Many retirees are discovering flexible, low-stress side hustles that bring in extra income while keeping life interesting. Whether you’re looking to fund travel, boost your savings, or simply stay engaged, today’s gig economy offers endless options. Here are 20 rewarding side hustles that help retirees earn extra money without having to return to a traditional 9-to-5 job.
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Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking is a fun and fulfilling way to earn extra income. Many pet owners need trustworthy people to care for their furry friends while they’re at work or traveling. You can offer daily walks, drop-in visits, or overnight stays. Apps like Rover or Wag make it easy to find clients, or you can work through local referrals. This side hustle provides companionship, light exercise, and plenty of flexibility. Plus, spending time with animals is proven to boost mood and reduce stress, an added benefit for anyone.
Online Tutoring
Online tutoring lets retirees share their knowledge from the comfort of home. Whether you specialize in math, writing, languages, or test prep, there’s consistent demand for experienced tutors. Platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, and VIPKid make it easy to connect with students of all ages. You can set your own hours and rates, making this side hustle ideal for flexible income. Many retirees enjoy the sense of purpose that comes from helping others learn and succeed. All you need is a computer, a stable internet connection, and a passion for teaching.
Rent Out a Spare Room or Property
If you have extra space, renting out a room or property can provide a steady income with minimal effort. Websites like Airbnb and Vrbo make it simple to list your space, set availability, and manage bookings. You can choose to host short-term travelers or longer-term renters depending on your comfort level. Many retirees enjoy meeting guests from around the world while offsetting living expenses. With some hospitality and attention to detail, this side hustle can turn unused space into a reliable income stream that fits easily into retired life.
Here's how to maximize your earnings as an Airbnb Superhost.
Offer Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks such as email management, scheduling, and data entry. Retirees with office or organizational experience can thrive in this flexible role. You can choose part-time clients, work remotely, and control your workload. Many VAs charge hourly rates or monthly retainers, providing a consistent income source without the stress of a 9-to-5 job. The demand for virtual assistants continues to grow, making this a practical option for retirees who enjoy staying organized, efficient, and connected in the digital workspace.
Drive for Rideshare or Delivery Apps
If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, rideshare or delivery work can be a fun way to supplement your income. Services like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash let you choose your own hours and routes. You can work as much or as little as you like, whether you prefer delivering meals or giving passengers rides. This side hustle offers flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to explore your city. It’s ideal for retirees who want to stay active while earning money on their own schedule.
House Sitting
House sitting is a low-stress side hustle perfect for retirees who enjoy peace and quiet. Homeowners often need someone to keep an eye on their property, water plants, collect mail, or care for pets while they’re away. You can find opportunities through local referrals or websites like TrustedHousesitters. Many retirees use house sitting as a way to travel affordably or experience new communities while earning income or receiving free lodging. It’s flexible, often relaxing work that offers both trust and connection between homeowners and reliable sitters.
Teach a Class or Workshop
Share your expertise by teaching a class or workshop on a subject you love. It can be anything from cooking and painting to photography or financial basics. Community centers, libraries, and online platforms like Skillshare or Udemy make it easy to reach eager learners. This side hustle is perfect for retirees who enjoy socializing and passing on their knowledge. You can set your own schedule, fees, and class size. Teaching not only brings in income but also keeps you mentally active and engaged with your community, all while inspiring others to learn something new.
Become a Tour Guide or Local Host
Turn your local knowledge into income by becoming a tour guide or local host. Travelers love exploring cities with passionate, knowledgeable locals. You can offer walking tours, history talks, or themed experiences like food tastings or ghost tours. Websites like Airbnb Experiences or Viator make it easy to promote your tours. This side hustle is ideal for retirees who enjoy storytelling, meeting people, and showing off their hometown. It’s active, social, and fun—and you can schedule tours as often or as rarely as you like.
Gardening or Lawn Care Services
If you love spending time outdoors, gardening or lawn care can be a rewarding side hustle. Many homeowners and busy families need help with mowing, planting, or seasonal yard maintenance. You can choose small jobs that fit your energy level and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing your work bloom. Gardening also offers gentle exercise and fresh air, perfect for retirees who prefer hands-on work. You can advertise locally, rely on word of mouth, or even specialize in organic gardening or decorative landscaping for added income potential.
Photography Services
If you have an eye for composition and enjoy capturing special moments, photography can be a rewarding way to earn extra income. Retirees can offer portrait, event, or nature photography, or even sell prints and stock photos online. Many people prefer hiring experienced, reliable photographers for family gatherings, weddings, or business headshots. You can start small with basic equipment and grow your business as your skills and client base expand. It’s also a wonderful way to stay social and creative while enjoying flexible hours and doing something that brings beauty to others.
