My husband can retire from teaching soon. He is a music teacher. What would be a good 2nd career for him?

Question

He would like to work part time, but most jobs are entry level and don't pay very much. What is your best suggestion?

Thanks!

1) My husband wants to retire and would like to play professionally for a living, but doesn't think he can make much money at it.

2) He does need the income to provide the difference between what he makes now and what he will make after retirement. Volunteering would be lovely, but just doing that is not an option.

Anyone have a suggestion other than giving lessons?

Man, I wish Mrs.Gillen had given more details about what kind of business she does!!!

Answer 1

Was he a music teacher for singing or could he play instruments? Sometimes, depending on what he plays, he could perform at weddings or become part of a group that does. Churches are often looking for help as well. A music store may be looking for more practical help. If you are in a larger area, recording studios sometimes look for background musicians. Perhaps he could stay in the schools on an hourly basis and help the next music teacher at the beginning of the year, when everything is so chaotic.

The nursing home suggestion is really good too. Or, helping at jails. Your husband likely knows a lot about music rehabilitation. Something else he may find rewarding is assisting children with special needs with music.

Good luck to your husband. Thank him for teaching our children.

Answer 2

I am a teacher and I will be retiring in a year or two. I actually started my own business, part time, so when I retire, I will have doubled my income. We have a lot of teachers in our business. We have an assistant principal that I knwo personally, who was doing his duties as an AP, as well as being a father and made over $60,000 extra dollars last year working only about 5 hours a week. He will not quit being an assistant principal because he loves it, but that just shows you the potential of this business.

Answer 3

Nothing in the private sector with music is going to pay very much. However, I dated a girl who was a classically trained pianist. She was also a music teacher. She would take a couple of gigs a year on cruise ships playing the piano and make pretty good cash in the summer. Might be a fun way to earn a little extra.

Answer 4

What about some kind of activities person at a nursing home or psych hospital. Don't let those kinds of places scare you, they're not as bad as they seem and his work would be very impoprtant because the patients need that kind of thing. And they already have programs like that in place. He would basically run music groups, that type of thing. He might find it to be very rewarding. They have inpatient pysch hospitals for kids (behavioral health centers). I used to work at one and the music group was always a hit!

Answer 5

If you need the money, why have him retire? As long as he is doing what he loves, then retirement isn't a REQUIREMENT.

If money isn't a concern, see if the Boys/Girls Club or other community resource could use a music teacher a few times a week.

Answer 6

What about performing for weddings and special occasions? A friend of mine is a musician and not only makes money performing (guitar and piano) at weddings and things but also composing songs for other performance groups....

Or dueling piano bar?!?

Answer 7

He could be a music tutor... I'd say that's a good part-time job, and lessons can be pricey from a good instructor.

Answer 8

A very expensive private music tutor to rich kids. He has the credentials.

Answer 9

Maybe he can start music lessons on his own time.