May
16
I’ve been looking for a job off and on for many months now. I’ve applied to several without luck and I am not despairing about it but I have to say I don’t feel great, Bob. I don’t like feeling … well, useless is the word that comes to mind.
Or maybe obsolete is the better term, at least for my particular skill set. Oh, you don’t need someone whose marketing expertise and knowledge is largely based on a world that simply does not exist anymore? You’re not looking for someone who hasn’t worked from an office environment or among coworkers for, what, sixteen years now? You don’t need writing language and tone that can be if not duplicated outright at least workingly mimicked by any number of free LLMs? You don’t have an eager Gen Z team that’s looking for a 52-year-old whose software skills are pretty much limited to text editing docs and photo apps and whose water cooler banter could not rise above “How about that new season of Euphoria, crazy amirite fellow kids???”
I do think I would enjoy something very different from what I have done before. As an example, I volunteered with a conference recently in a fancy-ish hotel. After setting up the tables for the attendees, my job was to help check them in, which mostly involved light chitchat and offering to validate their parking. I found this DEEPLY pleasurable, so I feel I would very much like a job that:
• Is somewhat limited in nature to providing a service rather than potentially annoying people (ie, nothing that involves people being mad about what a thing costs or how long it takes, etc)
• Nestles me amongst likeable coworkers (the other volunteer was so nice to chat with!)
• Gives me the chance to greet people with a smile and be friendly with them, because I truly feel that nearly everyone has become much more wary/closed off and it is a delight to see them relax when met with good energy
• Allows me to provide helpful info, like ‘oh the restrooms are right over there’ or ‘yes, we definitely can validate that ticket!’
• Is part time, has easy parking, isn’t too far away
• Doesn’t matter if I am older and also have weirdly colored hair and a 90’s armband tattoo
Let me know if you have ideas! I immediately thought of the wonderful often older-people ushers at events where they help you find your seat, but there seem to be too many downsides: actually needing to know where the seats are (row what now?), wearing a uniform with a vest, and the real deal-killer: having to be at a place when it is WELL past my bedtime.
Comments
-
My product review site:
[
My immediate thought is a docent of some type. Museum, nature center, zoo, or similar. I think about this too, having not worked in 15+ years while raising kids. I’ve never even seen LinkedIn 🙈
What about pursuing working as an usher in one of the many performing arts venues around town? Benefit- you get to enjoy performances, perhaps meet the artists.
Years ago, a friend of mine worked for a Temp Company (do they even exist anymore?) Whose contracts with our big name venues provided ushers and security for concerts and athletic events. They were able to pick and choose their availability. Yes, they did have to wear a day glow yellow vest. But they were given training, and just had to manage a small section of the venue, and they didn’t work alone.
What about something on campus? There could be so many possibilities for part time work available on a campus that large with such a vast number of schools, and public spaces. They also have lots of clubs and social groups that perhaps need a “Linda of all Trades,” to help functions run smoothly, or the time leading up to a function or wrapping it all up run smoothly.
What about starting with volunteering with a place and having it morph into employment? Sometimes that happens. An animal rescue-where you work on socializing and being the happy place for animals.
I periodically see a help wanted ad for our local cat cafe wanting a person to do part time work both in the cafe and from home- whether it’s coordinating volunteers, or maintaining office work, best of both worlds. Snuggle cats when in the office and get down to business at home surrounded by your own pets.
You might not want this due to the people being upset about costs thing, but I think being a front desk person in a medical office or optometry office could tick most of those boxes, especially a small private practice (not owned by private equity). I’m an optometrist, and everywhere I’ve ever worked we were always hunting for good front office folks. The good staff usually moved on for school or to higher positions like being opticians, and so finding someone who just wants something part time and is capable of being friendly and completing basic computer tasks was always amazing!
Long time lurker, first time caller. I think you are an incredible writer, FWIW, and I have loved your insights as I have followed your blog for [redacted] years. So first of all, thank you.
You may enjoy working a a senior center, if there are any close by– running groups or classes (a writing support group might be super cool), working the front desk, etc. The pay isn’t a lot, but you make friends with the regulars, your tech skills are freakin amazing compared to the older ones, and you aren’t some young whippersnapper– you understand their problems to some extent. And a lot of the regulars just want to chat with someone friendly. Part time is great, because most are non profits and would rather not pay for benefits (sigh, but also I understand) And most of them close up by 7pm. :)
Is there a convention center/conference venue near you? The last few conferences I’ve attended, I’ve had the impression that the check in/info desk folks are employees of the convention center/venue and that they are part of the overall venue package. Perhaps you could look into this!
Your description of the volunteer event made me think of when I worked at the front desk of a posh hotel back in the day. I found it to be quite enjoyable, lots of helping, friendly chit-chat, brief transactions, etc. Perhaps there’s such a place in your town?
Our local farm market is constantly looking for part time people. You have to give up Saturday mornings but a lot ofthe work is to be patient, helpful, cheerful and explain food benefits to folks with a side of marketing and community organizing!
Two ideas: a mom acquaintance of mine went back to work a few years ago working at the ticket counter of our local airport (smaller, regional airport) for Delta Airlines. Part-time and comes with the perk of deeply discounted flights. Now, I’m sure you have to deal with upset or grumpy people too. Another idea – if you have a university in your community, there are lots of different jobs – especially student-service oriented ones Start looking at their job postings.
What about working at your local library or park district?
My suggestion is to look for openings at smaller non-profit that does something that you care about 1) for opportunities for reception or outreach work, 2) there are a lot of jack-of-all-trade kinds of roles and your skill set may just fit! I work at one and the communications/marketing folks do so much for the organization. Another person in my division did much of the outreach, web content, and newsletter work.
Based on what you described, maybe a concierge at a hotel?
Before you went into detail on what you wanted, I was thinking you might be good at working for an organization that helps facilitate the day to day life of adults with disabilities.
My cousin is a retired teacher, and he started volunteering at his local hospital, helping people who were waiting for loved ones to come put of surgery. He did it so well that it turned into a paid, part-time job. I don’t think he has to deal with angry people, usually just worried.
Read this and thought of you. Maybe something in the comments will be helpful!
Whoops, here’s the link.
https://www.askamanager.org/2026/05/how-do-you-figure-out-a-career-path-that-isnt-your-one-true-passion.html