Don't want to retire? Here's 8 alternatives to retirement

If recent news is to be believed, it’s only a matter of time before the State Pension is not just inadequate in terms of an income, but actually won’t exist at all.

For people approaching retirement age, not only is this unthinkable, it’s also deemed as incredibly unfair as they have paid into the system throughout their working life.

For the younger generation, revolutionary changes over the State Pension are a whole different story.

But regardless, the moment you begin working, retirement is always something which is considered.

However, it’s not the only option, and more people are considering an alternative to out-and-out retirement.

Below we identify 8 alternatives to retirement, some of which may surprise you.

1. Continue working

While some people view retirement as a right, and only a few years ago employers viewing it as a necessity at 65, times are changing. If you are physically capable of continuing to work in your current job, why stop at all.

Many employers will discuss various options with you, including part time work, but why should you retire if you enjoy your job and wish to continue?

2. Volunteer

If money isn’t an issue, volunteering for local services, such as a dinner lady, community work or even working with a charity can offer a very fulfilling final few years.

3. Write a book

As the saying goes, everybody has a book in them. With the changes in the publishing industry, it’s never been truer. No longer do you have to seek a publisher to get your book approved to get your book found.

However, for many publishing is not the issue. If you have time and an idea, why not start writing a novel, your memoirs or a children’s book.

4. Write a blog

Slightly less involved than writing a book, blogs are very easy to set up and contribute towards. If you have expertise, experience or simply a point of view you want to share, why not write it down.

If, as an expat, you’ve got experiences and stories to share about your expat life, maybe integrating into a local culture, moving house, or interesting anecdotes, sharing your experiences could help others.

Even if you don’t want the responsibility of a blog, writing for established sites can also be rewarding with some sites willing to pay content authors.

5. Learn a new skill or hobby

During our working lives, we’ll often use the excuse that we’re “too busy” to try something new. Which makes retirement the perfect time to take something up.

Whether for pleasure or for financial gain, learning a new skill such as stone carving, a musical instrument or painting can be very rewarding.

6. Open an ebay shop

With the advent of online auctions new opportunities to trade online also increase.

There are a number of different approaches. One could be to clear out a loft or storage for some additional cash, whereas a different approach could be to set up a new business to hunt our bargains in antique shops which can be restored/enhanced and sold for a profit.

7. Photography

You may be a keen photographer, or maybe just like taking the odd snap. It’s a pastime which can be combined with travel and/or content writing or done on its own.

With advancements in technology, the costs of photography have significantly reduced over the years, yet the flexibility with photo development have opened up the opportunities for producing amazing photos without the need to understand the entire photographic process.

8. Travel the world

During your working life, if you’re lucky enough to travel (either through work or simply desire to live the expat life) the chances are you developed a taste. Even if you didn’t retirement creates new opportunities to travel for extended periods of time.

And the possibilities of combining other skills, such as writing, photography and volunteering provide the chances to earn while travelling as well.