Retirement doesn’t mean you have to bid farewell to paid work. In fact, many retirees find fulfillment and financial security through side hustles. These ventures not only provide supplemental income but also offer opportunities for continued engagement, social interaction, and personal growth. From consulting and teaching to pet sitting and working retail, the options are as diverse as retirees themselves.
Best side hustles for retirees
Retirees looking to pursue their passions while earning a little extra money have various options. Here are some of the best side hustle ideas to consider:
Pet sitter
For animal-loving retirees, pet sitting can let you enjoy the companionship of furry friends while earning extra income. The flexible hours can also accommodate your schedule so you can balance leisure time with work.
Delivery driver
Being a delivery driver can offer social interaction, the chance to explore different neighborhoods, and a flexible schedule. The job has few requirements, mainly a valid driver’s license and the ability to lift packages.
Tour guide
Becoming a tour guide can be rewarding, especially if you’re passionate about your local community. While staying active, you can foster social connections as you share interesting facts about your city or town.
Freelance writer
Freelance writing is ideal for those who want to work from the comfort of their own homes. Retirees have plenty of options; they can work with newspapers, journals, content agencies, and more to take on varied assignments like features, reviews, and website copy. They can pitch editors or have clients assign them stories that cater to a target audience.
Teacher
If you have a teaching background, you can continue your life’s work at a more leisurely pace. Share your expertise remotely with students worldwide through online tutoring. Provide valuable classroom support as a substitute teacher. Or explore part-time roles at community colleges.
Consultant
If you loved your career, leverage your decades of experience to create a part-time consulting business. Lean on your professional network to build a client base of businesses seeking your expertise. Consulting lets you stay connected with the working world, contribute meaningfully, and earn money while setting your own pace and schedule.
Rent extra space
Renting extra space is a great way to earn passive income. Whether you have a spare room or an entire home you aren’t occupying, consider using online marketplaces, such as Airbnb or Vrbo (for short-term rentals), or Zillow or Craigslist (for long-term rentals), to connect with people who might want to rent your space.
Sell handmade goods
Retirees passionate about arts and crafts can sell their handmade goods to earn extra money. Artists who enjoy making in-person connections can sell their DIY pieces at craft fairs. Those who’d rather sell their goods without traveling can opt for online selling by starting an online store on Shopify or using a marketplace like Etsy.
Home or car repairs
Retirees with the right equipment and skills can offer their home or car repair services to those who may not have the time or knowledge to do it themselves.
Bookkeeper
As a bookkeeper, you can provide valuable financial services to small businesses or individuals who may not need help on a full-time basis. You can work from home, letting you maintain the work-life balance you want.
Photographer
Photography is a creative pursuit that lets you capture special moments for potential clients. There are many possibilities—you can photograph private events that you find through your network, portraits for a publication, or landscapes for a company’s brochure. This side gig offers avenues for exploration and social interaction, enabling you to stay engaged.
Gardener
Retirees with a green thumb can offer their gardening or landscaping services in their free time. This side hustle helps you spend time outdoors, contribute to the beauty of your community, and earn extra money doing something you love.
Housesitter
Housesitting presents retirees with a flexible and low-stress side hustle. By looking after people’s homes when they’re away, retirees can earn extra income while enjoying a change of scenery. Tasks may include watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring security.
Virtual assistant
Retirees can provide remote support to businesses or individuals. This role involves tasks such as email management, scheduling, and customer service. Retirees can set their hours and workload.
Retail worker
Working in retail can be a flexible and fun side hustle. Retirees can work limited hours, make connections with customers, and enjoy camaraderie with colleagues. Plus, retail workers often receive discounts.
Tips for working a side hustle in retirement
If you’re a retiree looking for part-time work, here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing your side hustle:
Consider your goals and skill set
Before you jump into the first side hustle opportunity that comes your way, consider what you want out of your new part-time job. Whether you want to increase retirement income, stay active, or pursue a passion, knowing your goal will inform what side hustle you choose.
If your primary objective is to earn additional income to keep up with your living expenses, look for the most lucrative side hustle, leveraging any high-demand skills or assets you may have. On the other hand, if you want to stay active and fill your spare time, find jobs that interest you—the extra cash will be a bonus.
Don’t overcommit
When you find a side hustle that excites you, it’s easy to overcommit. But at retirement age, it’s important to also ration your time and energy to avoid burnout and stress. Roles that offer more flexibility and fewer demands than a full-time job can help you strike a balance, enabling you to enjoy your golden years.
Understand the impact on Social Security benefits
If your side hustle earnings are substantial, consider how it will affect your Social Security benefits. If you haven’t reached full retirement age (67 for those born in or after 1960), income that exceeds the annual limit ($22,320 in 2024) will reduce your monthly benefit payments. However, once you reach full retirement age, you can earn more money without a decrease in benefits. Learn more on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Side hustles for retirees FAQ
How can seniors make a little extra money?
In this gig economy, there are many ways for retirees to earn money, such as pet sitting, freelance writing, consulting, and renting extra space.
Is there a limit to how much money you can make after retirement?
There is no limit to the amount you can make after retirement. However, if you haven’t reached full retirement age (67 for those born in or after 1960) and earn more than the annual limit ($22,320 in 2024), it will have an impact on your Social Security benefits.
What are the benefits of side hustles for retirees?
A side hustle can increase retirees’ earning power, but the extra money is not the only benefit. Working a flexible part-time job can also help you stay active, connect with others, and feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
In conclusion, retirement doesn’t have to mean the end of working life. Side hustles offer retirees the opportunity to continue earning income, stay engaged, and pursue their passions. With a wide range of options available, retirees can choose a side hustle that aligns with their interests, skills, and goals. Whether it’s pet sitting, freelance writing, consulting, or any other side hustle, retirees can find fulfillment, financial security, and a sense of purpose in their golden years.
