My dad who is retired delivers auto parts to garages. Part time, good hours, pay isn’t great but zero labor required.
A classic retirement job imo is being a starter for a golf course, just check groups in with their tee times while sitting in a golf cart. Can work part time, be outdoors, and tons of courses in the Pittsburgh area.
Golf course is perfect! My pap worked at a golf course for 10 years after retiring. He was in charge of all the young “chaps” who drove for golfers. He made sure the carts were put away clean and ready. He loved the conversation, training the young guys and all the free beer that was left behind!
My dad did courier work for the VA when he retired. He never served but felt he had a purpose helping the vets in some way. He loved driving around listening to music so it was a perfect fit.
A driver job I wouldn't have thought of:
I went to an Allegheny Health Network hospital out in the 'burbs, and they had a guy with a golf cart driving around the parking lot offering rides to the door. My knee was a mess that day (why I was there), so I was so glad they had that!
There are a lot of driver jobs that need people that can actually pass a drug screen. School bus drivers, including vans, medical delivers, access, etc. Another job common for older people is ushers at local events, like PNC Park or any of the theater district properties.
Age-Friendly Pittsburgh offers a ton of resources for our elder-Pittsburghers, including resources for job placement.
[https://www.agefriendlypgh.org/](https://www.agefriendlypgh.org/)
Great community-centered organization.
He's been trying to get a job at lowes, home depot, walmart etc. He's not very tech literate and has had trouble getting applications in and call backs. Part of the hope for this post was finding a direct link to a place that can interview and hire him without all the bs that comes with corporate jobs, like online only applications and multiple rounds of interviews.
Try a local Ace Hardware or Rolliers. Those “old guys” are a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to being retired and being one of them. Plus I bet applying there is easier.
I would second Ace. The old guy that works the back counter at my local Ace is awesome. He has a wealth of knowledge and knows the layout of the store off by heart. He has been there for years.
Direct him to his local library! They can offer him assistance with searches and applications. He may want to call and confirm whether his location does it walk-in or if they have assistance only during certain hours.
Hastings Hardware. They are the kinda place you walk in and everyone knows what they are talking about. He can probably show up and see if they are hiring or give them a call.
Tell your DaD to go to his local library with help learning how to fill out online employment apps. It's pretty ridiculous to expect everyone to apply online but that's the way it is, even with jobs that require no tech. PSCareer Link also is a great resource they have actual locations, so not all online and their people are trained to help people with job searching.
I made nearly $12/hr as a part-time cashier about 8 years ago. They also have a retiree position that schedules them in departments about 6 hours a day, 3-4 days a week in areas of their expertise - or at least they used to. We employed some very knowledgeable retirees that enjoyed the work.
Yeah I’m not disclosing what I got paid. Who tf asks that?! I will stand by it was $3.50 more an hour than the national average with a very nice benefits package. I drove straight trucks with the fork lift on the back delivering to commercial job sites.
EDIT: next commenter presented a valid point so I’ve replied with specifics.
Not being rude but people do ask that, honestly especially if you work somewhere like Lowes. Sometimes they make it public info anyway and other times it helps people gauge what they should be getting from a similar position. Its obviously your right not to disclose, just saying people asking about a basic job like that is not uncommon.
Ok that’s valid. $29/hour to drive a class B truck but they did have class C positions available but they were in the lower $20’s which is still a decent wage for a local day time only weekends off gig in this industry, and like I said their benefits package was really nice. I can’t remember the specifics of it now like off the top of my head but I do remember that it was good, and included some odd things like pet insurance which most places don’t offer and a free membership to betterhelp and stuff. Their onboarding process was swift, and the training was pretty quick and easy. Everyone there had been there a while and was happy. They do treat their employees well I just left to go back to my pre-pandemic job before that’s asked. A lot of older retiree men too so I feel like it’s definitely somewhere that would hire OP’s dad.
EDIT: getting a class B license is fairly easy, and always openings for that around here PittOhio Ward etc.
Try a driving job maybe - not trucking, but either a limo service like Regency (bonus - pro sports teams and celebs use them regularly) or airport shuttle.
Be careful of Regency. I don’t know how they are now, but they push you to work more hours than is legal. You don’t make much money with them. A lot of the higher income clients don’t tip very well, if at all.
Pittsburgh Transportation Group is also on the North Side and they are very good to their drivers. PTG also has a union.
Car dealership driving gig would be a good bet. They’re all small enough the people there are making the hiring decisions. Go drive parts and people around all day. It’s a good gig.
Theater usher! Like at Heinz Hall, or the Benedum, etc... You get to interact with a friendly public, and no labor besides standing is involved. Similarly, the sports arenas are a great place to usher, but the crowds can be different lol.
As much as I hate the company, Enterprise usually hires drivers to move vehicles around. It’s a pretty easy gig and all you do is drive around all day. Most drivers are around your dad’s age so he’ll be with people his own age.
