Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down—and for many, it doesn’t mean stopping work altogether.
Whether it’s to pad your income, stay socially engaged, or finally explore a passion project, more retirees are jumping into side hustles than ever before. And the best part? You can do it entirely on your own terms.
Side hustles in retirement are about more than just extra cash—they’re about purpose, connection, and freedom.
From remote work you can do in your pajamas to hands-on gigs around your neighborhood, there are dozens of flexible, low-stress ways to earn money and enjoy your time. In this article, we’ll explore the best retirement side hustles to fit any lifestyle—and how to get started today.
Contents
Why Side Hustles Make Sense in Retirement
Gone are the days when retirement meant cutting ties with work completely. In fact, more retirees than ever are choosing to stay active by earning on the side—not because they have to, but because they want to.
💵 Financial Perks
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Supplement Social Security, pension, or limited savings
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Offset rising costs of living, healthcare, or travel
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Build an emergency fund or splurge fund without dipping into savings
🧠 Mental & Emotional Benefits
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Maintain a sense of purpose and structure
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Stay mentally sharp through continued learning and decision-making
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Reconnect with your professional identity or passions
🤝 Social Engagement
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Meet new people—especially important if you’re feeling isolated
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Network within your community or professional circles
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Stay connected to the world around you
🕓 Flexibility is Key
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Work when you want, where you want, and as much as you want
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Try different gigs until you find one that fits your lifestyle
“I didn’t go back to work because I had to—I did it because I missed being useful. My side hustle gives me structure and a little extra cash for fun things.”
– Carol H., 68
Whether you’re looking to earn or simply engage, a side hustle can be a meaningful part of retired life—without sacrificing your freedom.
Top Retirement Side Hustles (With Examples)
The best side hustles in retirement are flexible, enjoyable, and low-pressure—allowing you to earn extra cash while staying connected to your interests and strengths. Whether you prefer working from home or getting out into the community, there’s something for everyone.
🖥️ Online & Remote Work
Perfect for retirees who prefer flexibility and low physical demand.
| Side Hustle | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Freelance writing/editing | Use your experience to write articles or polish resumes |
| Virtual assistant | Help businesses with scheduling, emails, or support |
| Online tutoring/teaching | Share your knowledge on platforms like VIPKid or Wyzant |
| Selling digital products | Create and sell eBooks, templates, or printables |
🛠️ Hands-On or Local Work
Ideal if you like staying active and social in your local community.
| Side Hustle | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Pet sitting/dog walking | Flexible, enjoyable, and high demand |
| Gardening or handyman work | Use physical skills for neighbors or small projects |
| Local tour guide | Share your knowledge of local history and culture |
| House sitting or errands | Offer light assistance to busy or older neighbors |
💼 Service-Based Opportunities
Leverage your professional skills for part-time or project-based income.
| Side Hustle | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Consulting or coaching | Turn career experience into high-value part-time work |
| Bookkeeping or notary | Low overhead, easy to start, consistent demand |
| Resume or job search help | Help younger job seekers with applications and interviews |
🎨 Creative & Passion Projects
Tap into your hobbies and talents for fun, fulfilling side income.
| Side Hustle | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Etsy or craft fair sales | Sell handmade goods or vintage finds |
| Photography or art lessons | Teach or offer services in something you love |
| Blogging or podcasting | Share your stories, passions, and tips with the world |
“I started teaching watercolor classes at the community center. It’s fun, pays decently, and gives me something to look forward to every week.”
– Roy M., 70
How to Choose the Right Side Hustle for You
With so many possibilities, it’s important to pick a side hustle that fits your goals, lifestyle, and comfort level. The right one will feel more like a fun opportunity than a job.
✅ Ask Yourself These Questions:
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What are you good at?
Tap into your career experience, hobbies, or natural skills. -
What do you enjoy doing?
Pick something that adds energy to your day—not something that drains it. -
How much flexibility do you need?
Do you want to work from home? A few hours a week? Seasonally? -
Do you want to work with people—or independently?
Social butterflies might enjoy tutoring or guiding tours, while introverts may prefer writing or bookkeeping. -
What’s your “why”?
Whether it’s extra money, staying busy, or trying something new, your purpose will help guide your pick.
💡 Pro Tip: Start Small
Test out a side hustle for a few hours a week. You can always grow it—or switch it up—once you find what feels right.
“I tried pet sitting through Rover just to see if I’d like it. A year later, I’ve met dozens of people (and pets!) and earn enough to cover my monthly groceries.”
– Nina S., 65
Choosing the right side hustle is about aligning your energy and income with your lifestyle—so you can enjoy retirement your way.
Tools and Platforms to Get Started
Once you’ve chosen a side hustle that fits your retirement goals, the next step is getting it off the ground. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Today’s digital platforms make it easier than ever to start earning—right from your living room.
💻 Online Marketplaces & Freelance Platforms
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Upwork | Freelance writing, admin, design |
| Fiverr | Quick gigs in creative or tech fields |
| Wyzant / VIPKid | Online tutoring or teaching English |
| Etsy | Selling crafts, art, or printables |
🐶 Local & Service-Based Work
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Rover | Dog walking or pet sitting |
| TaskRabbit | Odd jobs, moving help, handiwork |
| Thumbtack | Home services, coaching, consulting |
| Care.com | Childcare, elder care, and errands |
🌐 Your Own Channels
Don’t underestimate the power of your local community:
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Post your services on Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, or local bulletin boards
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Offer free trials or discounted sessions to build referrals
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Create a simple website or profile with a free tool like Canva or Carrd
“I started teaching guitar lessons using Zoom and listed my service on Facebook. It’s casual, fun, and brings in steady cash without leaving home.”
– Terrance L., 69
These platforms give you the visibility, credibility, and tools you need to get started—no business degree required.
Final Thoughts
Retirement doesn’t mean the end of earning—or exploring. With the right side hustle, you can boost your income, stay mentally engaged, and discover new passions you never had time for before.
The best part? You set the pace, the schedule, and the purpose.
Whether you’re supplementing your retirement income or just want something fun and meaningful to fill your time, there’s a side hustle out there that’s perfect for you.
For more ideas on how to build the retirement life you deserve, visit RetiredLifeTips.com—your trusted resource for smart Work & Entrepreneurship for retirees and practical lifestyle advice.
