Planning to get back (or stay) in the game in your 60s (and beyond)?
Well, good news!
There are plenty of WFH (Work From Home) jobs that are also open for retirees and senior citizens.
These stay at home jobs give you a stable income – without the hassle of commuting. In fact, you can even customize your home office to suit your needs.
However, if you’re used to a traditional work setup, shifting to WFH jobs can be challenging.
Fortunately, we’ve written this guide to help you find the right online jobs for older adults.
Why More Filipino Seniors Are Working From Home
There are many reasons why many senior citizens don’t stop working once they hit retirement age.
The high cost of living in the country today, coupled with the costs of healthcare in an advanced age, is forcing many seniors back to work.
Some find the retiree life too dull and miss the structure that a job or business provides.
So why WFH jobs?
First off, remote work offers greater flexibility. This accommodates their health needs along with their desire for more family time.
Second, many retirees are updated with the latest tech, thanks to the efforts of the national government, in partnership with telecommunications companies.
Thus, there are more employment opportunities for senior citizens than ever.
Finally, remote work success stories, like these mothers from Bukidnon, are inspiring many seniors to try their hand at this setup.
What Makes a Good Online Job for Seniors?
Interested in starting your online career? Let’s take a look at the criteria that make an online job well-suited for senior citizens – and the necessary skills for this work setup:
- Flexible Hours and Part-Time Options:
- A rigid 9-5 shift can clash with your medication schedules, rest periods, and family obligations; thus, a good remote job for senior citizens must offer flexible or part-time options.
- Low Barrier of Entry:
- Learning new computer software or investing in specialized hardware can be challenging for many seniors, especially if they have no experience with work-from-home jobs.
- Therefore, the perfect roles for them rely on tools that they’re already familiar with, like email and basic spreadsheets.
- Manageable Physical Demands:
- Not all WFH jobs are “sedentary,” but many seniors prefer tasks that don’t require standing for long periods or involve fine motor strain.
- Opportunities to Use Their Life Experience:
- Seniors have decades of work and life experience to draw upon; they just need the right role that allows them to contribute with these skills.
Essential Skills Seniors Already Have
One advantage seniors have over younger applicants is that they tend to have a wider skill set and experience to draw upon:
- Effective Communication:
- Years of interactions with colleagues and superiors have honed your active listening, clear speaking, and writing skills – all of which are vital for emails, chats, and virtual meetings.
- Time Management and Punctuality:
- A lifetime of balancing appointments, family duties, and community roles builds the discipline needed to start and finish tasks on time, meet deadlines, and structure your day without constant and direct oversight.
- Reliability and a Strong Work Ethic:
- Decades in the workforce foster dependability and accountability – qualities remote employers prize.
- Problem-Solving and Adaptability:
- Dealing with life’s challenges over the years has taught seniors resourcefulness, which helps them troubleshoot problems, learn new processes, and adjust to changing circumstances.
- Self-Motivation and Independence:
- Seniors who are accustomed to managing their own schedules thrive when they’re allowed to organize their work, take initiative, and follow through.
Best WFH Jobs for Senior Citizens in the Philippines
With so many online jobs available today, which ones can you apply for?
Here are the best flexible jobs for senior citizens. (For a more detailed discussion of these roles, click here.)
Virtual Assistant
One of the most popular WFH jobs for seniors is virtual assistant (VA) jobs.
There are many different kinds of VAs, but their responsibilities usually involve email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and handling customer support for clients.
This role offers flexible work hours, low physical and tech demands, and doesn’t usually require specialized skills, making it ideal for seniors.
Click here to find Remote Staff’s openings for this role.
Online Tutor
Do you have a background in education? Or, perhaps you’re well-versed in multiple languages?
If so, consider becoming an online tutor.
Online teaching for retirees involves delivering one-on-one or small group lessons via video call.
Today, there is a growing demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors from students across East Asia (Japan, China, and South Korea).
Voiceover or Transcription Work
Want to give your fingers, ears, and vocal cords some exercise?
Another popular WFH job for seniors today are online voiceover and transcription jobs.
The former is perfect if you have a clear, well-modulated voice and years of public speaking or storytelling experience.
The latter, on the other hand, is well-suited for seniors with great attention to detail, patience, and strong listening skills.
For retired nurses, the growth of telehealth jobs lets them take on roles like medical coding from the comfort of their homes.
In addition, voiceover and transcription are key support roles in virtual nonprofit teams, as they help with outreach/training and documentation/accessibility, respectively.
Online Selling / Live Selling on Facebook
Want to expand the reach of your business or help someone else do the same?
Consider taking your business online and becoming an online seller / live seller on Facebook and other social media.
Unlike remote customer service roles, you’ll be live on camera, directly selling products and engaging with customers.
Aside from low start-up cost (all you need is a smartphone/tablet with stable internet to get started), live selling is also highly interactive – which is great for combating isolation in retirement.
Content Reviewer or Feedback Provider
Product reviews are crucial for ensuring the quality and consistency of a business’s product/content – which, in turn, protects their brand’s reputation.
Thus, if you’ve got an eye for details and effective communication skills, consider becoming an online content reviewer or feedback provider.
These roles offer a flexible schedule, a low-tech barrier, and are done asynchronously, unlike live chat or phone support.
In some cases, if you’re an expert in a particular field (finance, HR, engineering), you can transition from this to consulting jobs even after your retirement.
Here, you’ll proactively craft solutions like business plans, process improvements, and training programs to improve a company’s products or services.
How to Start Working Online as a Senior Citizen
Every journey begins with the first step.
Here’s a basic roadmap to help you get started:
Identify Your Strengths and Interests
Before jumping into any WFH job, dedicate some time to reflect on what you enjoy, what you do well, and how you’ve helped others throughout your life.