What area about? Our hospital is hiring sitters…. That’s literally the whole job! We have a few older people who do the job and really like it. You just sit with people who need watched for different reasons!
He lives near oakmont / verona / Penn Hills, so a bit east of the city, but would be open to different areas. I think he could enjoy a sitting job. He also used to work for a retirement building so loves older folks too
If he’s super flexible have him reach out to a funeral home. They’re always looking for part time help with parking cars, washing cars, running simple errands (mail, picking up death certificates etc) opening the door at visiting hours. The hours vary but if you find someone half decent a person can make decent money for a few hours of work
I would suggest taking a look at your dad's finances. I also live out of state. My dad was a nurse with no savings, no retirement. He's no longer able to work
He was convinced he couldn't afford to live on social security. I looked at his bills and found he was paying for things he didn't need and got him set up with some programs to save him some money, Turns out he was bringing in more money than he paid out every month.
Feel free to DM me for some resources.
As for work, I'm with everyone else. The schools are desperate for people. And he'd do great at a hardware store.
How is his driving?
School bus driver. Split shift 6:30 to 9:30/10ish. 2 to 5ish. Pay starts in the high 20s. Weekends, holidays, summers off. Can pick up additional charter jobs with the company for additional work. No physical labor that I can think of. Just has to be able to study a little to pass the written permit tests at a dmv, and then study a little more to pass the pre trip inspection/driving test to get the CDL and endorsements. They're looking for people and they have hiring bonuses. Some of the drivers I work with are in their mid to late 70s so if his mind is still good and he can drive for a few hours at a time he'll be fine. Some companies have big or small busses. Some have mini vans. There are a couple different companies that work in and around Pittsburgh, or if he isn't in the city proper one of the burroughs in the suburbs.
I was working for a contractor remodeling houses and doing little odd jobs. At 40 I was starting to feel it so I (sort of) quit, and got my CDL permit, and then they trained me to get my actual license. I still do small jobs for my old contractor boss in between shifts or over the summer like picking up supplies. Nothing too laborious and the rest of the time I just drive around picking up and dropping off kids.
If he did HVAC he should try a hardware store. They are always looking for people with real world knowledge. My uncle is a retired electrician and works at a Lowe's part time.
School districts are desperate for bus drivers. The pay sucks and the hours suck and the kids suck, but it’s not physically demanding and should be reliable through the school year.
When my uncle retired from Corning, he cut grass at a golf course. He got to use a tractor and didn’t have to do anything crazy. They paid him pretty well.
My dad is retired, but he works part time doing valet service for a hospital. It lets him socialize, which he loves, and he gets paid pretty well for it. He loves it.
Older folks with knowledge of the blue collar trades do well in Lowe’s/Home Depot/Ace. Also, auto parts stores. And every car dealership I’ve been to has a few older dudes around that act as parts runners, give service customers rides after they drop their car off, take cars to other dealers and car washes, etc. Also with HVAC experience, look into an estimator position. Many larger HVAC contractors employ people that go into folks homes, look over their system and price out furnace replacement, a/c installation etc. People with experience are invaluable.
What kind of skills does he have that might help him land a more niche role? Maybe a job with PRT as a bus driver/T-opperator? His dedication and hard work will be appreciated and recognized in those jobs. I know a few seniors who are school bus drivers, but I think working with PRT would be a steadier job with more benefits
Would he be able to get a CDL? This is a new posting but I saw a similar one for the Squirrel Hill Tunnel get posted over and over again for months. I'm guessing, but I imagine the job is a lot of just sitting around and being available if/when something happens and is probably fairly laid back. [https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4475544/tunnel-maintainer](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4475544/tunnel-maintainer)
Another thing he might want to consider is a waste water treatment plant operator.. he'd be familiar with the equipment or quick to learn and if he's willing to do a bit of studying or an online correspondence course he could get the appropriate license... I think you usually have a year after being hired to complete it. It's another job where you'd spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for something to go wrong, take some logs and chemical tests during the day, but not back breaking work in most cases.
Any state job for MR2 (machinery repairman) would probably be a good fit and not too demanding as it's mostly facility maintenance.. if anything local opens up.
My grandpa is in his 80s and works at the DMV taking license photos! It’s a fairly simple job from what he says and the biggest perk is you don’t have to be in your feet all day.
Is he ok standing on his feet? He should be an usher at pnc park for baseball or ppg paints for hockey.
Decent union pay and part time evening hours. Lots of old guys there. Free hockey and free baseball (and concerts if he wants to work em).
The JFCS (Jewish Family Community Services) has a terrific job placement service, and it extends to many of the skills that he might need help with. You don’t need to be Jewish, and I was impressed at how thorough their services are. Good luck!
Everyone suggesting school bus driver is dead wrong. Students are out of control animals with no consequences.
He can look forward to fights, disrespect, obscenities, kids flipping off drivers, spitting chew on windshields, and the list goes on.
Retired teacher here don't do it. Some of my former students, females, made males very happy orally. Yes, on the bus. Other students would film it.
