From Catwalk to Career Change: Top Jobs for Retired Models

In fashion jobs by Melissa Shea

Photo by Atikh Bana on Unsplash

Often, many fashion models do not plan ahead for life after the cameras and light have stopped. In this article, we are going to explore the career paths of former models to make an informed decision if you are a retired model. A study from Cornell University discovered that just 20% of models remain active after age 30. This finding shows the necessity for career planning for models.

Entrepreneurship

Many retired models choose to start their own businesses. Running your own modeling agency or establishing an organization, which promotes aspiring models is a great option. This way you can use your experience and become a mentor for those who dream about becoming models. 

Apart from running their own business, entrepreneurs get the chance to follow their passion. Moreover, entrepreneurship provides multiple tangible benefits, such as social networking, freedom from boring routine, and opportunities for personal growth. A study from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) Report shows that startups reach average monthly revenue of $2,300 within their first year. 

Online Product Review

Many retired models often take online product review jobs. Not only do these jobs allow them to earn money, but they can also provide a flexible schedule and the freedom to work from any location worldwide.

Online review jobs can give you an increased earning potential. It ensures you can create your own office and maintain more creative control over your workspace. A study by Indeed suggests online product reviewers earn an average annual salary of $24,000.

TV Hosting and Acting

The whole entertainment industry offers a wide range of opportunities for retired professionals in the modeling industry. After retirement, models can explore hosting shows on TV or acting. This is a fascinating and lucrative career option. 

Hosting and acting can help you display an array of talents, including body language, communication skills, memorization abilities, and emotive range. Retired models can leverage their networks and try switching to acting or hosting gigs. 

When models retire, they might leave the runway behind. However, they can find new jobs in the entertainment industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states a median salary of $122,440 for TV and radio broadcasters.

Education

With a focus on continued learning, exploring educational and academic pursuits for retired professionals is worth checking out. Other than obtaining a degree, opportunities for consulting and teaching in different fields can be considered. Moreover, engaging in research to contribute to certain industries is another option. 

Moreover, insights into these opportunities show that acquiring new skills will unlock profitable consulting positions with companies looking for refined expertise. Also, there are some universities that have introduced programs focusing on older adults who want to continue their education. 

Other than conventional classroom settings, ways in which retired models can engage with academia are tutoring partnership and mentorship with students at different levels of education. With these jobs, retirees can give back while sharing knowledge they have gained through their experience. 

Fashion and Makeup Industry

The world of makeup and fashion industry provides a wide range of career options, even after models retire. In case you have been a part of the industry for years, there are many great ways to continue contributing to it. Often, models can choose to become educators or mentors, sharing their experience and knowledge to the next generation of makeup and fashion professionals. 

If you want to stick to the creative side, there are many opportunities as advisors or consultants. It includes helping brands stay relevant and on-trend. Similarly, a retired model can transition into becoming a fashion photographer or stylist, meaning you can try working behind the camera rather than in front of the camera.

Social Media Influencer

In this digital age, another popular career option for retired models is an online influencer. The job involves promoting products, brands, or services through different online platforms by creating entertaining and informative content and sharing it on social media. The aim here is to grab social media attention. 

To become a social media influencer, you need to build a strong online presence. Create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. It should help establish brand credibility. So, aspiring influencers should keep themselves updated on the latest trends in their chosen niches. 

Therefore, social media influence is an interesting career choice that will open many doors to models even after retirement. Influencer Marketing Hub reports social media influencer marketing is a $13.8 billion industry. It is expected to reach $16.4 billion soon.

About Melissa Shea

Melissa Shea is the co-founder of Fashion Mingle and has spent over 20 years in the creative industry fueled by a love of learning about the “next new thing”. Melissa has used her entrepreneurial passion and technology skills to develop an online platform for fashion professionals that will transform the future for local fashion communities.

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Melissa Shea

Melissa Shea is the co-founder of Fashion Mingle and has spent over 20 years in the creative industry fueled by a love of learning about the “next new thing”. Melissa has used her entrepreneurial passion and technology skills to develop an online platform for fashion professionals that will transform the future for local fashion communities.