Why Side Hustles Are a Great Idea for Retirees
Having a side hustle can be incredibly rewarding at any age. Whether you're looking to make money online or explore creative projects, there are numerous opportunities that are especially suited for retirees. These ventures can provide financial support while also offering a sense of purpose and connection.
Jessica Agnew, an executive career coach at Sixth Wing, emphasizes that the focus should not be on hustling in your 60s but rather on staying engaged and fulfilled. "It's not about staying productive, it's about staying lit up," she explains. A well-chosen side hustle can serve as a gateway to community, creativity, and personal growth.
The key principle behind a successful side hustle in this stage of life is that it should feel good in your body. It's a chance to replenish what the world once asked you to spend. "You've earned the right to build something beautiful and nourishing," Agnew adds.
The Benefits of a Side Hustle in Your 60s
Lauren Bonheim, a certified career coach at Ama La Vida Coaching, highlights that a side hustle in your 60s can bring more than just extra income. It can offer joy, purpose, and a sense of connection after retirement. "Many women I coach want to stay mentally sharp, feel engaged, meet new people—and, yes, of course, keep a bit of income flowing," she says.
Bonheim also notes that while the paycheck might not be the main goal, it's about the reason behind it. "It's about continuing to feel useful, creative, and excited about something," she adds. A side hustle can be the perfect spark to reignite your passion and energy.
Agnew further explains that a side hustle can be a time of reinvention. You now have more freedom, creativity, and the ability to contribute on your own terms. "The career ladder might no longer feel relevant," she says. Instead, there’s a quiet desire to stay engaged, to offer our gifts in new ways, and to stay connected to something bigger than ourselves.
A well-chosen side hustle can become more than just a source of income. It can:
- Be a container for purpose: A way to continue sharing what you've learned and who you are.
- Offer structure for contribution: Many people still want to feel useful without the full-time grind.
- Provide a pathway to vitality: Doing something you enjoy can bring aliveness and joy back into daily life.
- Serve as a gentle anchor: Especially post-retirement, when identity can feel fluid, a side hustle offers structure to support a sense of momentum.
How to Find the Right Side Hustle for You
Agnew suggests using the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese idea that translates to "a reason for being." This approach invites exploration of four intersecting elements: What you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. She also adds a fifth layer: What nourishes your energy.
Agnew shares journal prompts to help determine the most aligned path:
- What activities energize me right now—even after I've done them for a while?
- What am I constantly asked for by friends or former colleagues?
- What parts of my life experience would I love to pass on or share?
- What would I regret not trying?
- What would my future self, ten years from now, thank me for doing today?
Bonheim uses a similar approach with her clients called the "Career Compass." This helps identify what matters most at this stage of life. Questions like "What's missing from my current reality?" and "How do I want to feel at the end of the day?" can guide the process.
Once you understand your motivation, whether it's impact, creativity, flexibility, or financial stability, you can come up with ideas that align with that vision. "It's not about looking at a one-size-fits-all list and choosing. It's about intentionally designing a side hustle that fits you—not the other way around," she says.
Top Side Hustles for Women Over 60
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Legacy Coaching or Mentoring
Offering coaching or mentorship can be fulfilling, allowing you to share your wisdom and connect with others. It provides structure without overwhelming you and activates a deep sense of purpose. -
Pet Sitting or House Sitting
Caring for pets or homes while traveling can be a simple way to earn extra cash. Platforms like TrustedHousesitters or Rover allow you to explore new places while bonding with animals. -
Writing or Ghostwriting
Sharing your stories, writing guides, or helping others tell their stories can be both meditative and fulfilling. Platforms like Substack allow you to build your audience. -
Monetizing a Hobby
Turning a creative hobby like crocheting, knitting, or crafting into a side hustle can be meaningful and manageable. It allows you to enjoy making money while doing something you love. -
Teaching Classes or Workshops
Sharing your passion through teaching can be a great way to earn extra money while fostering community. You can control the pace and scope of your work. -
Starting a Garden or Nature-Based Microbusiness
Growing vegetables or flowers and selling them in your community can add extra income. It also offers a chance to spend time outdoors and nurture life. -
End-of-Life, Birth, or Companion Doula Work
Supporting others through life’s significant moments can be deeply fulfilling. It requires strong boundaries and emotional resilience, which many women in their 60s possess. -
Animal Care or Rescue
Working at a shelter or starting an animal rescue business can be a soothing and joyful way to stay active and connected. It also offers the chance to meet neighbors and give back to the community.