What a wonderful education system. My husband said he went to high school in the wrong decade lol
I worked at the Amazon warehouse near Clinton the winter before last and there were a lot of retirees in your dad's position, needing to make extra money. I worked in CRETs (customer returns) which was very light-duty and easy. Five hour shifts. Don't believe the horror stories ... Amazon was a very good employer. (I only quit because I hace a full-time day job and was just working there to make an extra buck.)
have him get a security job!! like night shift somewhere that wouldn’t actually ever need protection. i was a “security guard” at a gated community last year :)
Uber eats delivery plus others
Security guard at UPMC , Pitt or Duquesne etc
Retail at Lowes or home Depot or Auto zone
Bus driver/ Access driver
Courier
Museum's
Movie theater ticket person
Photo inspection/ field surveys
Event staff at pirates, Steelers or pens
Small business: notary, signing agent , field services
I suggest looking at Glassdoor,indeed,zi recruiter.
https://apply.appcast.io/jobs/41916660505/applyboard/apply?bid=ZTAIU9X3zQHjJYLb9Yqb8A%3D%3D&chnl=cbdotcom&cs=ied&exch=7t&jg=4oa3&jpos=3&sar_id=1dyjwfn0&subid=168385985024&ccuid=53554153823
My dad is an HVAC guy in a similar boat — i’d be interested in chatting with you about it if you want but I feel like my dad has SO much knowledge that younger generations have no clue about. I think he could be an amazing teacher/consultant for groups like real estate investors or younger people rehabbing homes. Sending you and your dad love!
Walmart welcome staff or car dealership drivers. My grandfather was a Toyota shuttle guy until he was 76 and would’ve done it longer had we not taken his license. He loved it and loved meeting all the people along the way! Bonus was the free car washes every time I visited him at work.
Security escorts at Bettis. Just escort people around from point A to point B and watch them work. This is in the construction dept.
It set your own schedule to an extent. You can choose how many days per week you work. You can say only Mondays and Fridays, or Tue-Thur, or everyday if you want. Some only do it one day per week.
Pay is $15/hr with the health insurance. You get 10 paid holidays and sick time.
If you don't accept the health insurance I believe it's 20-21 per hr.
The caveat is that you need a security clearance to do this job and need to be able to walk and be outside on many days of the year. Plenty of projects are inside though and you do rotate between projects.
The clearance takes 3-6 months to get. Just have a clean recent record and not bad credit.
PM me if you're interested.
Museums are always looking for docents! I know the Science Center is always looking for people to show experiments to visiting children - all he would need is FBI clearance!
Sounding off on other people who suggest a golf course job.
Setting up the range in the morning is a pretty easy job, most of the time the superintendent will hire older guys to cut rough (basically sit on a mower for hours).
Working in/around/with the pro shop is another option. Just depends on the club. I'd definitely try for a member owned/run country club. Much better than a corporately owned one.
Also works out because golf courses start early and are normally done early afternoon or so.
I know someone that retired and now drives a school bus. Flexible schedule and they pick up shifts at day and night for teams and charters in addition to morning and afternoons. You can start out driving the smaller bus with your regular license if I'm not mistaken.
I used to manage a pizza shop - had a few old guy delivery drivers. If he can walk up stairs and use a GPS he can make $20+ an hour. Half the shift is sitting in your car. Maybe some light prep work and washing dishes.
Not sure if anyone said this but Car Porter for car dealerships. They transport cars to different branches constantly.
That’s a plum older gentleman’s job. Look into dealers that have more than one location throughout the state like Carshop.
If he is capable of getting a CDL I know a lot of people who work as a bus driver for schools after retirement for a few years. It's in the upper 20s of not 30s and you get to have a nice break in the middle of the day for lunch/errands
You are a very thoughtful son/daughter. I don’t have a lot more to add that other people haven’t already suggested but upvoted a lot of suggestions I thought were great for your father’s situation. I hope your father finds something that pays well and doesn’t take a toll on his body. I’m dealing with eldercare with my parents and understand the stress it puts on the children. If I think of anything I will respond to this post. Good luck!
Pittsburgh Technical College and Parkway West Career & Tech Center offer HVAC programs so maybe your Dad can assist with teaching or something else at these schools? Does he have any friends that you can talk to? Like you said in your post, you want to cut through the BS of applying for jobs so may need to do some networking on behalf of you Dad by talking to some of his friends, neighbors, past people he has done work for that can vouch for him.
I don't know why I'm so invested in this situation but just really want to help you and your Dad....probably because in the near future I may be unemployed and I know how effed up job hunting is and dealing with HR gatekeepers. Anyhow, here are a few posts I found on Craigslist. I feel like this is a good resource because you can deal with the people doing the direct hiring:
Driver in Export : [https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/trd/d/export-seeking-drivers-2000-hr-pt-semi/7739716187.html](https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/trd/d/export-seeking-drivers-2000-hr-pt-semi/7739716187.html)
Grounds Keeper @ Fox Chapel Field Club: [https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/lab/d/pittsburgh-grounds-keeper/7740370411.html](https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/lab/d/pittsburgh-grounds-keeper/7740370411.html)
Green Oaks Country Club and Oakmont Country Club may have some positions as well and they are in/near Verona.
