Contrary to popular belief, retirement really doesn’t have to mean the end of your earnings. Many retirees in the U.K. are finding creative ways to boost their income while enjoying their newfound free time, so if you’re feeling up to the task, why not go for it yourself? For inspiration, here are 21 of the best side hustles for British retirees seeking extra income.
Pet Sitting
Many British retirees are huge animal lovers, so for these people, pet sitting can be both rewarding and profitable. As Extra Income Over 55 points out, taking care of pets while their owners are away provides companionship, income, and a sense of purpose, and best of all, it’s a flexible option that can be done from home or in the client’s home, depending on the pet’s needs and your schedule.
Freelance Writing
If you have a knack for words, why not consider getting into freelance writing? You might be surprised at how quickly this could turn into a steady stream of income, as many businesses and websites need content writers. Perhaps the most desirable benefit of this side hustle is that freelance writing allows for working from anywhere, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy traveling or staying home.
Teaching and Tutoring
There are few things in life more rewarding than sharing knowledge with others, and it’s a wonderful way to stay engaged as a retiree. You could help children with their schoolwork, teach adults new skills, or even apply to help out at your local university. Either way, tutoring offers both intellectual stimulation and income, and people will always need teachers, so it’s a future-proof option.
Gardening Services
Many British retirees have had green fingers for their whole lives, so for these individuals, offering gardening services can be a fulfilling way to spend time outdoors while earning money. You might just want to take care of watering flowers and vegetables, or maybe you’ll be willing to take care of an entire allotment. Either way, it’s good exercise outside and very rewarding, so why not reach out to your local community about your gardening services?
Handyman Services
Another great side hustle for British retirees is offering handyman services. Anyone who has experience in fixing things around the house could give this a go, as many people lack the skills or time to handle minor repairs.
Craft Selling
If crafting has been a lifelong hobby for you, why not turn it into a source of income? Selling handmade items, whether online or at local markets, can bring in extra money while doing something enjoyable. The options are endless, and these days, online marketplaces such as Etsy make it easier than ever to find loyal customers.
Online Surveys
While it might sound strange, you can actually participate in online surveys to earn yourself some extra cash without too much effort. Many companies are eager for consumer feedback, and this is often targeted toward retirees. We’ll be honest–you’re not going to become rich from completing surveys, but it could certainly be a nice bonus to your pension.
Rent Out a Room
Do you have a spare room that’s just sitting there, gathering dust? If so, you should certainly consider renting it out, as it could quickly become a consistent income stream. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to connect with travelers looking for short-term stays, or alternatively, you could rent it out via a regular estate agent. Either way, it’s definitely one of the more lucrative side hustles on this list.
Tour Guide
Those with a deep love for their local area can consider becoming a tour guide, especially if you live in a touristic area such as London, Bath, or York. Sharing the history and hidden gems of a town or city with visitors will never get boring, and it will most definitely be financially rewarding, too.
Personal Shopping
It might sound bizarre to you, but helping others with their shopping needs is a real job and can be a fulfilling way to earn extra money. Personal shoppers assist clients in finding the right products, whether for groceries, clothing, or gifts. This service is especially valuable for busy professionals or elderly individuals who have difficulty getting out and about.
House Sitting
If you have a flexible schedule, it’s worth looking into doing some house-sitting. House sitters are responsible for looking after homes while the owners are away, often including tasks like watering plants, looking after a cat, or checking the mail. Regardless, it’s generally a low-stress job that can also include a change of scenery.
Event Planning Assistance
As a retiree, you’re probably not going to want to get into full-on event planning, but if you have some experience in planning parties, weddings, or corporate events, you could still offer your services to those needing extra help. This side hustle allows for creativity and social interaction, making it perfect for those who enjoy being around people.
Online Teaching
We briefly brought up teaching as a side hustle earlier, but these days, online teaching is equally popular. In fact, it’s a rapidly growing field, so you might even find yourself with more clients than in-person teaching. You could even simply teach English online to people from other countries if you speak a second language.
Consulting
Retirees with a wealth of experience in a particular industry should definitely consider offering consulting services. Businesses often seek experts who can provide advice and insights on various topics, and it can be incredibly lucrative. Some consultants earn well over £100 per hour for their valuable knowledge, so it’s well worth considering, especially considering how flexible it generally is.
Virtual Assistant
While you might be unfamiliar with the progression, becoming a virtual assistant is an excellent option for retirees who are organized and tech-savvy. Virtual assistants help businesses with tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments, data entry, and handling social media. This role offers the flexibility to work from home and set hours that suit a retiree’s lifestyle, and many people love the variety of such jobs.
Childcare
If you love spending time with children, why not give childcare a go? It can be very enjoyable and profitable, and you don’t have to dive straight into regular daycare. Just babysitting for a few hours will certainly be a viable option for retirees, and if you really enjoy it, you could build up your hustle from there.
Bookkeeping
Retirees with a background in finance or accounting should consider offering bookkeeping services to small businesses. Keeping track of finances is a critical task for any business, and many entrepreneurs are willing to pay for this expertise. However, it’s best to find more traditional businesses, such as local shops, because larger tech companies generally use digital solutions these days.
Driving Services
One of the most common side hustles you will see a British retiree having is being a driver, with Uber, Bolt, and food deliveries being particularly popular nowadays. It’s ideal if you love driving and have a reliable car, so definitely consider checking it out if you’re looking for some extra dosh in your pocket.
Photograph
Believe it or not, those with a passion for photography can turn it into a side hustle by offering services for events, portraits, or selling prints online. Photography allows for creative expression and the chance to capture special moments for others, and it’s generally a very flexible option that can be done part-time or as needed. However, start building up that portfolio because it’s a pretty competitive industry.
Translation Services
One of the rare albeit most lucrative side hustles for UK retirees is offering translation services as an interpreter. Obviously, for this role, you would need to speak more than one language, but if you tick that box, you’ll never be out of work. Many businesses need documents, websites, or communications translated accurately, and no matter what your grandkids tell you, Google Translate just doesn’t cut it.
Baking and Cooking
Last but certainly not least, it’s well worth considering starting a side hustle around your baking and cooking skills if you’re a UK senior who loves being in the kitchen. Nowadays, there are countless food delivery options that allow you to sell products from your own kitchen, so that’s certainly worth a shot. You could also consider selling your goods locally or offering cooking lessons to those who are just starting out.