What job do you do?

Eliza_2

Evenin' all.  I'm looking for inspiration and wondered if those of you in employment could share what you do?

I'm 73, work part time from home doing admin work for a charity, I also do a couple of volunteer jobs and am vol secretary for a local community group but it isn't enough.  I recently wrote a research report relating to a funding application for another community group and really enjoyed stretching my brain again so I'd like to find another job - pref working from home most of the time as I have a dog.  And the money would certainly be handy.

So what do you do?   Or any other ideas?  I've been a parish clerk for years and don't want to do that again but any other thoughts gratefully received.  Am thinking 'proper job' not swagbucks etc.

Thanks - (Removed by Forum Team)

Edited to add - how has the no 2 arrived after my name?  Since the year dot I've been just Eliza!!  Weird.

tacpot12

I do some paid business consultancy (process improvement work), and have a couple of volunteer jobs. 

Writing grant applications is a very valuable skill, albeit the charities that want this sort of work doing need it because they need money, but they will pay someone who is successful at it. I think this is probably the best use of your skills. You have already worked on one grant application and enjoyed it - in my experience, we tend to enjoy what we are good at, and we are good at what we enjoy.

If you wanted to get out of the house, I think there are opportunities in residential sales and lettings doing things like inventories, photoshots, mid-term tenancy checks, etc. You will need a car and buisness insurance for that sort of work though.

Savvy_Sue

I agree that if you can pitch yourself to charities as a successful fundraiser, they may be willing to pay for it, and there certainly was a dearth of good fundraisers applying for jobs when I retired a couple of years ago. I'm not sure the OP has enough of a track record for that, but it's something that you could look out for. 

And the business consultancy is also something that's in demand, but you'd have to be ready to 'sell yourself' in order to get paid to do it. Having said that, networking is key, I think I've just got DH a gig by saying "he could do that" - but I'm not anticipating that he'll be paid for it. 

So, sorry if that's a bit negative. You asked what others do so ... 

I don't have any paid work these days, but way back in the day I did data entry for a journal: I'd get a pile of 'cards' to process and just type away. Then I'd help with proof-reading - I think I could market myself as a proof-reader if I wanted to, because I know I am both good, and fast. And I know one of my siblings has done something a bit similar for a local delivery company - updating the prices on their website each week. 

Another sibling is a lipreading tutor. That's a bit niche, I know, and there's quite a long training you need to do - although I think you can start earning before you've qualified, working alongside someone more experienced. You would have to leave the house for that, but you might be able to take the dog with you. https://atlalipreading.org.uk/

DH does invigilation for the local university, and a friend assures me he would be snapped up by many local schools too (the one we did contact just ignored him ...) which would extend the 'season'. He also works for a local charity as their Compliance, Admin and Finance Officer: sounds grand, but he organises meetings, takes minutes, does the accounts, pays the staff (just him, ATM!) and tells them when they're trying to do something they can't, or shouldn't - there are still people who have no idea about data protection and what it means in practice! That may be quite similar to what you're doing already, but if you've got finance skills that broadens the roles available to you. 

You don't want to parish clerk again, but would Clerk to the Governors at your local school be of interest? I think that is often a paid position. 

And, randomly, the best part-time job my sons ever had was usher at the local independent cinema. Again, you have to leave the house, and I suspect it being independent made it a better place to be than a massive multiplex. 

MSE_James

This has the potential to be an interesting thread but please could we remind everyone to keep their answers general, and avoid posting anything that might give away your identity, in line with the Forum rules.

Eliza_2 said:

Edited to add - how has the no 2 arrived after my name?  Since the year dot I've been just Eliza!!  Weird.

This would have happened when we moved forum software four and a half years ago, and numbers were appended to the usernames of anyone who had a duplicate username. 

(If anyone thinks their username may give away their identity, please email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com to request a username change, giving some options for potential alternatives)

Rosa_Damascena

I see a classic case of Imposter Syndrome - a skilled person underselling themselves.

If the chazza you are at currently doesn't give you a chance to write bids based on the fact that you do "admin" now then jump ship and find one that does respect you. Clerk to schools - its a nice job, but it does require knowledge of regulations, which you will be able to pick up but its a question of whether you wish to invest the time and brain space. If its not a passion, I would look elsewhere.

If you do want to get out and about for a day a week, I wonder if you might like to be an usher at a magistrate's court? You would be keeping order inside and outside courtrooms etc. There may be opportunities to provide support for virtual hearings, but you would also be expected to be tech support when connectivity goes Pete Tong, which they inevitably do!

Murphybear

Retired now for a few years.  One of my most interesting jobs was working for a mental health charity. 

HillsideRetired

few hours a week at local college helping out with exams 

louby40

Primary school teacher since 1996. Been fulltime up until a year ago when I dropped a day. Retiring next year though, just from teaching as I'm only 56 but need to do something else. Totally lost my love of education.

Bravepants

Retired from my career, now an exam invigilator as needed for a local high school. I also do an average of 10 hours a week on the afternoon shift of a pub. This basically pays my pocket money bill.

Katiehound

Job now: fully retired!

However I retired early and went on to be a volunteer with Blue Cross taking my 'educator' dog into schools & youth groups to spread the word about responsible pet ownership, the charity, animals used in wartime etc.
 Loved it, sadly Katie hound (the original) died young & it was no longer enjoyable to do that job without a dog.

DasTechniker

I worked all my life in the Oil / Gas / Chemical sector and suddenly found myself at age 50 faced with a decision - move into a different position or retirement due to ill health. After 30 years of struggling with my hearing, it finally fell off a cliff. Almost overnight I became profoundly deaf and could not continue in my job due to the safety aspect. So I chose to go. Because of the nature of my retirement, I could claim my company pensions and have never looked back. 

I did consider looking for some part time work in the caretaker/ odd job line, but my wife said to me why bother, so we made a pact - she would continue working as she liked her job and I would look after the household chores. That continued until she too retired but somehow I still do the chores! 🤔 I sometimes bump into former workmates and we all agree that we don’t know how we had the time to go to work with all other the things that’s going on. And don’t forget the grandkids, that was a part time job in itself.😅 

In my 70’s now but taking it easy. Not long out of hospital after having a total knee replacement. People may criticise the NHS, but in my neck of the woods the local hospital has been designated a major orthopaedic hub for the area and the services have been second to none. In and out in just under 30 hours and seeing the surgeon again this week followed by physiotherapy class later. Mrs Techniker supporting me with steady supply of tea and coffee. 😁