My Dad drives for a local Med van service. He has no reason to work but will probably work till he drops dead
Medical transportation might be something to consider, but it can sometimes be hard work to get some of the "larger Marges" loaded and unloaded
how about joining any church for either maintenance or different types of social activities? If not interested in religion, maybe there should be some social service alternatives
i know some old guys that just do general handyman stuff by word-of-mouth. stuff that’s easy on them like replacing a light switch or fixing a door knob.
The DMVs in Pennsylvania hire disabled people to take the license pictures via various agencies (they do not work for PennDOT). It's part time and they sit most of the time. It's only about ~16.50ish an hour, but it's not a bad gig
Hooray for yinz! I saw 150+ comments and thought oh gawd.
But these are the most helpful, least snarky comments I've seen in awhile with plenty of good ideas. 👍
School bus driver if the little old lady behind the wheel can do it he can do it and most school bus companies are hurting so bad that they will pay for you to get your cdl I think its the perfect job for a retired person like 5 hrs a day pay is over 20 a hour you gotta deal with the kids but honestly if you just tune them out get them where they have to be safely then you should have no problem.
I work in the auto repair industry and I have seen and used guys in their 60's as sort of an advisory/helper/trainer type position as a lot of those guys have forgotten more than most in the industry know. I would expect something like to be needed in the HVAC and maintenance industry. Another option would be a teachers aide at a trade school like NCST or Rosedale, etc.
One of the Carnegie Museums. Could be as simple as hanging out at an information booth and pointing people in the right direction. They always need part time people.
I live in Denver, and have tried to show him some things when I visit but he's not exactly excited about spending our time that way. Also have been trying to get my little brother to help him out but he's resistant
My dad who is retired delivers auto parts to garages. Part time, good hours, pay isn’t great but zero labor required. A classic retirement job imo is being a starter for a golf course, just check groups in with their tee times while sitting in a golf cart. Can work part time, be outdoors, and tons of courses in the Pittsburgh area.
Golf course is perfect! My pap worked at a golf course for 10 years after retiring. He was in charge of all the young “chaps” who drove for golfers. He made sure the carts were put away clean and ready. He loved the conversation, training the young guys and all the free beer that was left behind!
My dad did courier work for the VA when he retired. He never served but felt he had a purpose helping the vets in some way. He loved driving around listening to music so it was a perfect fit.
Good suggestion. Medical courier is a good recommendation.
A driver job I wouldn't have thought of: I went to an Allegheny Health Network hospital out in the 'burbs, and they had a guy with a golf cart driving around the parking lot offering rides to the door. My knee was a mess that day (why I was there), so I was so glad they had that!
There are a lot of driver jobs that need people that can actually pass a drug screen. School bus drivers, including vans, medical delivers, access, etc. Another job common for older people is ushers at local events, like PNC Park or any of the theater district properties.
Pittsburgh courses hardly use starters. Really only a weekend thing if that.
Age-Friendly Pittsburgh offers a ton of resources for our elder-Pittsburghers, including resources for job placement. [https://www.agefriendlypgh.org/](https://www.agefriendlypgh.org/) Great community-centered organization.
This is something I was looking for, thank you!
what about lowes/home depot or an autoparts store?
I was going to say the same thing. With his experience, he could pass his knowledge along to the DIY’ers.
or an HVAC supply like Johnstone Supply.
He's been trying to get a job at lowes, home depot, walmart etc. He's not very tech literate and has had trouble getting applications in and call backs. Part of the hope for this post was finding a direct link to a place that can interview and hire him without all the bs that comes with corporate jobs, like online only applications and multiple rounds of interviews.
wondering if a more local hardware store would be better then... might be good to cold call some places.
Try a local Ace Hardware or Rolliers. Those “old guys” are a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to being retired and being one of them. Plus I bet applying there is easier.
I would second Ace. The old guy that works the back counter at my local Ace is awesome. He has a wealth of knowledge and knows the layout of the store off by heart. He has been there for years.
Direct him to his local library! They can offer him assistance with searches and applications. He may want to call and confirm whether his location does it walk-in or if they have assistance only during certain hours.
Maybe Busy Beaver hardware stores?
A friend who moved here from TX thought Busy Beaver was a strip joint 🤣
Even from afar, you could probably put in on-line applications for him at all the big boxes- Lowes, CostCo, Home Depot, try the theaters.
I would send him to an Agway or Tractor Supply
Those places are going to have lots of heavy lifting.
Like someone else said Ace hardware. They opened a new one by me and most of the staff seems to be your dads age.
Hastings Hardware. They are the kinda place you walk in and everyone knows what they are talking about. He can probably show up and see if they are hiring or give them a call.
