From AARP
Seasonal opportunities expected to spike with the World Cup and a milestone July 4th looming
Summer celebrations, including the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th birthday, are creating great opportunities for part-time and seasonal work for people ages 50 and up.
These events could help jump-start a job market that has seemingly stalled on the cusp of 2026. In November, the nation’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.6 percent, and 25.1 percent of job seekers 55 and older were long-term unemployed, meaning they have been looking for work for more than six months. Economic uncertainty over the Trump administration tariffs, generative AI and other factors has made employers hesitant to hire.
The arrival of the men’s World Cup could boost employment in 11 major metro areas across the United States. While the tournament doesn’t start until June, most arenas hosting matches have already started recruiting additional workers, as have nearby hotels.
Likewise, semiquincentennial festivities are creating job opportunities. Some cities, including Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., have planned activities throughout the year to capitalize on the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The following 20 occupations are among those projected to have hiring increases in 2026 and beyond, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other sources. AARP focused on roles that might appeal to older adults because the y offer opportunities for part-time or remote work, flexible schedules or may not require extensive training to get hired. Linked is a list in alphabetical order. All wage data is from the BLS.
If you need assistance with your job search, AARP and Indeed are collaborating to offer free and discounted services to older adults, including a job board, résumé assistance, interview preparation and career coaching.
