The dream for most of us in retirement is to enjoy the hobbies, travel and slower pace we looked forward to so much. Still, the fact is that sometimes a basic pension falls short and some extra earnings can dramatically improve those wonderful years of rest. If you want to stay busy, engaged with other people or earn some extra money, there are plenty of side hustles for retirees from hobbies through house sitting. Read on to hear about some of the best side jobs for seniors that you can consider!
Reasons for Starting a Side Hustle in Retirement
The thought of not having to work can be liberating, but a lot actually find themselves at loss without some sort of structure and purpose in life. Read our article on Holistic Retirement Planning: Practical Guide to a Secured Future. There are really fun side hustles that can serve a purpose, like finding ways to bring in extra retirement income. If your goal is less high stress work or you are looking for a way to turn passion into profit, side gigs are a great option because they can be integrated into your schedule and energy level!
You ready to get your side hustle going; just browse through my list and pick whatever fits you best!
1. Freelance Work: Skills from Your Career
You can likely continue to use these skills as a freelancer if you have years invested in writing, consulting or perhaps even bookkeeping. There are just as many companies and individuals that will hire experienced professionals for short term or specific tasks.
- Set your hours and pick projects that fit your skill set. And it keeps the brain active too!
- Marketplaces like Upwork and Freelancer host projects across multiple categories- so you can search a project according to your skills.
- Your profile should contain sufficient information to make your skills clear for the field you are applying.
2. Tutoring: Share your skills
One of the best side hustles for retirees if you love teaching or have a teaching background. They even get a chance to tutor from grade school mathematics to college level both face-to-face and online.
Why it’s the best: You can set your own schedule and you might just be doing some good for society at the same time!
You can teach from students from the comfort of your home.
How To Get Started: Sign up for any of these websites and promote your skills to students seeking your help.
3. Book Reviewing
In this day and age with all the self-publishing going on, there is always a need for books read and reviewed. As a reviewer, you would analyse and provide suggestions and comments that would help authors write better or simply review a book online for a higher credibility rating.
Why it is Enjoyable: You receive a stream of free books, can add to your reading list and in turn help authors.
Best places to start: There are a couple of websites, comprising those like Online Book Club or even NetGalley that links reviewers with publishers and authors.
4. Airbnb Hosting / Renting Out Your Space
Take advantage of extra bedroom or your second property and register it on Airbnb. You can easily host travellers, earn some extra money and also get to meet new people without breaking a sweat.
What makes it great: You have control of when your place is available and you can vet guests for safety.
Pro tips: Keep your Airbnb rules simple, offer standard amenities and take good photos of the room.
Ready to host? List your space on Airbnb and earn!
5. Sell Handmade and Vintage Goods
This is why crafting makes our list of top side hustles for retirees. For those that enjoy knitting, woodworking or create unique things, websites such as Etsy have made it easier than ever for the cottage industry side hustlers to get their creations out there on your behalf.
Why it is worth your while: You will be able not only to earn on things that interest you, but also be a part of a community of people that share the same interest.
Attract Buyers: To attract serious buyers and get off to a great start, will require some good quality images and detailed descriptions of your store.
Monetize Your Creativity! Showcase your work to the world!
6. Work as a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistance is on the rise and requires no technical skills. The most common are e-mail management, scheduling and data entry.
• Why it’s great for retirees: The flexibility and ability to work from home often on a part-time basis.
• How to begin: Websites specialize in connecting virtual assistants with companies in need.
Prefer working from home? Try a virtual assistant job and develop your side hustle anytime you choose!
7. Take Paid Surveys and/or Do Market Research
A great way to earn extra income in retirement that does not take a ton of your extra time. Market research firms pay for opinions on products, services and also advertising.
• Why it is easy money: You can take these surveys from home whenever you feel like doing them
• How to join: Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks are favourite avenues for online surveys.
Want quick cash? Sign up to answer surveys and make money expressing your thoughts!
8. Voiceover Work
The need for voiceover talent is growing rapidly as more and more digital content continues to flood the market. If you have a particularly pleasant, articulate voice then why not offer your services as a Voice over artist for audiobooks, training videos and advertising.
• Why It’s Cool: You get to read scripts out loud and actually do the work from home.
• How to start: Gain experience by offering your services to platforms like Voices.com or Fiverr to get started.
9. Testing New Products
This may be helpful for seniors who love to try new things. Companies regularly pay such individuals to test products or services in return for feedback before making it available to the general public.
Cons: You risk being a “guinea pig” for such product.
Check out these sites: Pinecone Research, UserTesting.
Frequently Asked Questions: Side Hustles for Retirees
What’s the best way for retirees to start a side hustle?
First, consider your skills, interests and the amount of time you can invest. Check out freelance or tutoring options, there are even online surveys that can be done when you have a small window.
Does side-hustling support working from home?
Majority of the side hustles for retirees are home-based including virtual assistance, online surveys and freelance work.
Are there side hustles for retirees that don’t require technology?
There are options such as tutoring or tour guiding which can be done without tech.
Can you earn serious money from your side hustles in retirement?
Definitely, particularly if you do some skills based work or do a little Airbnb’ing or crafts.
Can side hustles help retirees stay active?
Jobs like dog walking, fitness instruction and tour guiding keep you moving.
Are there tax implications for earning extra income in retirement?
Any income must be declared. Get a tax perspective from your financial advisor. Alternatively check the HMRC guidelines.
Start Earning Today!
Making an extra money in retirement has never been easier. Whether you need a little more money to make ends meet or just want something flexible to do in your retirement years, these side hustles for retirees are an excellent way of adding both income and adventure. Our article on How to Calculate the Income You’ll Need for a Comfortable Retirement will help determine your future income needs.
Take the First Step! You deserve a retirement that is more fulfilling!
Join Our Community: Why not tell us about any side hustles you have picked up in retirement or considering as part of your retirement planning. Your experience might be what someone needs to help them navigate this journey of fulfilment!