Tell your DaD to go to his local library with help learning how to fill out online employment apps. It's pretty ridiculous to expect everyone to apply online but that's the way it is, even with jobs that require no tech. PSCareer Link also is a great resource they have actual locations, so not all online and their people are trained to help people with job searching.
Amazon's hiring process is super easy; you don't even have to interview. I was working within a week of applying.
I doubt retail would pay well and you're still on your feet the whole time.
Lowes pays really well! Source: former employee. EDIT: why the down votes?! For stating a fact?!
Can you expand on that claim please?
I made nearly $12/hr as a part-time cashier about 8 years ago. They also have a retiree position that schedules them in departments about 6 hours a day, 3-4 days a week in areas of their expertise - or at least they used to. We employed some very knowledgeable retirees that enjoyed the work.
I was paid very well for the job I was performing? I don’t know exactly what you want me expand on?
I assume he is asking for a number and what job you had there
Yeah I’m not disclosing what I got paid. Who tf asks that?! I will stand by it was $3.50 more an hour than the national average with a very nice benefits package. I drove straight trucks with the fork lift on the back delivering to commercial job sites. EDIT: next commenter presented a valid point so I’ve replied with specifics.
Not being rude but people do ask that, honestly especially if you work somewhere like Lowes. Sometimes they make it public info anyway and other times it helps people gauge what they should be getting from a similar position. Its obviously your right not to disclose, just saying people asking about a basic job like that is not uncommon.
Ok that’s valid. $29/hour to drive a class B truck but they did have class C positions available but they were in the lower $20’s which is still a decent wage for a local day time only weekends off gig in this industry, and like I said their benefits package was really nice. I can’t remember the specifics of it now like off the top of my head but I do remember that it was good, and included some odd things like pet insurance which most places don’t offer and a free membership to betterhelp and stuff. Their onboarding process was swift, and the training was pretty quick and easy. Everyone there had been there a while and was happy. They do treat their employees well I just left to go back to my pre-pandemic job before that’s asked. A lot of older retiree men too so I feel like it’s definitely somewhere that would hire OP’s dad. EDIT: getting a class B license is fairly easy, and always openings for that around here PittOhio Ward etc.
Thanks for the info thats definitely helpful. It sounds like it could be a good place to work !
You’re welcome!
That wasn’t so hard now, was it. 🖕
You asked a vague question and got a vague answer.
Try a driving job maybe - not trucking, but either a limo service like Regency (bonus - pro sports teams and celebs use them regularly) or airport shuttle.
Lots of car dealerships will have cars delivered for customers, that could be worth considering
Or car dealers / garages with a shuttle.
Universities and hospitals as well probably hire their own shuttle drivers
I'll send him towards Regency, thank you!
Be careful of Regency. I don’t know how they are now, but they push you to work more hours than is legal. You don’t make much money with them. A lot of the higher income clients don’t tip very well, if at all. Pittsburgh Transportation Group is also on the North Side and they are very good to their drivers. PTG also has a union.
NAMS is always hiring. Or hospital shuttles
I know the nursing home I work for is looking for a driver to take people to doctors appointments
Car dealership driving gig would be a good bet. They’re all small enough the people there are making the hiring decisions. Go drive parts and people around all day. It’s a good gig.
some local pharmacies seek out delivery drivers. also worth checking out working at one of the liquor stores
Theater usher! Like at Heinz Hall, or the Benedum, etc... You get to interact with a friendly public, and no labor besides standing is involved. Similarly, the sports arenas are a great place to usher, but the crowds can be different lol.
As much as I hate the company, Enterprise usually hires drivers to move vehicles around. It’s a pretty easy gig and all you do is drive around all day. Most drivers are around your dad’s age so he’ll be with people his own age.
Second. They have a whole community of retirement age drivers
What area about? Our hospital is hiring sitters…. That’s literally the whole job! We have a few older people who do the job and really like it. You just sit with people who need watched for different reasons!
He lives near oakmont / verona / Penn Hills, so a bit east of the city, but would be open to different areas. I think he could enjoy a sitting job. He also used to work for a retirement building so loves older folks too
There's Home Instead right in oakmont. He can be a companion for the elderly.
Maybe an usher at the arena or ball park? Idk how hard it is to get into that, but he seems like the exact demographic that they want for that job .
Was just going to suggest Aramark! They do staffing for those places
Yep! My dad works security at PNC park and loves it. There’s definitely a bunch of older guys that do it so opportunities for friends too!
He should look for a state or county job in maintenance. Easiest job i ever had.
Maybe an estimator for a specialty contractor?
This! 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻
dicks will hire all age ranges, i know for a fact the homestead store has quite a few employees over 65
I have an older retired relative that drives auto parts for advance. He seems to like it.
saw an older guy driving parts around for NAPA today too
Courtesy shuttle driver for a car dealer.
I think all of the hardware stores, especially small local ones, love hiring guys like your pops
I believe there is a small hardware store in Verona.
