13 Retirement Hobbies That Make Money

Retirement is a time to relax, unwind, and pursue your passions – but did you know there are a variety of retirement hobbies that make money? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most lucrative retirement hobbies and offer tips and advice for turning your hobby into a successful side hustle.

What Are the Benefits of Side Hustles for Seniors?

In retirement, many seniors have more free time than they are used to. While this can be a welcome change, it can also lead to feelings of restlessness and boredom. Fortunately, there’s a way to combat this by monetizing your hobbies. Next, you’ll discover the many benefits that come with doing so.

First, it can bring in extra money, which can be especially helpful for seniors living on a fixed income. By monetizing a skill or interest, seniors can supplement their retirement savings and ensure they have the funds they need to enjoy their golden years.

Second, it can help keep seniors’ minds sharp. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities and learning new skills can help reduce cognitive decline and keep the brain active and healthy. Seniors can challenge themselves and stay mentally sharp by starting a small business or pursuing a passion project.

Finally, having a side hustle or monetizing a hobby can combat isolation. Retirement can be lonely for some seniors, especially those who have lost friends or family members. Seniors can connect with others who share their interests and build new relationships by starting a business or pursuing a hobby, providing a sense of purpose and community that can be invaluable in retirement.

13 Ways to Make Money in Retirement

Finding retirement hobbies that make money is easier than you think. Here are 13 ways to gain extra income, learn new skills, and broaden your horizons.

1. Photography

Retirees, turn your photography hobby into a lucrative income stream! You could join stock photography websites or sell art prints as limited or open editions online or at art fairs and galleries. You can also earn by conducting photography tours or workshops and leading aspiring photographers to breathtaking locations, fostering a sense of community. Businesses, bloggers, and content creators are always on the lookout for high-quality images, and with these ventures, you can earn royalties each time your photos are downloaded.

2. Crafting

Crafting is a great way to earn retirement income from your hobbies, with the industry worth $40 billion. There are many ways to sell handcrafted items, including setting up an online store on platforms like Etsy, participating in art shows and craft fairs to showcase your work, and networking with art enthusiasts and collectors. You can make and sell items such as candles, jewelry, and crocheted or knitted items. Building a strong online presence (through social media or cold emailing) can help attract customers and boost sales.

3. Writing

Retirees can make money writing through freelancing, self-publishing, blogging, or content creation for businesses. Freelance writing involves offering writing services to businesses, websites, and publications. Blogging enables individuals to monetize their experiences, expertise, and passions. Before you turn your words into cash (through platforms like Copify and ProBlogger), try our Becoming a Freelance Writer course to learn how to perfect your craft and deliver high-quality content.

4. Proofreading

Proofreading is a freelance job that requires no previous experience and minimal startup costs. Aside from training (including building technological skills), you likely already have what you need – a laptop or desktop computer, a reliable internet connection, and up-to-date word-processing software (such as Microsoft Word).

Your job as a proofreader includes:

• Correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Amending text for clarity and consistency
• Checking that the tone and vocabulary of a document are appropriate
• Checking for formatting issues

5. Editing

Much like proofreading, editing is freelance (allowing you to work wherever and whenever you like) and requires no previous experience. As an editor, it’s your job to:

• Check a text for clarity and consistency
• Improve overall readability and, therefore, quality
• Fact-check and clarify errors

After training, you can become an editor (and/or proofreader) by volunteering to edit for local publications, building a portfolio of work, networking with other editors and industry professionals, and signing up for online job platforms like Reedsy or Jobs for Editors to find editing work.

6. Gardening

Discover the joys of gardening, a fulfilling hobby proven by a Princeton study to make you happier! It can also provide a source of income during retirement. With your green thumb, explore various avenues to monetize your gardening skills. You can sell plants, offer gardening consultation services, or teach organic gardening workshops. Join a platform like Food4All to get started and turn your love for gardening into a non-profit business.

7. Tutoring

Unlock your full potential and earn extra income by sharing your expertise. You can offer private tutoring, teach adult education classes, or provide English as a foreign language instruction in person or online. Additionally, you can teach local skill-based courses, such as knitting, and bring people together to learn and socialize. The possibilities are endless, so take the first step towards a fulfilling and rewarding journey.

8. Baking and Cooking

Retirees can turn their culinary skills into a profitable venture by exploring these four ways to make money from their kitchen:

• Specialize in niche baked goods and sell them locally or through custom orders
• Offer cooking classes and workshops
• Start a catering business and provide delicious meals for events and parties
• Create a food blog or YouTube channel and monetize it through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise sales

Additionally, retirees can sell cooked food through online delivery services, local markets, or apps, e.g., HomeFoodi.

10. Tour Guide

Do you have a love for where you live that you want to share with others? Becoming a tour guide could be for you! Design immersive and personalized experiences for travelers and locals alike through guided tours. Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, art and culture, culinary delights, or nature excursions, there’s a themed tour for everyone. Take food enthusiasts to explore the best local restaurants, food markets, and traditional eateries. Offer off-the-beaten-path tours that showcase hidden gems and lesser-known attractions to attract adventurous travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences.

National parks provide visitors with guides and other helpers during their stays and help people gain an appreciation for the environment. With sites like Older and Bolder, you can teach the next generation to honor the earth.

11. Online Reselling

Are you a savvy shopper with an eye for great deals? Do you enjoy finding hidden gems at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets? You can turn your talent into a profitable venture! You can become an expert and build a loyal customer base by specializing in a specific niche, such as vintage clothing, collectibles, or electronics.

If you’re looking for a side hustle that’s both fun and profitable, consider reselling items. With your knowledge and bargaining skills, you can quickly profit from items you find and resell them for a higher price. Just prioritize safety by always meeting buyers and sellers in public places.

12. Pet Services

If you love animals, you can turn your passion into a money-making opportunity in several ways. You can offer pet-sitting services and dog-walking sessions for busy pet owners, or you can use your experience in pet grooming to provide professional services. However, it’s essential to remember that you may need an insurance policy to cover these services.

Additionally, you can use your knowledge of animal behavior to offer pet training services or use your photography skills to become a pet photographer.

13. Translation and Interpreting

The demand for translation services is higher than ever, with many companies and individuals requiring high-quality translations for documents, websites, and other materials. Similarly, interpreters are in high demand to facilitate communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages.

You only need a strong command of at least two languages to translate or interpret. You can then offer your services on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr or join online communities of translators or interpreters to find job opportunities and build your network.

If you want to improve your skills and increase your chances of finding work, consider taking courses or obtaining certifications in translation or interpreting. Many universities and online learning platforms offer courses or programs in these fields.

Becoming a Freelancer

We hope you found some inspiration from our list! If freelance writing, proofreading, or editing appeals to you, take a look at our courses. They are designed to teach you everything you need to know to start a flexible, rewarding (and profitable!) new career or side hustle. Sign up for a free trial and start your journey today.