Side hustles over 60: Flexible ways to earn extra income and joy
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If the word "hustle" sounds a bit too exhausting these days, you’re not alone.
After years of work, caregiving, and putting others first, the idea of starting something new might feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
For many men and women over 60, side hustles aren’t about stress or urgency—they’re about fulfillment, creativity, and connection.
Whether you're looking to stay engaged, earn a little extra, or simply explore your passions, this chapter of life can be the perfect time to do it.
Experts say the best side gigs at this stage are the ones that nourish your soul as much as your wallet.
Why many people embrace side hustles after retirement
Retirement doesn't mean slowing down—it means making space for what truly matters to you.
“Side hustles in your 60s are less about ‘hustle’ and more about joy, purpose, and connection,” says Lauren Bonheim, a certified coach at Ama La Vida Coaching.
Jessica Agnew, an executive career coach at Sixth Wing, adds, “You’ve earned the right to build something beautiful and nourishing.”
Whether it’s the desire to stay sharp, find community, or rediscover a sense of purpose, these ventures can be energizing.
And yes, a bit of extra income doesn’t hurt either.
Also read: How fashion became a $12K/month side hustle — could it work for you too?
Start with what excites you: the "Ikigai" method
Before jumping into a trendy gig, try reflecting on what truly motivates you.
Agnew suggests exploring the Japanese concept of ikigai, or your reason for being.
Ask yourself:
Bonheim’s "Career Compass" asks similar questions like “What’s missing from my life?” and “How do I want to feel at the end of the day?”
Side hustles work best when they add something valuable—not drain it.
Also read: 12 side hustles retirees wish they’d started sooner—are you missing out on extra cash?
1. Legacy coaching or mentoring
You’ve gathered a lifetime of experience—why not share it?
Mentoring younger people or professionals can be deeply meaningful, and you get to define your own boundaries.
Whether you’re a retired teacher, nurse, parent, or executive, there’s someone out there who can benefit from your wisdom.
You can start locally or online through alumni groups, career networks, or platforms like LinkedIn.
2. Pet sitting or house sitting
If you love animals and enjoy a change of scenery, consider signing up for pet or house sitting.
Sites like TrustedHousesitters or Rover match you with people in need of trustworthy care.
One retiree even traveled across Europe by pet sitting her way from one home to the next.
It’s a flexible way to earn money—or score free accommodations.
Also read: Looking to boost your retirement income? These 5 side gigs can help
3. Writing or ghostwriting
Whether you’re writing personal essays, family stories, or helping others tell theirs, writing can be healing—and lucrative.
You can publish through blogs or newsletters like Substack, or freelance on platforms like Reedsy and Upwork.
Ghostwriting books or editing memoirs can be rewarding work that taps into years of lived experience.
4. Monetizing a hobby
Do you love to bake, paint, sew, or garden?
That passion could become a small income stream through online shops like Etsy or at local markets.
For example, some retirees run sourdough bread subscriptions for neighbors or sell handmade quilts and pottery.
The key is to keep it fun, manageable, and aligned with what you love.
Also read: Retiree's Secret: Earn $49/Hour with This Surprising Side Hustle!
5. Teaching classes or workshops
Whether it’s journaling, crochet, gardening, or business basics, teaching is a great way to stay mentally active while connecting with others.
You can offer classes through community centers, libraries, or host Zoom workshops from home.
Sites like Teachable and Skillshare help you reach a wider audience.
You decide the topic, pace, and platform.
6. Garden or nature-based microbusiness
If you have outdoor space or a green thumb, you could grow herbs, flowers, or veggies to sell locally.
You might create herbal teas, dried bouquets, or pressed flower art.
Some people even offer garden tours or host planting workshops for kids and families.
Gardening provides movement, sunlight, and a sense of calm purpose.
Also read: Planning to retire in 2025? Here are 7 reasons why launching a side hustle today could be your best move
7. End-of-life, birth, or companion doula work
Supporting others through life’s big transitions—like birth, grief, or aging—is powerful, deeply human work.
Many people become doulas later in life, offering emotional support and presence, not medical care.
Training is available for those who want to be certified, but even informal companion roles can provide comfort and connection.
Just be sure to set strong emotional boundaries.
8. Animal care or rescue work
If you're an animal lover, consider volunteering at a shelter or fostering pets.
Some retirees start their own mini rescue groups or offer animal transport services.
Even part-time work at a shelter or pet supply store can provide a sense of purpose.
Apps like Rover also make it easy to find paid gigs near you.
Also read: This unusual side hustle helped one person afford their first home—and it involves something you probably never considered!
Other flexible options worth exploring
Looking for something even more low-key or digital? Try these:
Tips for getting started
Starting something new doesn’t mean diving in all at once.
Begin slowly, protect your time and energy, and stay open to adjusting as you go.
Most importantly, find something that energizes you—not just something to do.
Talk to friends, join local meetups, or look online for ideas and support.
Let this be a reminder that your next chapter can be as rich and meaningful as any before—on your terms, in your own time.
What side hustle are you curious to try next?
Read next: Tears of joy or regret? How an 8-Hour side hustle landed $250K on Shark Tank
Have you explored a side hustle after 60? Whether it’s something small, meaningful, or just-for-fun, we’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Share your stories or questions below—your experience could inspire someone else’s next step!
After years of work, caregiving, and putting others first, the idea of starting something new might feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
For many men and women over 60, side hustles aren’t about stress or urgency—they’re about fulfillment, creativity, and connection.
Whether you're looking to stay engaged, earn a little extra, or simply explore your passions, this chapter of life can be the perfect time to do it.
Experts say the best side gigs at this stage are the ones that nourish your soul as much as your wallet.