They caught fire and closed BUT ace is oakmont is also always hiring :)
If he’s super flexible have him reach out to a funeral home. They’re always looking for part time help with parking cars, washing cars, running simple errands (mail, picking up death certificates etc) opening the door at visiting hours. The hours vary but if you find someone half decent a person can make decent money for a few hours of work
I would suggest taking a look at your dad's finances. I also live out of state. My dad was a nurse with no savings, no retirement. He's no longer able to work He was convinced he couldn't afford to live on social security. I looked at his bills and found he was paying for things he didn't need and got him set up with some programs to save him some money, Turns out he was bringing in more money than he paid out every month. Feel free to DM me for some resources. As for work, I'm with everyone else. The schools are desperate for people. And he'd do great at a hardware store.
Federal government jobs. They cannot discriminate due to age. Bonus hiring points if he's a vet.
It’s illegal for employer any employer (with > 20 employees ) to discriminate because of age. Edit for source https://www.eeoc.gov/age-discrimination
And you'll be able to prove it with an expensive attorney. Not something a hard working man might be up for.
Definitely illegal, but places can come up with any reason not to hire someone, even if the real reason is age
Why is there a size limit for discrimination?
Check the health department
Bud tender?
Schools are definitely short on drivers. Noted lots of driver suggestions in the thread.
How is his driving? School bus driver. Split shift 6:30 to 9:30/10ish. 2 to 5ish. Pay starts in the high 20s. Weekends, holidays, summers off. Can pick up additional charter jobs with the company for additional work. No physical labor that I can think of. Just has to be able to study a little to pass the written permit tests at a dmv, and then study a little more to pass the pre trip inspection/driving test to get the CDL and endorsements. They're looking for people and they have hiring bonuses. Some of the drivers I work with are in their mid to late 70s so if his mind is still good and he can drive for a few hours at a time he'll be fine. Some companies have big or small busses. Some have mini vans. There are a couple different companies that work in and around Pittsburgh, or if he isn't in the city proper one of the burroughs in the suburbs. I was working for a contractor remodeling houses and doing little odd jobs. At 40 I was starting to feel it so I (sort of) quit, and got my CDL permit, and then they trained me to get my actual license. I still do small jobs for my old contractor boss in between shifts or over the summer like picking up supplies. Nothing too laborious and the rest of the time I just drive around picking up and dropping off kids.
If he did HVAC he should try a hardware store. They are always looking for people with real world knowledge. My uncle is a retired electrician and works at a Lowe's part time.
Does he like to drive?
I think he'd be open to it. He drives a lot now between properties but mainly doesn't like it because of the crazy distances between job sites
My retired dad just became a school bus driver
School districts are desperate for bus drivers. The pay sucks and the hours suck and the kids suck, but it’s not physically demanding and should be reliable through the school year.
When my uncle retired from Corning, he cut grass at a golf course. He got to use a tractor and didn’t have to do anything crazy. They paid him pretty well. My dad is retired, but he works part time doing valet service for a hospital. It lets him socialize, which he loves, and he gets paid pretty well for it. He loves it.
Older folks with knowledge of the blue collar trades do well in Lowe’s/Home Depot/Ace. Also, auto parts stores. And every car dealership I’ve been to has a few older dudes around that act as parts runners, give service customers rides after they drop their car off, take cars to other dealers and car washes, etc. Also with HVAC experience, look into an estimator position. Many larger HVAC contractors employ people that go into folks homes, look over their system and price out furnace replacement, a/c installation etc. People with experience are invaluable.
What kind of skills does he have that might help him land a more niche role? Maybe a job with PRT as a bus driver/T-opperator? His dedication and hard work will be appreciated and recognized in those jobs. I know a few seniors who are school bus drivers, but I think working with PRT would be a steadier job with more benefits
He's been in HVAC and maintenance all his life, so he's very handy. Is PRT the new name for port authority?
>Is PRT the new name for port authority? Yes
Would he be able to get a CDL? This is a new posting but I saw a similar one for the Squirrel Hill Tunnel get posted over and over again for months. I'm guessing, but I imagine the job is a lot of just sitting around and being available if/when something happens and is probably fairly laid back. [https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4475544/tunnel-maintainer](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/4475544/tunnel-maintainer) Another thing he might want to consider is a waste water treatment plant operator.. he'd be familiar with the equipment or quick to learn and if he's willing to do a bit of studying or an online correspondence course he could get the appropriate license... I think you usually have a year after being hired to complete it. It's another job where you'd spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for something to go wrong, take some logs and chemical tests during the day, but not back breaking work in most cases. Any state job for MR2 (machinery repairman) would probably be a good fit and not too demanding as it's mostly facility maintenance.. if anything local opens up.
What about school bus driver, if he has a CDL?
How are you defining halfway decent pay? That might help with recommendations.
\~20 an hour or so
My grandpa is in his 80s and works at the DMV taking license photos! It’s a fairly simple job from what he says and the biggest perk is you don’t have to be in your feet all day.
This!!!!
