100 Side Gig Ideas for Retirees
How to Turn Your Career Into Income, Impact, and Joy
by Darrell Griffin, president of PureAudacity.com
🎬 Introduction
Retirement doesn’t mean stepping away from purpose—it’s a chance to reinvent it. Whether you were a teacher, engineer, nurse, artist, or executive, your career gave you skills, stories, and wisdom that others still need. This guide offers 100 creative, practical ways to turn your former job into a fulfilling side gig. Each idea includes how to start, grow, build, and keep it fun—because retirement should be as joyful as it is productive. Whether you're looking for extra income, community connection, or creative expression, these suggestions will help you stay engaged, inspired, and empowered in your next chapter.
General Career-to-Gig Ideas
1. Offer consulting services in your former field
Start: Contact former colleagues or industry contacts.
Grow: Speak at events or webinars.
Build: Create packages for different client needs.
Fun: Choose projects that align with your passions.
2. Write a memoir or career advice book
Start: Outline key stories and lessons.
Grow: Share excerpts on blogs or social media.
Build: Self-publish or pitch to niche publishers.
Fun: Include humor and personal anecdotes.
3. Start a blog sharing industry insights
Start: Choose a niche and set up a simple site.
Grow: Post regularly and engage with readers.
Build: Monetize with ads, affiliate links, or products.
Fun: Share quirky stories or industry humor.
4. Create online courses based on your expertise
Start: Outline a course and record basic videos.
Grow: Use platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
Build: Add quizzes, worksheets, and community forums.
Fun: Host live Q&A sessions.
5. Host webinars or workshops
Start: Pick a topic and promote locally or online.
Grow: Partner with organizations or libraries.
Build: Offer follow-up materials or coaching.
Fun: Include interactive elements and stories.
6. Become a mentor for young professionals
Start: Join mentorship platforms or alumni networks.
Grow: Offer structured sessions and feedback.
Build: Create a mentorship guide or toolkit.
Fun: Celebrate mentee milestones.
7. Launch a podcast about your career journey
Start: Record episodes with a simple mic setup.
Grow: Interview guests and promote on social media.
Build: Monetize with sponsorships or listener support.
Fun: Share behind-the-scenes moments.
8. Freelance in your old role part-time
Start: Join freelance platforms or contact former employers.
Grow: Build a portfolio and ask for referrals.
Build: Specialize in a niche to stand out.
Fun: Pick flexible projects that interest you.
9. Offer resume and interview coaching
Start: Advertise on LinkedIn or local job boards.
Grow: Collect testimonials and success stories.
Build: Create packages and templates.
Fun: Celebrate client wins.
10. Create downloadable templates or toolkits
Start: Design tools based on your work experience.
Grow: Sell on Etsy or Gumroad.
Build: Bundle products and offer updates.
Fun: Add creative design elements.
🧑🏫 Education & Training Careers
11. Tutor students in your subject area
Start: Offer services through schools or online platforms.
Grow: Ask for referrals and reviews.
Build: Develop a curriculum or prep guide.
Fun: Use games and storytelling.
12. Sell lesson plans online
Start: Upload materials to Teachers Pay Teachers.
Grow: Track popular topics and expand.
Build: Create themed bundles.
Fun: Add seasonal or humorous touches.
13. Teach adult education classes
Start: Partner with local community centers.
Grow: Offer multiple levels or topics.
Build: Create handouts and follow-up resources.
Fun: Include real-world examples.
14. Develop homeschool curriculum
Start: Research gaps in existing materials.
Grow: Promote in homeschool forums.
Build: Create multi-grade or themed units.
Fun: Add storytelling, crafts, and real-world applications.
15. Create educational YouTube content
Start: Record short videos on key concepts.
Grow: Optimize titles and thumbnails.
Build: Organize content into playlists.
Fun: Use props, animations, or themed challenges.
16. Write test prep guides
Start: Focus on one exam or subject.
Grow: Sell on Amazon or your website.
Build: Add practice tests and tips.
Fun: Include motivational quotes.
17. Host parent workshops
Start: Choose a topic like literacy, behavior, or tech in classrooms.
Grow: Promote through community centers and social media.
Build: Develop handouts and follow-up resources.
Fun: Include interactive activities and humor.
18. Train new teachers
Start: Offer sessions at local colleges.
Grow: Create a training series.
Build: Develop a certification program.
Fun: Share classroom stories.
19. Translate educational materials
Start: Offer services on freelance platforms.