Handyman or Home Repair Work
Retirees with a knack for fixing things can turn those skills into a steady source of income. Many homeowners are eager to hire reliable, skilled help for small repairs, painting, or furniture assembly. You can choose jobs that suit your comfort level and schedule. Word-of-mouth referrals can quickly build a loyal customer base in your community. Handyman work not only provides extra money but also keeps you physically active and mentally sharp. Just be sure to set clear rates and boundaries so the work remains enjoyable and not overwhelming.
Bookkeeping or Accounting Services
If you have a background in finance, accounting, or business management, bookkeeping is an ideal side hustle in retirement. Small businesses often need part-time help managing expenses, invoices, and tax prep. You can work remotely or locally, choosing your own clients and workload. With software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks, it’s easy to organize records and offer professional services without a major time commitment. This type of work offers flexibility, good pay, and the satisfaction of helping others manage their finances effectively, without the stress of a full-time position.
Notary Public Services
Becoming a notary public is a simple and low-cost way to earn extra money in retirement. After completing a short certification process, you can offer document-signing services for real estate transactions, legal forms, or business paperwork. Many clients prefer mobile notaries who can travel to their home or office. The work is flexible, with each signing typically paying a set fee. It’s a reliable way to supplement your income, meet new people, and serve your community. All while maintaining a light schedule that fits easily into retired life.
Rent Out Your RV, Boat, or Tools
If you own an RV, boat, or set of high-quality tools that sit unused most of the time, consider renting them out. Platforms like Outdoorsy, Boatsetter, and local rental apps make it easy to connect with responsible renters and earn passive income. You can set your own rates and choose when to make your items available. This side hustle turns idle assets into steady cash flow with minimal effort. Just make sure you understand insurance coverage and maintenance needs to protect your investment while it earns for you.
Provide Childcare or Babysitting
Retirees often make wonderful babysitters thanks to their patience and life experience. Offering childcare services can be both fulfilling and profitable. You might watch grandchildren, neighbors’ kids, or families who need help after school or on weekends. It’s a great way to stay active, connected, and part of your community. You can set your own rates, choose your hours, and even specialize in infant care or tutoring help for school-age children. For those who love kids, it hardly feels like work at all.
Social Media Management
If you’re tech-savvy or enjoy spending time online, social media management is a modern side hustle that can be done from anywhere. Many small businesses need help maintaining their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn pages, but can’t afford a full-time marketer. Retirees can schedule posts, respond to comments, and create simple content to boost engagement. You can manage one or two accounts part-time and earn a decent monthly income. It’s creative, flexible, and keeps you up-to-date with the digital world.
Event Staffing or Coordination
Retirees who enjoy socializing and organizing can thrive in event staffing or coordination. From weddings and fundraisers to local festivals, there’s always a demand for dependable workers to help with setup, registration, or guest assistance. Some retirees even specialize in event planning, using their experience to manage small gatherings or community events. The work is seasonal and flexible, often on weekends, so it’s easy to fit around your schedule. Plus, you’ll stay active, meet interesting people, and contribute to special occasions. All while earning extra income in a fun, upbeat environment.
Senior Companion or Errand Services
Many older adults or busy families need reliable help with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, or light housekeeping. Offering companion and errand services is a meaningful side hustle that provides both income and human connection. You can assist others with appointments, run errands, or simply offer company to someone who lives alone. It’s flexible, fulfilling work that allows you to set your own hours and build long-term relationships. For compassionate retirees, this side hustle offers purpose as well as profit.
Become a Mystery Shopper
Mystery shopping allows retirees to earn money by visiting local stores, restaurants, or service providers and reporting on their experiences. Companies use this feedback to improve customer service and operations. Assignments are usually quick and flexible. Some gigs reimburse your purchases, while others pay cash for your time. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to stay active, explore new businesses, and earn a little extra spending money. Perfect for retirees who enjoy shopping, dining out, or observing how things work behind the scenes.
Flipping Furniture or Collectibles
Turn your love of thrifting or DIY projects into a money-making venture by flipping furniture or collectibles. Visit garage sales, estate sales, or thrift stores to find undervalued items, then clean, repair, or repurpose them for resale online or at local markets. This creative side hustle can be done at your own pace and often yields impressive profits. Many retirees find it satisfying to bring new life to old pieces while staying active and engaged in the community. It’s part hobby, part business, and entirely on your terms.
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