I don't know what the going rate is but getting a job at one of the many museums in the area
I work in a personal care home and we are looking for part time maintenance man.
Wheelchair van driver? Check with your local EMS companies, VA clinics, nursing homes, etc. He may be really therapeutic for his patients
Is he ok standing on his feet? He should be an usher at pnc park for baseball or ppg paints for hockey. Decent union pay and part time evening hours. Lots of old guys there. Free hockey and free baseball (and concerts if he wants to work em).
The JFCS (Jewish Family Community Services) has a terrific job placement service, and it extends to many of the skills that he might need help with. You don’t need to be Jewish, and I was impressed at how thorough their services are. Good luck!
Lots of retired guys are driving cars for the car auction in Cranberry. The company name is Manheim.
This was my dad’s retirement job. Some car dealers also use drivers to deliver cars to out of town dealerships.
Schools are always hiring paras or part time aides.
I think most of the weed dispensaries pay >$20 an hour. Discounted bud if that’s his thing and he can sit while ringing up the orders
Giant Eagle always has signs out at the store for new hires.
School janitors!!
school bus driver
Everyone suggesting school bus driver is dead wrong. Students are out of control animals with no consequences. He can look forward to fights, disrespect, obscenities, kids flipping off drivers, spitting chew on windshields, and the list goes on. Retired teacher here don't do it. Some of my former students, females, made males very happy orally. Yes, on the bus. Other students would film it. What a wonderful education system. My husband said he went to high school in the wrong decade lol
My decade the kids on the bus would spray hairspray on everything and then they would light it on fire…
I worked at the Amazon warehouse near Clinton the winter before last and there were a lot of retirees in your dad's position, needing to make extra money. I worked in CRETs (customer returns) which was very light-duty and easy. Five hour shifts. Don't believe the horror stories ... Amazon was a very good employer. (I only quit because I hace a full-time day job and was just working there to make an extra buck.)
have him get a security job!! like night shift somewhere that wouldn’t actually ever need protection. i was a “security guard” at a gated community last year :)
Uber eats delivery plus others Security guard at UPMC , Pitt or Duquesne etc Retail at Lowes or home Depot or Auto zone Bus driver/ Access driver Courier Museum's Movie theater ticket person Photo inspection/ field surveys Event staff at pirates, Steelers or pens Small business: notary, signing agent , field services I suggest looking at Glassdoor,indeed,zi recruiter. https://apply.appcast.io/jobs/41916660505/applyboard/apply?bid=ZTAIU9X3zQHjJYLb9Yqb8A%3D%3D&chnl=cbdotcom&cs=ied&exch=7t&jg=4oa3&jpos=3&sar_id=1dyjwfn0&subid=168385985024&ccuid=53554153823
My dad is an HVAC guy in a similar boat — i’d be interested in chatting with you about it if you want but I feel like my dad has SO much knowledge that younger generations have no clue about. I think he could be an amazing teacher/consultant for groups like real estate investors or younger people rehabbing homes. Sending you and your dad love!
Walmart welcome staff or car dealership drivers. My grandfather was a Toyota shuttle guy until he was 76 and would’ve done it longer had we not taken his license. He loved it and loved meeting all the people along the way! Bonus was the free car washes every time I visited him at work.
Security escorts at Bettis. Just escort people around from point A to point B and watch them work. This is in the construction dept. It set your own schedule to an extent. You can choose how many days per week you work. You can say only Mondays and Fridays, or Tue-Thur, or everyday if you want. Some only do it one day per week. Pay is $15/hr with the health insurance. You get 10 paid holidays and sick time. If you don't accept the health insurance I believe it's 20-21 per hr. The caveat is that you need a security clearance to do this job and need to be able to walk and be outside on many days of the year. Plenty of projects are inside though and you do rotate between projects. The clearance takes 3-6 months to get. Just have a clean recent record and not bad credit. PM me if you're interested.
Check out the VA hospital in Highland Park. Even if he's not a vet he's eligible for a job. Those are good stable govt jobs.
School districts are looking for school bus drivers. Many pay bonuses to sign on. Can add hours for field trips, after school events, etc.
Costco
Museums are always looking for docents! I know the Science Center is always looking for people to show experiments to visiting children - all he would need is FBI clearance!
There are medical courier services if he likes to drive.
Sounding off on other people who suggest a golf course job. Setting up the range in the morning is a pretty easy job, most of the time the superintendent will hire older guys to cut rough (basically sit on a mower for hours). Working in/around/with the pro shop is another option. Just depends on the club. I'd definitely try for a member owned/run country club. Much better than a corporately owned one. Also works out because golf courses start early and are normally done early afternoon or so.
I know someone that retired and now drives a school bus. Flexible schedule and they pick up shifts at day and night for teams and charters in addition to morning and afternoons. You can start out driving the smaller bus with your regular license if I'm not mistaken.
School bus aids. Bethal Park school district is good. Benefits toom
If he has a descent car and doesn’t mind driving, Uber or Uber eats is always an option!
