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I RECENTLY WROTE about taking a seasonal part-time position during the holidays. My job at the bookstore has now ended. Later this year, I’ll decide whether I want to take another part-time job. With that in mind, I thought I’d review the good and not-so-good aspects of the job, while they’re still fresh in my memory.
Let’s start with the plusses. First, the job gave structure to my weeks. My employer provided me with a work schedule three weeks in advance. That allowed me to plan my other commitments around the job. Most mornings, I woke up knowing what I had to accomplish that day. Even days when I didn’t work required a bit of planning, since I had less wiggle room to postpone tasks to the next day.
Second, there was the interaction with coworkers and customers. I enjoyed talking about the latest books. I’d never before heard of Colleen Hoover. Some customers had never heard of Tony Hillerman or Bertrand Russell. It was great discussing Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books with a customer who had just discovered them. I learned far more about manga and romance novels than I thought I’d ever need to know. I can now at least discuss both genres without a blank stare on my face.
The third benefit was that I lost weight while working. I regularly walk the dog, ride my bike and do strength training. But the job provided several thousand additional steps on workdays as I traversed the sales floor shelving books and assisting customers, plus the work schedule kept me from sneaking in a mid-afternoon snack.
Finally, there was the money. I hadn’t taken the job because I needed the money to meet daily living expenses or to keep up with inflation. Instead, I opted to work to keep from being bored. But let’s face it, bringing in a few extra dollars can be satisfying.
What about the job wasn’t great? Paradoxically, the daily structure may have been a benefit, but it was also the largest drawback. I was once again working for The Man—or, in this case, The Woman. While my employer was flexible about when I worked, I didn’t want to be a burden and place too many restrictions on my work schedule. That meant that, for six weeks, I missed my biweekly game night with friends. As we get older, we have fewer friends and connections. Skipping those games for six weeks was a bigger deal than I’d imagined. I also missed a family gathering that took place one weekend.
Next October, I’ll have to decide whether the benefits of seasonal part-time work are greater than the drawbacks. Which way am I leaning? Right now, it really is a toss-up.
Perhaps instead you could find a more year round position somewhat related to your former profession but in a small business and you could negotiate your hours and time off.
A friend of mine with an accounting degree had worked in accounting early in her career but moved on to exective level marketing and customer service in a major corporation. After she retired, an HVAC business in her hometown needed a bookkeeper/office manager type when the owner suddenly died and the wife had to take over the business. My friend negotitated 2 days a week but set her own hours as desired . And vacation (6 weeks winter vacation). She has never missed a moment of her personal life which includes grandchildren.
This arrangement has worked well for 10 years but three years ago the business owner complained that she had to hire two more people because my friend isn’t around enough . My friend countered with “but this is the agreement we made”. My friend is so good at her job that not only is she still there but she now takes 12 weeks vacation in the winter.
Never underestimate the importance of good mental health as well as good physical health in retirement once you are out of the harness.
Thanks for this. I keep thinking I should take some regular part-time work but for the money. And yet what I love most about retirement after two careers filled with frequent, if not daily, deadlines and parental responsibilities, is the freedom to do what I want and whenever I want. As a habitual person, I maintain some structure in my daily life with planning and preparing healthy meals, exercise and lots of time for reading and writing. (Bertrand Russell was a big influence in younger years)
Spot-on discussion that mirrors my own experiences in many ways, thank you. I feel in many ways, some structure is a good thing, even though I don’t necessarily like it that much. I also theorize that certain work experiences can be very healthy for your brain, in ways that’s difficult describe. If you have a job that forces you to think quickly of creative solutions under stress, there’s something about aspect that I’ve discovered really seems to improve mental alertness and task-solving ability. I’ve found this difficult to replicate outside of paid employment, so for now I’m planning to keep this activity as a part of my yearly routine.
All good points. I really get a lot out of my part-time job, tho I grumble sometimes.
Sounds pretty much positive experience. Seems like you made a wise choice for the reasons you state.
Maybe you should consider spreading your PT work over the year to get the benefits and help avoid the negatives you mentioned during year end six weeks.
Found a very similar situation with volunteering, but it suits me just fine. I like the change of scenery and the socialization, having made a few good friends over the years.