Grow: Specialize in a subject or language.
Build: Create glossaries or guides.
Fun: Learn about different cultures.
20. Offer academic coaching
Start: Advertise to parents and students.
Grow: Track progress and share results.
Build: Create a coaching framework.
Business & Management Careers
21. Provide leadership coaching
Start: Define your coaching niche.
Grow: Offer free discovery sessions and gather testimonials.
Build: Develop a coaching framework and branded materials.
Fun: Celebrate client breakthroughs and share leadership stories.
22. Help startups with strategy
Start: Join local entrepreneur groups or startup incubators.
Grow: Offer workshops and pitch your services to founders.
Build: Create strategic planning templates and guides.
Fun: Work with passionate innovators and share your wisdom.
23. Offer project management services
Start: Freelance on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
Grow: Specialize in industries you know well.
Build: Use tools like Trello or Asana to streamline work.
Fun: Tackle diverse projects and solve complex problems.
24. Write business eBooks
Start: Choose a topic you’ve mastered and outline chapters.
Grow: Publish on Amazon Kindle and promote on LinkedIn.
Build: Create a series or bundle with worksheets.
Fun: Share anecdotes and lessons learned.
25. Create business plan templates
Start: Design templates based on your experience.
Grow: Sell on Gumroad or your own site.
Build: Offer customization services.
Fun: See your templates help real businesses launch.
26. Host team-building retreats
Start: Partner with local venues and offer half-day events.
Grow: Market to HR departments and small businesses.
Build: Develop themed activities and packages.
Fun: Facilitate games and group challenges.
27. Teach negotiation skills
Start: Create a workshop or online course.
Grow: Offer corporate training sessions.
Build: Develop role-play scenarios and case studies.
Fun: Share memorable negotiation wins and fails.
28. Run a mastermind group
Start: Invite peers or professionals in your field.
Grow: Charge a monthly fee and offer structured sessions.
Build: Create a resource library and discussion prompts.
Fun: Foster deep conversations and mutual growth.
29. Offer DEI consulting
Start: Build a framework based on your experience.
Grow: Partner with nonprofits or HR teams.
Build: Create workshops and assessment tools.
Fun: Facilitate meaningful change and dialogue.
30. Build a business-focused newsletter
Start: Choose a niche and write weekly insights.
Grow: Promote on LinkedIn and industry forums.
Build: Offer premium content or sponsorships.
Fun: Share trends, tips, and your personal take.
💻 Tech & IT Careers
31. Offer tech support for seniors
Start: Advertise locally or through senior centers.
Grow: Offer group sessions and home visits.
Build: Create a simple tech guidebook.
Fun: Celebrate each “aha” moment with clients.
32. Teach coding basics
Start: Create beginner-friendly lessons.
Grow: Offer classes at libraries or online.
Build: Develop a curriculum and practice projects.
Fun: Watch students build their first app or website.
33. Build websites for small businesses
Start: Offer affordable packages to local shops.
Grow: Showcase your work in a portfolio.
Build: Use platforms like WordPress or Wix.
Fun: Help businesses shine online.
34. Create cybersecurity guides
Start: Write simple tips for non-tech users.
Grow: Offer workshops or webinars.
Build: Develop checklists and printable resources.
Fun: Share stories of digital mishaps (with humor).
35. Develop simple apps
Start: Identify a problem you can solve.
Grow: Launch on app stores and gather feedback.
Build: Add features based on user needs.
Fun: Watch your creation help others.
36. Write tech tutorials
Start: Choose a platform (blog, YouTube, Medium).
Grow: Focus on trending topics or common problems.
Build: Create series or downloadable guides.
Fun: Explain complex ideas in fun, simple ways.
37. Review software tools
Start: Test tools you’ve used or are curious about.
Grow: Share reviews on YouTube or your blog.
Build: Create comparison charts and buyer guides.
Fun: Discover new tech and share your take.
38. Host digital literacy workshops
Start: Partner with libraries or senior centers.
Grow: Offer themed sessions (email, social media, safety).
Build: Create handouts and follow-up materials.
Fun: Watch confidence grow in your attendees.
39. Freelance as a data analyst
Start: Offer services on freelance platforms.
Grow: Specialize in industries you know.
Build: Create dashboards and reports.
Fun: Solve puzzles with real-world impact.
40. Create tech explainer videos
Start: Record short, clear tutorials.
Grow: Share on YouTube and social media.
Build: Organize by topic or skill level.
