I Asked ChatGPT What Jobs Will Make Me Feel Like I’m Retired — Here’s What It Said
Written by
Ellie Diamond
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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The early retirement lifestyle appeals to many people, but it’s not always financially realistic. The good news is, you don’t necessarily have to retire to enjoy that relaxed, low-stress mindset.
With ChatGPT able to scan the internet for job ideas, it’s easier than ever to find ways of feeling like you’re retired while still earning money. Whether you focus on one of these jobs or piece them together into a gig-work career, you’ll have your pick of options.
Library Assistant or Bookstore Worker
ChatGPT seems to believe that working with books means a quiet lifestyle. The first two recommendations on its list were to work in a bookstore or library. ChatGPT described it as “quiet, calm, [and] low stress,” all of which may be accurate descriptors, but there’s no guarantee. Working with the public can be unpredictable, and bookstore and library workers are often on their feet.
Library assistants earn a median of $16 per hour, with some earning up to $21 per hour. Bookstore clerks earn a bit less, with a median wage slightly under $13 per hour. If you need to earn more, you may want to aim for a bookstore management position or become a librarian.
Nature Center Guide or Park Ranger
This is ChatGPT’s first recommendation for aspiring retirees with an outdoorsy side. It describes the setting as “physical but not stressful,” with “lots of strolling and talking with visitors.”
If that sounds like a retired lifestyle, consider looking for jobs as a nature guide or interpretive guide at a natural reserve. ZipRecruiter puts the average pay for a nature guide at $17 per hour, but some make as much as $29.
Payscale puts wages for a park ranger slightly higher, with a median of $21. Park rangers work for the U.S. Department of the Interior and can serve in many roles, from leading educational programming to providing emergency or security services. You can pursue your passion as you would in retirement while still making money.
Arts, Music or Crafts Instructor
If you’re skilled at a creative hobby and enjoy being around people, you can build a rewarding and lucrative career teaching your craft. ChatGPT recommended working at a community center or local studio because “you set your own pace, [and] people come because they want to be there.”
The earning potential varies based on what, where and whom you teach. Payscale puts the median wage for a teaching artist at $20.52, but you can earn much more in certain markets or with specific qualifications. For example, a private music teacher earns a median of $51 per hour, according to the site.
Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
If you love pets, you can get started working with them quickly and easily by offering your services on a marketplace site, such as Rover or Wag. Another option is to build your own business through community advertising and word of mouth.
Dog walkers earn a median wage of $18.07 per hour, with the top 10% earning $40 and up. Dog sitters earn less per hour, $16.86 as the median, but you can earn more by charging by the day. Multi-pet gigs can earn even more. Browse Rover or Wag listings to learn the going rates in your area.
Tutor or Substitute Teacher
Substituting is a rewarding yet flexible way to make a difference in the lives of kids in your community without the pressure of being a regular classroom teacher. ChatGPT described it as “rewarding without the grind.”
Many real-life retirees become substitutes, but you don’t necessarily need a background in education. You will need to pass a background check, and some districts require substitute teacher training. The pay varies by district, with a national median of $17.13 per hour.
Private tutoring can pay more, with a median hourly rate of $25. Pay varies by location and depends significantly on your background, including whether you have teaching experience in your chosen subject.
Freelance Fixer or Repairer
ChatGPT said this feels like “doing your weekend projects,” something many people look forward to in retirement. Freelancing lets you choose the types of jobs you take on, from odd jobs to specialized tasks like bike repair. You can earn a median of $26 per hour with the right skill set, and there are plenty of ways to market yourself. Find the right job, and you’ll feel like you’re retired every day of your working life.
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