Many older adults are finding side hustles that bring both purpose and a little extra income—on their own terms. Image Source: Pexels / cottonbro studio.
Why many people embrace side hustles after retirement
Retirement doesn't mean slowing down—it means making space for what truly matters to you.
“Side hustles in your 60s are less about ‘hustle’ and more about joy, purpose, and connection,” says Lauren Bonheim, a certified coach at Ama La Vida Coaching.
Jessica Agnew, an executive career coach at Sixth Wing, adds, “You’ve earned the right to build something beautiful and nourishing.”
Whether it’s the desire to stay sharp, find community, or rediscover a sense of purpose, these ventures can be energizing.
And yes, a bit of extra income doesn’t hurt either.
Also read: How fashion became a $12K/month side hustle — could it work for you too?
Start with what excites you: the "Ikigai" method
Before jumping into a trendy gig, try reflecting on what truly motivates you.
Agnew suggests exploring the Japanese concept of ikigai, or your reason for being.
Ask yourself:
- What do I love?
- What am I good at?
- What does the world need?
- What can I be paid for?
- What nourishes my energy now?
Bonheim’s "Career Compass" asks similar questions like “What’s missing from my life?” and “How do I want to feel at the end of the day?”
Side hustles work best when they add something valuable—not drain it.
Also read: 12 side hustles retirees wish they’d started sooner—are you missing out on extra cash?
1. Legacy coaching or mentoring
You’ve gathered a lifetime of experience—why not share it?
Mentoring younger people or professionals can be deeply meaningful, and you get to define your own boundaries.
Whether you’re a retired teacher, nurse, parent, or executive, there’s someone out there who can benefit from your wisdom.
You can start locally or online through alumni groups, career networks, or platforms like LinkedIn.
Mentorship can be a way to connect generations and pass on wisdom. Image source: Pexels / cottonbro studio.
2. Pet sitting or house sitting
If you love animals and enjoy a change of scenery, consider signing up for pet or house sitting.
Sites like TrustedHousesitters or Rover match you with people in need of trustworthy care.
One retiree even traveled across Europe by pet sitting her way from one home to the next.
It’s a flexible way to earn money—or score free accommodations.
Also read: Looking to boost your retirement income? These 5 side gigs can help
3. Writing or ghostwriting
Whether you’re writing personal essays, family stories, or helping others tell theirs, writing can be healing—and lucrative.
You can publish through blogs or newsletters like Substack, or freelance on platforms like Reedsy and Upwork.
Ghostwriting books or editing memoirs can be rewarding work that taps into years of lived experience.
Your stories have power—writing can be both personal and professional. Image source: Pexels / RDNE Stock project.
4. Monetizing a hobby
Do you love to bake, paint, sew, or garden?
That passion could become a small income stream through online shops like Etsy or at local markets.
For example, some retirees run sourdough bread subscriptions for neighbors or sell handmade quilts and pottery.
The key is to keep it fun, manageable, and aligned with what you love.
A hobby-turned-hustle can add joy and income to your week. Image source: Pexels / SHVETS production.
Also read: Retiree's Secret: Earn $49/Hour with This Surprising Side Hustle!
5. Teaching classes or workshops
Whether it’s journaling, crochet, gardening, or business basics, teaching is a great way to stay mentally active while connecting with others.
You can offer classes through community centers, libraries, or host Zoom workshops from home.
Sites like Teachable and Skillshare help you reach a wider audience.
You decide the topic, pace, and platform.
Sharing your skills is a great way to give back—and keep learning. Image source: Pexels / Nataliya Vaitkevich.
6. Garden or nature-based microbusiness
If you have outdoor space or a green thumb, you could grow herbs, flowers, or veggies to sell locally.
You might create herbal teas, dried bouquets, or pressed flower art.
Some people even offer garden tours or host planting workshops for kids and families.
Gardening provides movement, sunlight, and a sense of calm purpose.
Also read: Planning to retire in 2025? Here are 7 reasons why launching a side hustle today could be your best move
7. End-of-life, birth, or companion doula work
Supporting others through life’s big transitions—like birth, grief, or aging—is powerful, deeply human work.
Many people become doulas later in life, offering emotional support and presence, not medical care.
Training is available for those who want to be certified, but even informal companion roles can provide comfort and connection.
Just be sure to set strong emotional boundaries.
Doula and companion work offers connection at life’s most tender moments. Image source: Pexels / Engin Akyurt.
8. Animal care or rescue work
If you're an animal lover, consider volunteering at a shelter or fostering pets.
Some retirees start their own mini rescue groups or offer animal transport services.
Even part-time work at a shelter or pet supply store can provide a sense of purpose.
Apps like Rover also make it easy to find paid gigs near you.
Also read: This unusual side hustle helped one person afford their first home—and it involves something you probably never considered!
Other flexible options worth exploring
Looking for something even more low-key or digital? Try these:
- Virtual assistant—help entrepreneurs manage emails, schedules, or research.
- Online tutoring—share your skills in English, math, or arts with kids or adults.
- Tour guide—host neighborhood or history walks, in person or virtually.
- Senior companion—offer social support to elders in your area who live alone.
Tips for getting started
Starting something new doesn’t mean diving in all at once.
Begin slowly, protect your time and energy, and stay open to adjusting as you go.
Most importantly, find something that energizes you—not just something to do.
Talk to friends, join local meetups, or look online for ideas and support.
Let this be a reminder that your next chapter can be as rich and meaningful as any before—on your terms, in your own time.
What side hustle are you curious to try next?
Read next: Tears of joy or regret? How an 8-Hour side hustle landed $250K on Shark Tank
Have you explored a side hustle after 60? Whether it’s something small, meaningful, or just-for-fun, we’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Share your stories or questions below—your experience could inspire someone else’s next step!