Fun: Use animations or props to keep it lively. Fun: Celebrate student achievements.
Healthcare & Wellness Careers
41. Become a health coach
Start: Get certified or use your medical background to define your niche.
Grow: Offer free sessions to build testimonials.
Build: Create coaching packages and a simple website.
Fun: Celebrate client milestones and share wellness tips.
42. Teach CPR and first aid
Start: Get certified as an instructor through Red Cross or AHA.
Grow: Partner with schools, gyms, or community centers.
Build: Offer group rates and private sessions.
Fun: Use role-play and props to keep it engaging.
43. Write wellness articles
Start: Choose topics you’re passionate about and pitch to blogs.
Grow: Build a portfolio and submit to larger publications.
Build: Start your own wellness blog or newsletter.
Fun: Share personal stories and favorite routines.
44. Offer patient advocacy services
Start: Advertise locally or through senior networks.
Grow: Build relationships with healthcare providers.
Build: Create checklists and guides for clients.
Fun: Help people navigate care with confidence.
45. Host aging well seminars
Start: Choose topics like mobility, nutrition, or mental health.
Grow: Partner with retirement communities or libraries.
Build: Develop handouts and follow-up resources.
Fun: Include interactive demos and humor.
46. Consult for clinics
Start: Reach out to small practices or startups.
Grow: Offer workflow or patient experience audits.
Build: Create toolkits and training modules.
Fun: Collaborate with passionate healthcare teams.
47. Create health tracking templates
Start: Design simple logs for diet, meds, or symptoms.
Grow: Sell on Etsy or your website.
Build: Bundle by condition or age group.
Fun: Add motivational quotes and visuals.
48. Teach caregivers
Start: Offer workshops or online classes.
Grow: Partner with hospitals or nonprofits.
Build: Create a caregiver handbook.
Fun: Share tips, stories, and encouragement.
49. Develop wellness programs
Start: Choose a theme (stress, sleep, movement).
Grow: Offer to workplaces or senior centers.
Build: Include videos, guides, and check-ins.
Fun: Add challenges and rewards.
50. Start a mental health awareness blog
Start: Share insights from your professional experience.
Grow: Interview experts and promote on social media.
Build: Create downloadable resources.
Fun: Use storytelling and community engagement.
🛠️ Skilled Trades Careers
51. Offer handyman services
Start: Advertise locally or on platforms like TaskRabbit.
Grow: Build a reputation with quick, quality work.
Build: Create service packages and seasonal offers.
Fun: Solve problems and meet new people.
52. Teach DIY workshops
Start: Host sessions at libraries or hardware stores.
Grow: Offer themed classes (plumbing, painting, repairs).
Build: Create kits or guides for attendees.
Fun: Include hands-on demos and friendly competitions.
53. Build custom furniture
Start: Start with small pieces and showcase online.
Grow: Take commissions and attend craft fairs.
Build: Create a brand and online store.
Fun: Experiment with new designs and materials.
54. Create repair guides
Start: Write or film step-by-step instructions.
Grow: Share on YouTube or DIY blogs.
Build: Organize by category and skill level.
Fun: Add humor and real-life examples.
55. Consult on home renovations
Start: Offer walk-throughs and planning advice.
Grow: Partner with contractors or realtors.
Build: Create checklists and budgeting tools.
Fun: Help people bring their dream homes to life.
56. Sell handmade goods
Start: Choose a craft you love and create a few pieces.
Grow: Sell on Etsy or at local markets.
Build: Develop seasonal collections.
Fun: Try new styles and connect with buyers.
57. Host safety training
Start: Offer basic tool and equipment safety classes.
Grow: Partner with schools or community centers.
Build: Create handouts and certification options.
Fun: Use props and real-world scenarios.
58. Offer blueprint reviews
Start: Advertise to homeowners and small builders.
Grow: Specialize in energy efficiency or accessibility.
Build: Create a checklist or review package.
Fun: Spot clever design ideas and offer improvements.
59. Teach tool basics to teens
Start: Offer workshops through schools or youth groups.
Grow: Create beginner kits and guides.
Build: Develop a curriculum with safety and skills.
Fun: Include challenges and hands-on projects.
60. Create a trades-focused YouTube channel
Start: Share tutorials and project walkthroughs.
Grow: Engage with comments and requests.
Build: Organize content by skill level or tool type.
Fun: Include bloopers and creative builds.
🎨 Creative Arts Careers
61. Sell your artwork online
Start: Photograph your work and list it on Etsy or a personal site.