Make an inventory of your current hard and soft skills and connect them with your passions and motivations.
Choose a WFH Job That Fits Your Lifestyle
Aside from your skills and interests, consider your health and family commitments when selecting a job to apply for.
Have the Right Tools Needed for Remote Work
You’ll need the following to work effectively in an online work from home setup:
- A laptop/computer (for a detailed guide of the right specs, click here),
- A smartphone,
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection (click here for more details),
- A headset with a built-in microphone,
- A webcam with at least 720p resolution, and
- Supporting and learning resources like video tutorials on how to share screens with Zoom or set up Google Drive.
Craft a Simple Online Profile or Resume
When writing your resume, highlight your top three strengths and experiences relevant to the role you’re applying for.
Additionally, include your availability (hours per week, timeslots) on your resume.
Register on Trusted Online Platforms
To maximize your chances of finding legitimate WFH jobs, sign up for reputable online platforms like Remote Staff, onlinejobs.ph, and Jobstreet.
Prepare for Virtual Interviews or Tests
Before attending an online interview, always double-check your mic, camera, and lighting to prepare.
Additionally, it helps to familiarize yourself with common interview questions to maximize your chances of landing the job.
Set Up Payment Methods (GCash, PayPal, and Bank Transfer)
Platforms and clients often pay via digital wallets or bank transfers, not cash.
Thus, if you already have a GCash, PayPal, or a local bank transfer account, you can receive your earnings without delays or extra verification steps.
Tips to Succeed in Remote Work as a Retiree
Shifting from a traditional office to an online work from home setup can take some getting used to.
Fortunately, here are some tips to help you thrive in this new work setup:
Stay Organized and Set Boundaries
Use notebooks, calendars, or apps like Trello or Google Sheets to track your tasks and deadlines.
In addition, establish and communicate your boundaries with your employer so you can have time for your medical appointments, family commitments, and hobbies.
Avoid Scams and Fake Job Postings
As the demand for WFH jobs continues to increase, so too do the scams preying on unsuspecting applicants.
Senior citizens, in particular, are prime targets for these scams, since they possess limited digital literacy and awareness.
Thus, by familiarizing yourself with various scams and red flags to watch out for while job hunting, you can protect yourself and your hard-earned earnings.
Create a Dedicated Workspace
Having a dedicated workstation at home helps you focus at work and set a clearer boundary between work and personal life.
For seniors, you’ll need one that not only suits your work, but also your health needs as well.
For a detailed guide on how to set up your workspace and the assistive tools you may need, click here.
Communicate With Your Family for Tech Help and Support
A big advantage of working from home is that it gives you easy access to the support of your family.
If you feel like you’re in a bind with a computer tool or software, don’t hesitate to ask your more tech-savvy family members for help.
In addition, their emotional support is crucial to avoid feeling isolated while working from home.
Learn Continuously
Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?
Keep your skills sharp and hone new ones through YouTube tutorials and online learning platforms like Coursera.
FAQ: Online Work for Seniors in the Philippines
Here are some of the most common questions retirees ask regarding returning to work via online jobs:
Do I have to Speak English Perfectly to Work Online?
You don’t necessarily have to speak English flawlessly to land most WFH jobs; what matters is that you’re able to communicate effectively at the level the role requires.
However, there are many tools and strategies you can use to sharpen your skills, like keeping a glossary of common phrases and technical terms you’ll use, practicing via language exchange groups or apps, or using built-in captions in meeting apps.
What’s the Average Monthly Income for a Senior in a WFH Job?
The average monthly income for a remote working senior generally depends on their role and experience.
For example, the average monthly income for entry-level virtual assistant jobs ranges from PHP 15,000 to PHP 51,000, while expert-level VAs can expect to earn between PHP 35,000 to PHP 80,000.
Are There Age Restrictions When Applying for Remote Jobs?
None at all!
So long as you’re able to accomplish your tasks properly and on time, your age is usually not an issue in an online work from home setup.
Additionally, under Republic Act 10911 (Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act), it is illegal for employers to include age limits or preferences in job listings or to reject applicants solely due to age.
How Do I Avoid Getting Scammed?
Here are some tips you should remember when job hunting to avoid getting scammed:
- Never Pay to Apply or Work:
- Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for training, equipment, or certifications; if a job posting requests money upfront, it’s definitely a scam.
- Watch for Unrealistic Offers:
- “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”
- Be extremely wary of job offers promising high pay for seemingly little to no work, as these are classic con-artist lures.
- Verify the Employer:
- Research the company online by checking their official website, LinkedIn, or on third-party sites like Glassdoor.
- Look for Professional Communication:
- Legitimate employers always use their official office domains (e.g., @company.com) and conduct interviews via video or phone.
- Stick to Trusted Platforms:
- Use reputable remote job boards like Remote Staff, Upwork, and OnlineJobs.ph when job hunting to minimize your risk of getting scammed.
Can I Work From Home Even if I’m Not Very Tech-savvy?
Absolutely!
Many WFH jobs require just basic digital skills and focus more on the strengths you already have.
These include virtual assistant jobs, online transcription jobs, and remote customer service roles.
Retirement Doesn’t Mean You Have to Stop Earning
Typically, the onset of one’s golden years signals an end to their career, and with it, their sources of income.
However, many retirees are defying this notion today with the help of WFH jobs. These roles allow them to leverage their hard-won experience to remain active and connected, all from the comfort of their homes.
The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wiz to get started. With basic digital literacy and a bit of effort, even retirees can thrive in a remote setup.
Ready to take your first step back into the game? Remote Staff is here to help.
Our jobs list contains plenty of positions to choose from, ranging from virtual assistant jobs to online writing and design jobs.
So, what are you waiting for? Click here. Good luck!
