Why Proofreading Is the Best Job for Seniors

By Emily Numa
Nov 18, 2022
4 min read

If you’re recently retired and looking for a fun and interesting challenge in this next stage of your life, consider training as a freelance proofreader. Proofreading is a great option for retirees who have left the full-time workforce but still want to engage their minds and earn additional income. Here are some reasons why:

Minimal startup costs.
Engaging work.
Additional income.
The ability to work where you want.
A sense of pride in your work.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes proofreading the best job for seniors.

1. Minimal Startup Costs

To begin freelance proofreading, you won’t need to purchase any expensive materials, as you likely already have what you need. The essentials for proofreading are a reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, and updated word processing software (such as Microsoft Word).

While hard-copy resources (like dictionaries and books on referencing) are helpful, most proofreading research can be done with relative ease online. And if you want to further develop your computer skills, our Becoming A Proofreader course has a module dedicated to working with Microsoft Word!

2. Engaging Work

While retirement is a good time to relax after a long and productive career, it’s important to keep your mind active and your skills sharp. Proofreading provides an opportunity to learn about new topics, brush up on punctuation and grammar rules, and increase your technological skills. And since proofreading isn’t labor intensive, it’s perfect for people who may need to take it easy physically.

3. Additional Income

If you’ve retired from your career, you may have the benefit of a pension or other supplemental income. However, it’s still nice to earn some extra money for luxuries, such as travel, gifts for family, and dinners out.

Working as a freelance proofreader means that you can take on as much or as little work as you want – for instance, you can save for something special or contribute to an unexpected household expense. And if you pass our Becoming A Proofreader course with a distinction score of 80% or above, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed.

4. The Ability to Work Where You Want

Now that you’re retired, you may be looking forward to traveling or spending more time with family in other parts of the world. Proofreading gives you the flexibility to work wherever you are, as long as you have a laptop and access to the internet.

And since you don’t have to stick to a rigid schedule, there’s plenty of time to enjoy your travels when you aren’t working. Of course, if you prefer to be at home, proofreading allows you to fit in work when you can while pursuing other hobbies and interests.

5. A Sense of Pride in Your Work

Learning a new skill and trying something new are great ways to improve your overall mental health and well-being. In addition, satisfactorily completing a proofreading job and delivering an error-free document to a client provides a sense of pride and accomplishment – which you may miss from your working years!

Becoming A Proofreader

Proofreading is one of the best jobs for seniors because of its flexibility, earning potential, and opportunity for engaging work. If you’re ready to make a change and pursue work as a proofreader, consider our Becoming A Proofreader course. It’ll provide all the information you need, and we’ll offer support throughout your freelance journey.

And if you pass our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with a distinction score of at least 80%, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. Sign up for a free trial today!