Grow: Share progress and finished pieces on social media.
Build: Offer prints, commissions, or themed collections.
Fun: Experiment with new styles and materials.
62. Teach art classes
Start: Offer beginner workshops at community centers.
Grow: Host themed sessions (watercolor, collage, portrait).
Build: Create a curriculum and offer online options.
Fun: Encourage creativity and celebrate student work.
63. Write and publish poetry
Start: Compile your poems and submit to literary journals.
Grow: Share readings at local events or online.
Build: Self-publish a chapbook or anthology.
Fun: Play with form, rhythm, and imagery.
64. Freelance as a designer
Start: Offer services on Fiverr or 99designs.
Grow: Build a portfolio and ask for referrals.
Build: Specialize in logos, branding, or social media graphics.
Fun: Collaborate with clients who value your style.
65. Create coloring books
Start: Sketch themed pages and digitize them.
Grow: Sell on Amazon or Etsy.
Build: Offer bundles or seasonal editions.
Fun: Add whimsical or nostalgic elements.
66. Host creative retreats
Start: Partner with local venues and plan a weekend event.
Grow: Offer themed retreats (journaling, painting, photography).
Build: Include meals, materials, and guided sessions.
Fun: Foster community and creative breakthroughs.
67. Start an art blog
Start: Share your process, inspiration, and finished work.
Grow: Interview other artists and review tools.
Build: Monetize with affiliate links or products.
Fun: Explore new mediums and trends.
68. Offer photography services
Start: Specialize in portraits, events, or nature.
Grow: Build a portfolio and ask for referrals.
Build: Create packages and seasonal promotions.
Fun: Capture moments and meet interesting people.
69. Sell digital downloads
Start: Create printable art, planners, or templates.
Grow: Use Etsy or Gumroad to reach buyers.
Build: Bundle products and offer discounts.
Fun: Design with flair and personality.
70. Create art tutorials
Start: Record short videos or write step-by-step guides.
Grow: Share on YouTube or your blog.
Build: Organize by skill level or medium.
Fun: Include playful challenges and viewer submissions.
Marketing & Communications Careers
71. Freelance as a copywriter
Start: Offer services on Upwork or directly to small businesses.
Grow: Build a portfolio and ask for referrals.
Build: Specialize in email, web, or ad copy.
Fun: Play with tone, voice, and storytelling.
72. Offer branding consultations
Start: Create a simple brand audit checklist.
Grow: Partner with designers or coaches.
Build: Develop packages for startups or solopreneurs.
Fun: Help others express their identity.
73. Teach public speaking
Start: Offer workshops at libraries or online.
Grow: Coach individuals or teams.
Build: Create a course or workbook.
Fun: Share your own stage stories and tips.
74. Write marketing guides
Start: Choose a niche (social media, email, storytelling).
Grow: Publish on Medium or Amazon.
Build: Create a series or bundle.
Fun: Include case studies and humor.
75. Host storytelling workshops
Start: Offer sessions for professionals or creatives.
Grow: Partner with coworking spaces or nonprofits.
Build: Develop exercises and feedback tools.
Fun: Celebrate powerful stories and breakthroughs.
76. Create social media templates
Start: Design reusable graphics and captions.
Grow: Sell on Etsy or Creative Market.
Build: Offer themed packs and updates.
Fun: Play with trends and aesthetics.
77. Build a content calendar product
Start: Create a printable or digital planner.
Grow: Promote to bloggers and small businesses.
Build: Add tips, prompts, and examples.
Fun: Help others stay organized and inspired.
78. Start a niche newsletter
Start: Choose a theme and write weekly insights.
Grow: Promote on social media and forums.
Build: Offer premium content or sponsorships.
Fun: Share your voice and connect with readers.
79. Ghostwrite for executives
Start: Offer services through LinkedIn or referrals.
Grow: Build trust and long-term relationships.
Build: Create a process for capturing voice and ideas.
Fun: Help others shine while staying behind the scenes.
80. Review marketing tools
Start: Test tools and write honest reviews.
Grow: Share on YouTube or your blog.
Build: Create comparison guides and tutorials.
Fun: Discover new tech and share your take.
⚖️ Legal & Finance Careers
81. Offer financial coaching
Start: Define your niche (budgeting, retirement, debt reduction).
Grow: Offer free sessions to build trust and testimonials.
Build: Create packages and downloadable tools.
Fun: Celebrate client wins and share money-saving hacks.
