But while the rate of retired workers returning to the workforce has returned to pre-pandemic levels — roughly 3% —
After Mlaker noticed that there was a lot of paint work being done in his community, he spoke with a handyman friend, who told him he could"pick up any side job" if he wanted to. Since he'd run a small painting business for nearly three years in his 20s, it seemed like a natural fit. "I said,"Hey, I'm new in the community. I'm retired. If you're looking for a small paint job, here you go," Mlaker recalls. Mlaker tries to not work more than three days per week. The typical job takes four to five hours and generates about $275 in profit, while the biggest require three 8-hour days and bring in roughly $1,400 in profit — equivalent to approximately $55 in profit per hour worked.
There has been plenty of demand for his business right in his neighborhood. In fact, Mlaker says he hasn't left his gated community once for a job, which"fits perfectly" for his lifestyle. Mlaker picks the days he works and loves the flexibility his business provides. He recalls running out of paint on a job one morning, going to the paint store near the beach, relaxing at the beach for two hours, then heading back and finishing up his work.
Heard of Warren Buffet? He never retired.
It’s the only option in this economy.