Fulfilling, flexible, and fun ways to earn extra income without the exhaustion.
Retirement doesn’t always mean stopping work completely. Many retirees want (or need) a little extra income—but they don’t want a demanding job that drains their energy or robs them of their free time.
The good news? There are plenty of low-stress side hustles that offer flexible hours, minimal physical demands, and a sense of purpose.
In this post, you’ll discover 10 of the best part-time jobs and side gigs for retirees, each with a short description of why it works and how you can get started.
✅ 1. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Description: Caring for pets while owners are away or taking dogs for daily walks. You can work from home or visit clients nearby.
Why it’s great: You get companionship, exercise, and fresh air—without a rigid schedule. Services like Rover make it easy to start.
✅ 2. House Sitting
Description: Get paid (or stay rent-free) to care for someone’s home while they’re away—watering plants, picking up mail, or just being a presence.
Why it’s great: It’s peaceful, easy, and often includes free lodging. Perfect for retirees who enjoy quiet environments or travel.
✅ 3. Selling Handmade Crafts or Baked Goods
Description: Use your creative talents to sell quilts, jams, baked goods, or holiday crafts at local markets or online.
Why it’s great: You choose your hours, work from home, and turn hobbies into cash. Bonus: people love buying from seniors with a story.
✅ 4. Teaching or Tutoring
Description: Share your knowledge in subjects like math, reading, music, or ESL—online or in person.
Why it’s great: You stay mentally active and earn decent income by helping others succeed. Platforms like Wyzant or VIPKid make it easy.
✅ 5. Local Tour Guide or Museum Docent
Description: Lead tours or assist visitors at a museum, historical site, or local attraction.
Why it’s great: Great for retirees who enjoy history, storytelling, and socializing. You set your availability, and many places love hiring seniors.
✅ 6. Photo Organizer or Digitizer
Description: Help people sort, scan, and preserve their old photos or home videos—either at their home or remotely.
Why it’s great: Light tech skills and patience go a long way. You help families protect precious memories, and earn $50–$90/hr.
✅ 7. Senior Companion
Description: Provide friendship, light help, or errands for another senior in your area who wants to age in place.
Why it’s great: You’re making a real difference, earning income, and creating a meaningful bond—all without heavy caregiving.
✅ 8. Online Seller
Description: Sell vintage items, collectibles, or unused goods on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Etsy.
Why it’s great: You declutter, earn extra cash, and can scale the effort to your energy level. No boss, no pressure.
✅ 9. Substitute Teaching
Description: Fill in for teachers at local schools—no lesson planning needed. Just follow the daily outline and keep things on track.
Why it’s great: It’s flexible, pays well, and lets you stay connected to the community. Some states offer retiree-friendly certification paths.
✅ 10. Notary Public
Description: Get certified as a notary and charge for document verification services in your area.
Why it’s great: Training is simple, demand is steady, and you can work from home or travel locally. A great fit for organized retirees.
✅ The Bottom Line
Earning extra income in retirement doesn’t have to be stressful. These low-stress side hustles give you:
- Flexibility
- Fulfillment
- A reason to stay active and engaged
Best of all, they help you boost your income without draining your energy—or your joy.
📘 Want more ideas?
This post is adapted from my book:
Extra Income Over 60: 48 Ways to Boost Your Retirement Income Today,
Available at Amazon.com in paperback and eBook formats.
Inside, you’ll find practical, senior-friendly ways to earn more—right from home or around your neighborhood.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or employment advice. Results may vary. Please consult with local licensing agencies, your tax professional, or legal counsel before starting any business activity.