Becoming an adjunct professor at a local community college or university is a career alternative for an older person with technical skills. This allows the person to work part time and teach one or two classes per semester. Online classes are plentiful as well as teaching in the classroom setting. Adjunct professors are in demand, according to a January 2010 article in The New York Times, and technology courses are offered at most higher learning institutions. The New York Times reported that adjunct professors generally need at least a master's degree to teach; however, someone with many years of experience and expertise in the technical field can get by with a bachelor's degree. A typical three-credit course can pay $2,100, according to The New York Times.
Many companies hire technical trainers to teach their staff how to use their computer systems. The trainer position may be part-time or on-call, as needed when there are new hires. For an older person with technical skills, this may be a good choice for the person who has both the technical knowledge and people skills. Training classes take place in the classroom as well as through web-based sessions. In addition, stand-alone computer training centers offer classes on computer software, networking and professional certification. Many companies outsource technical training or send employees for further training at such service centers. Pay ranges vary depending on the company, whether the position is full-time, part-time or in a consulting agreement.
A company's help desk takes calls from employees who are having systems issues or who may require a technical change such as adding a new employee to the system. Many help desk technicians work remotely from home and have technical knowledge allowing them to troubleshoot and resolve many of the calls they receive on-the-spot. If they cannot, they triage the issue to the next level technician for a resolution. An older person with technical skills may be qualified to answer the front line calls and attempt to find a resolution or work as the next level to solve issues. As of summer 2010, average pay for a first level help desk professional is about $15 per hour.