freelance roles. However, if you’re interested in these positions, you will need to have a good grasp of new technologies and productivity packages.

2. Online Tutoring Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Another very flexible remote job is online tutoring. Baby boomers with expertise in a particular subject or a background in instruction can offer online tutoring services to students of all ages. Platforms like Tutor.com and VIPKid provide opportunities to connect with students globally.

Many online tutoring roles provide K-12 students with academic support and exam prep. However, there are other roles available including teaching English as a second language. As with administrative roles, you will need a good grasp of relevant technologies such as video chat software and learning management systems.

3. Consulting Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Baby boomers with extensive industry experience can work as remote consultants, providing guidance and expertise to individuals, startups, or businesses. They usually specialize in a field, such as information technology, healthcare, or marketing, and provide their expert opinion on how clients can reach their goals. Consultants assess their client’s current situation, propose solutions, and recommend execution strategies.

These roles can be very flexible if undertaken on a contract or freelance basis. This is especially true for baby boomers with an extensive professional network. However, if you’re seeking regular employment, these roles can be more demanding and require full-time hours.

4. Writer/Editor Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Writing and editing skills are in high demand in the remote job market and can be a great fit for older workers with specialized knowledge. Editors review written materials to be published to print and online platforms, while writers create content for websites, contribute to newspapers and magazines, assist with textbook writing projects, and craft original fiction and non-fiction works.

These are roles that can be completed on a freelance basis offering ultimate flexibility and choice for older workers. There are also online platforms that help freelance writers and editors find suitable contracts, including Upwork or Freelancer.

5. Customer Service Representative Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

If you’re an older worker that enjoys interacting with others and helping people, then a virtual customer service job might be the perfect role. Many companies hire remote customer service representatives to handle customer inquiries and support. Baby boomers with excellent communication and problem-solving skills can excel in these roles.

These roles may be telephone-based, but chances are you will still need to learn related software skills such as timesheet software and internal communication tools such as Slack. In addition, these roles are more time-based than many others and frequently require set hours.

6. Sales Representative Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Baby boomers with sales experience can work remotely as sales representatives, promoting products or services and closing deals over the phone or through online communication channels. These roles are available in a variety of fields, such as medical devices, software applications, industrial equipment, and transportation.

Many companies waive any education requirements for work history and subject matter expertise. This makes it a good role for older workers that have knowledge or experience in a particular industry. For example, a software sales representative doesn’t necessarily need a computer science degree but should have at least some experience with using, programming, or selling applications.

7. Bookkeeping / Accounting Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

With their strong financial acumen, baby boomers can work remotely as bookkeepers or accountants, managing financial records and providing financial advice to individuals or businesses. Roles vary from seasonal roles as tax preparers to year-round employment to help businesses stay organized and maximize tax incentives.

This is a very flexible role for baby boomers allowing for one or multiple clients. However, there may be additional training or licensing required depending on the state. At minimum, a solid understanding of tax law and excellent accounting skills are necessary to ensure accuracy and compliance.

8. Healthcare/Telemedicine Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

Baby boomers with a medical background can explore opportunities in remote healthcare, such as telemedicine consultations, medical transcription, or medical coding. Benefiting from new technologies and a fast-growing industry there are an increasing number of remote roles available.

Job requirements and the opportunity for flexibility varies depending on the role, and of course, education and experience requirements will be the same for on-site and remote clinical roles. However, roles in transcription and coding can be trained for in a minimal amount of time.

9. Travel Agent Remote Jobs for Baby Boomers

If you’re looking for travel perks in addition to extra income, then a position as a remote travel agent may be just the ticket. Travel agents help clients arrange transportation, lodging, and activities for personal vacations and business trips. As part of the job, agents often can access discounts for hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and tours.

While travel agents do not have to be licensed by the federal government, licensing or registration of travel agents varies by state. In addition to a background in travel, tourism, or hospitality, these roles will require technical skills in specialized software packages. Companies may offer specialized training, especially for agents working with corporate or executive clients.

Remote Work Tips for Baby Boomers

Though baby boomers remain a vital component of the American workforce, the nature of work continues to change. Therefore, baby boomers may need to adapt to keep up with the times and find occupations that align with their lifestyle goals. Here are a few tips to consider.

Learn Current Technology. When you work remotely, technology skills are critical for success. Learn or refresh your basic computer skills and practice using common software applications.
Be Aware of Generational Differences. While baby boomers are the fastest-growing age group in the workforce, it’s important for all generations to recognize and learn from their differences.
Consider Seasonal Work. Individuals who aren’t quite ready to retire can find part-time, temporary, and seasonal work to bulk up their bank accounts while preventing burnout.
Try Something New. After spending 30 years or more in the workforce, why not try something new? Challenging yourself helps the brain stay young and healthy.

Are you ready for your next career? If you’re ready to leave the daily commute in the dust, sign up as a Virtual Vocations member and get started on the next chapter of your career.

Which of these careers grabbed your attention? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!