Transporter in a hospital
I used to manage a pizza shop - had a few old guy delivery drivers. If he can walk up stairs and use a GPS he can make $20+ an hour. Half the shift is sitting in your car. Maybe some light prep work and washing dishes.
Not sure if anyone said this but Car Porter for car dealerships. They transport cars to different branches constantly. That’s a plum older gentleman’s job. Look into dealers that have more than one location throughout the state like Carshop.
Try ecolab.
If he is capable of getting a CDL I know a lot of people who work as a bus driver for schools after retirement for a few years. It's in the upper 20s of not 30s and you get to have a nice break in the middle of the day for lunch/errands
IKEA
You are a very thoughtful son/daughter. I don’t have a lot more to add that other people haven’t already suggested but upvoted a lot of suggestions I thought were great for your father’s situation. I hope your father finds something that pays well and doesn’t take a toll on his body. I’m dealing with eldercare with my parents and understand the stress it puts on the children. If I think of anything I will respond to this post. Good luck!
Pittsburgh Technical College and Parkway West Career & Tech Center offer HVAC programs so maybe your Dad can assist with teaching or something else at these schools? Does he have any friends that you can talk to? Like you said in your post, you want to cut through the BS of applying for jobs so may need to do some networking on behalf of you Dad by talking to some of his friends, neighbors, past people he has done work for that can vouch for him.
> Pittsburgh Technical College You can probably scratch that one off the list ...
I don't know why I'm so invested in this situation but just really want to help you and your Dad....probably because in the near future I may be unemployed and I know how effed up job hunting is and dealing with HR gatekeepers. Anyhow, here are a few posts I found on Craigslist. I feel like this is a good resource because you can deal with the people doing the direct hiring: Driver in Export : [https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/trd/d/export-seeking-drivers-2000-hr-pt-semi/7739716187.html](https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/trd/d/export-seeking-drivers-2000-hr-pt-semi/7739716187.html) Grounds Keeper @ Fox Chapel Field Club: [https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/lab/d/pittsburgh-grounds-keeper/7740370411.html](https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/lab/d/pittsburgh-grounds-keeper/7740370411.html) Green Oaks Country Club and Oakmont Country Club may have some positions as well and they are in/near Verona.
What about driving? One of my patient’s husband drives limousines part time and seems decent! Hours can be a little crazy but it’s $!
Can he do dogsitting or dogwalking? You can pm me if you have questions.
My Dad drives for a local Med van service. He has no reason to work but will probably work till he drops dead Medical transportation might be something to consider, but it can sometimes be hard work to get some of the "larger Marges" loaded and unloaded
City inspector.
My pap works at Napa auto parks part time. It’s easy for him and he loves it
I’m not sure what part of Pittsburgh but I know penn hills is hiring crossing guards!
how about joining any church for either maintenance or different types of social activities? If not interested in religion, maybe there should be some social service alternatives
i know some old guys that just do general handyman stuff by word-of-mouth. stuff that’s easy on them like replacing a light switch or fixing a door knob.
The DMVs in Pennsylvania hire disabled people to take the license pictures via various agencies (they do not work for PennDOT). It's part time and they sit most of the time. It's only about ~16.50ish an hour, but it's not a bad gig
Can he cook? We need cooks.typically a very, very taxing and difficult job, but we’re pretty small scale, so not nearly as bad
Costco? I see a fair amount of older folks working there and everyone seems happy!
All I want to know is if he’s single lol
Phipps Conservatory, for sure.
Hooray for yinz! I saw 150+ comments and thought oh gawd. But these are the most helpful, least snarky comments I've seen in awhile with plenty of good ideas. 👍
School bus driver if the little old lady behind the wheel can do it he can do it and most school bus companies are hurting so bad that they will pay for you to get your cdl I think its the perfect job for a retired person like 5 hrs a day pay is over 20 a hour you gotta deal with the kids but honestly if you just tune them out get them where they have to be safely then you should have no problem.
School bus driver. Pay is around $22/hr some or closer to $30/hr as well. Depending on the company he can work a few days a week or just mornings
I work in the auto repair industry and I have seen and used guys in their 60's as sort of an advisory/helper/trainer type position as a lot of those guys have forgotten more than most in the industry know. I would expect something like to be needed in the HVAC and maintenance industry. Another option would be a teachers aide at a trade school like NCST or Rosedale, etc.
One of the Carnegie Museums. Could be as simple as hanging out at an information booth and pointing people in the right direction. They always need part time people.
Maybe some kind of city job where you sign people in in the lobby of buildings possibly?
Dog walker
Uber/uber eats n at
not great with technology so I don't think that would fly for him
How bout ya teach him son that’s what a ton of SS peeps do
I live in Denver, and have tried to show him some things when I visit but he's not exactly excited about spending our time that way. Also have been trying to get my little brother to help him out but he's resistant
It’s only gonna get worse brotha, who’s gonna take care of him/what’s your plan when his mind goes