Flexible income opportunities that fit your retirement lifestyle. Leverage your experience and stay active while earning extra money.
Modern retirement often includes continued work by choice, not necessity. Many retirees find purpose, social connection, and supplemental income through flexible side hustles. The key is finding opportunities that respect your time, health, and experience while providing meaningful engagement and fair compensation.
Flexible opportunities that value your experience and expertise
Leverage decades of experience to help businesses solve problems. Set your own schedule and rates.
Share your knowledge and experience with students worldwide. Very rewarding and flexible schedule.
Care for pets when owners travel. Great for animal lovers who want companionship and light exercise.
Work 3-4 months per year during tax season. Many companies hire and train retirees for this seasonal work.
Turn hobbies like knitting, woodworking, or jewelry making into income through online marketplaces.
Help customers via phone, chat, or email from home. Many companies value mature, patient employees.
Share your local knowledge and love of your area with tourists. Great for social retirees who enjoy meeting people.
Help small businesses manage their finances. High demand and can often be done remotely.
Key factors to consider when choosing retirement side hustles
If you're under your full retirement age and collecting Social Security, earnings above $21,240 (2023) may reduce your benefits. Plan accordingly and consider timing.
Choose work that matches your current health and energy levels. Prioritize low-stress, flexible opportunities that don't compromise your well-being.
Understand how additional income might affect Medicare premiums (IRMAA). Most side hustles won't impact this, but it's worth knowing the thresholds.
Additional income may make your Social Security benefits taxable or push you into a higher tax bracket. Consider quarterly tax payments for significant earnings.
Some pensions have restrictions on working for former employers or in the same field. Check your pension terms before starting any work.
Retirement is your time. Only take on work that enhances rather than detracts from your retirement goals and quality of life.
Different motivations call for different approaches
Cover hobbies, dining, travel extras
Meaningful income to improve lifestyle
Mental stimulation and social connection
Step-by-step approach to finding the right opportunity
Review your financial needs, health status, Social Security situation, and personal goals for retirement work.
List your skills, experience, interests, and available time. Consider what you enjoyed most in your career.
Select opportunities that match whether you're seeking income, purpose, social connection, or intellectual stimulation.
Begin with a few hours per week to test the waters. You can always expand if you enjoy the work.
Start with former colleagues, friends, and community connections. Your reputation and relationships are valuable assets.
Be clear about your availability, preferred schedule, and what types of work you will and won't do.
Monitor how the work affects your finances, taxes, and well-being. Make adjustments as needed.
Remember this is optional work. If it stops being enjoyable or beneficial, you can always stop or change direction.
Common questions about working in retirement
Only if you're under full retirement age and earn more than $21,240 annually (2023 limit). After full retirement age, you can earn unlimited income without affecting benefits.
Working doesn't affect Medicare eligibility, but high income ($97,000+ for individuals in 2023) may increase Medicare Part B and Part D premiums through IRMAA.
Contractor work offers more flexibility but requires self-employment tax. Employee status provides benefits but less schedule flexibility. Consider your priorities and tax situation.
Everyone has marketable skills! Your life experience, reliability, and maturity are valuable. Start with customer service, pet sitting, or seasonal work while exploring your interests.
Focus on freelance, consulting, or age-friendly companies. Emphasize your experience and reliability. Consider opportunities where your maturity is an asset, like tutoring or customer service.
Continue building your retirement income strategy
Build income streams that require minimal ongoing effort.
Read Guide →Choose work that brings joy, purpose, and extra income to your retirement years. You've earned the right to be selective about how you spend your time.