82. Teach budgeting basics
Start: Host workshops at libraries or community centers.
Grow: Create themed sessions (family, freelance, fixed income).
Build: Develop a workbook or online course.
Fun: Use real-life examples and interactive challenges.
83. Write estate planning guides
Start: Outline key steps and common mistakes.
Grow: Publish on your blog or Amazon.
Build: Create checklists and templates.
Fun: Share stories that highlight the importance of planning.
84. Consult on contracts
Start: Offer reviews for freelancers or small businesses.
Grow: Specialize in a niche (creative, tech, nonprofit).
Build: Create a contract checklist or template library.
Fun: Help others protect their work and avoid pitfalls.
85. Host tax prep workshops
Start: Focus on retirees, freelancers, or first-time filers.
Grow: Partner with community centers or accountants.
Build: Offer downloadable guides and checklists.
Fun: Demystify taxes with humor and clarity.
86. Create legal templates
Start: Design simple contracts, waivers, or agreements.
Grow: Sell on Gumroad or your own site.
Build: Bundle by category or profession.
Fun: Make legal language approachable and useful.
87. Freelance as a researcher
Start: Offer services to law firms or journalists.
Grow: Build a reputation for thorough, reliable work.
Build: Create a research process and toolkit.
Fun: Dive deep into fascinating topics.
88. Write a finance blog
Start: Share tips, stories, and lessons learned.
Grow: Promote on social media and forums.
Build: Monetize with affiliate links or products.
Fun: Use humor and storytelling to make finance fun.
89. Teach financial literacy
Start: Offer classes at schools or nonprofits.
Grow: Create age-specific or themed sessions.
Build: Develop handouts and interactive tools.
Fun: Watch confidence grow in your students.
90. Offer mediation services
Start: Get certified and advertise locally.
Grow: Partner with legal clinics or HR departments.
Build: Create a structured process and toolkit.
Fun: Help people find peaceful resolutions.
🚗 Service & Hospitality Careers
91. Start a concierge business
Start: Offer errand-running or personal assistance.
Grow: Partner with senior communities or busy professionals.
Build: Create service packages and a booking system.
Fun: Make people’s lives easier and more joyful.
92. Teach customer service skills
Start: Offer workshops for teens or small businesses.
Grow: Create role-play scenarios and feedback tools.
Build: Develop a course or certification.
Fun: Share stories of great (and terrible) service.
93. Offer travel planning
Start: Specialize in senior-friendly or themed trips.
Grow: Build itineraries and offer booking support.
Build: Create guides and downloadable checklists.
Fun: Explore destinations and dream with clients.
94. Host etiquette workshops
Start: Focus on dining, communication, or professional settings.
Grow: Partner with schools or event planners.
Build: Create handouts and role-play exercises.
Fun: Add historical context and humor.
95. Review restaurants and hotels
Start: Share reviews on a blog or YouTube.
Grow: Build a following and pitch to publications.
Build: Create themed guides or rating systems.
Fun: Explore new places and flavors.
96. Become a local tour guide
Start: Offer walking tours of your city or neighborhood.
Grow: Partner with visitor centers or Airbnb Experiences.
Build: Create themed tours and printed guides.
Fun: Share stories and meet curious travelers.
97. Plan small events
Start: Offer services for birthdays, retirements, or reunions.
Grow: Build a vendor network and portfolio.
Build: Create planning templates and packages.
Fun: Bring joy and creativity to each celebration.
98. Teach hospitality management
Start: Offer classes at community colleges or online.
Grow: Create modules on service, operations, and leadership.
Build: Develop a certification or mentorship program.
Fun: Share real-world stories and tips.
99. Create service training videos
Start: Record short, engaging lessons.
Grow: Share on YouTube or sell to businesses.
Build: Organize by role or industry.
Fun: Use humor and role-play to make it memorable.
100. Write a guide to great service
Start: Compile lessons from your career.
Grow: Publish and promote through industry groups.
Build: Add case studies and exercises.
Fun: Celebrate the art of making people feel valued.
🎯 Conclusion
Retirement is not the end of your professional story—it’s the beginning of a new, flexible, and fulfilling chapter. These 100 side gig ideas prove that your career experience is still valuable, whether you’re teaching, creating, consulting, or building. By starting small, growing intentionally, building structure, and keeping joy at the center, you can turn your past into purpose. Whether you want extra income, creative expression, or community connection, there’s a path here for you. So pick one, dive in, and enjoy the ride—because your next gig might just be your most meaningful one yet.
