Retirement is a goal that many of us aim for later on in life. However, upon arrival, we might find that it’s not quite how we pitched it. Maybe we didn’t save up enough money and have to go back to work. Perhaps we become a bit listless looking for something to do and ways to be useful. Many retirees have found joy, purpose, and yes, additional income with side hustles, with some being better fits than others. In fact, there’s five hustles that retirees can do which do not feel like work.
To break down all the details and get insights on those side gigs, GOBankingRates got in touch with Colleen Paulson, founder of Ageless Careers, who frequently works with people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who want to take on side gigs after retirement. Below are the top side gigs Paulson said retirees can work without feeling like they are back at work.
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Adjunct Professor
- Average part-time pay: $82,143 annually (per ZipRecruiter)
“Many community colleges and universities will employ experienced folks to teach courses without a Ph.D., so this is another great way to share all of those great skills that you have developed through the years,” Paulson explained.
The amount of money a retiree could make as an adjunct depends on the school and while Paulson highlighted that no one would be able to make a fortune, “it’s a wonderful way to stay connected,” she said.
Check Out: What Is a Good Side Gig Income for 2026?
Influencer
- Average part-time pay: $33 hourly (per Salary.com)
Yes, it’s true. Even retirees can be a TikTok or Instagram creator/influencer. Paulson suggested that retirees should position themselves as a “Thought Leader” on LinkedIn.
“I’ve built my brand to 90,000 followers on LinkedIn and am now approached for sponsorships and other opportunities,” Paulson added.
Online Course Creator
- Average part-time pay: $36.99 (per ZipRecruiter)
Paulson recommended that retirees use Udemy, Thinkific or other platforms to create their own online courses using all of that great knowledge that they’ve acquired over a lifetime. It doesn’t matter how niche the course is, because with the internet, there’s an audience for every interest.
Freelance Writer
- Average part-time pay: $23.27 (Per ZipRecruiter)
“You can pitch your favorite publications and websites, sharing your expertise across a variety of topics,” Paulson said.
“[The] pay depends, varying on the site, but you get to share your knowledge in areas that really interest you,” she added.
Substitute Teacher
- Average part-time pay: $20.31 (per ZipRecruiter)
Schools are in desperate need of substitute teachers, according to Paulson, which is why retirees might be a perfect fit for the job.
“The great thing about this is that you can pick and choose when you work and most programs will take people without a teaching certificate (although a bachelor’s degree is often required),” Paulson said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 ‘Side Hustles’ for Retirees That Don’t Feel Like Work
