5 Reasons Proofreading Is a Great Job for Seniors

5 Reasons Proofreading Is a Great Job for Seniors

  • Nov 26, 2020
  • 4 min read

We’re often asked whether freelance proofreading is a good job for seniors and retirees. And the answer is always a resounding “Yes!” Here are five reasons why:

  1. It’s a great way to supplement pension or pay for unexpected costs.
  2. You can work when you want and fit proofreading around your other plans.
  3. Proofreading can be done anywhere, so it won’t interfere with your travel plans.
  4. Editing writing helps keep your mind active and engaged.
  5. Training as a proofreader doesn’t take lots of time or money.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes proofreading a smart job choice for seniors.

1. Supplement Your Pension

If you’ve retired, you’d probably not looking to re-enter the workforce full time. You’ve earned the right to enjoy yourself after many years of work, after all! But you might still need a little extra income to supplement the pension now and then, or to pay for luxuries.

That’s where proofreading comes in, since working freelance means you can earn as much or as little as you need: work just a little to add some extra cash for a fun activity, or work more to pay for unexpected bills without straining your finances. Proofreading can pay well, too, making it a good job for seniors who want extra earnings without working long hours.

2. Work to Your Own Schedule

In retirement, you want a little freedom. You have things to do and people to see. Happily, working freelance means you can set your own schedule. And this means you can:

  • Take on as much or as little work as you like, when you like
  • Schedule your work around other activities, medical appointments, or seeing friends
  • Be flexible when something comes up at short notice, such as when the grandchildren are suddenly in need of an emergency babysitter!

You can also adapt the amount you work to fit your circumstances throughout retirement.

3. Proofread Wherever You’d Like

As a freelance proofreader, you can work anywhere as long as you have a computer and an internet connection. And as well as freeing you from the daily commute, this means you can take your work on the road while you visit friends, travel seasonally, or just see the world.

Even if traveling isn’t your thing, being able to work remotely gives you a lot of freedom to live where you like. So, if you’re worried that retiring to the countryside will mean you lose work opportunities in retirement, proofreading may be the answer you were looking for!

4. Keep Your Mind Active

Staying mentally active can be a real concern for seniors and retirees. But proofreading can help you keep sharp by exercising your brain. As a proofreader, you will:

  • Read a wide range of texts on a variety of topics
  • Pay close attention as you search for errors in a document
  • Learn all about grammar, punctuation, spelling, and writing styles
  • Develop skills with computer programs such as Microsoft Word

Additionally, proofreading is not physically demanding, making it great for retirees with mobility issues who may struggle with other forms of casual work.

5. Simple, Fast, Low-Cost Training

Training to be a proofreader takes relatively little time, so it’s a great choice for seniors looking for a simple route back into work. For example, our comprehensive Becoming A Proofreader course takes approximately 50 hours to complete. It also costs much less than a full degree course, so it works well for those on a pension or who might have a limited budget.

As an added bonus, our partner company, Proofed, offers guaranteed work to those who pass the Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with distinction scores of 80%. No job search necessary!

Becoming A Proofreader

So, whatever you reasons for seeking work, proofreading is an excellent job choice for seniors. And you can try our free trial today to find out how Knowadays can help you.

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Join the Conversation

Jan Ervin says:
March 8, 2022 at 6:16PM
I have finished the free trial and I am scheduled for a phone call (or chat?) on Wednesday, 03/09 at 11:30 a.m. I am a medical transcriptionist with 40+ years' experience, currently self-employed. I am looking for other ways to utilize my skills that can supplement my income.
Jan Ervin says:
March 8, 2022 at 6:17PM
I did recently attend a webinar from Proofed, and it sounded like something I would like to explore.

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