For the majority of people, retirement brings many benefits, freedom to spend your time how you choose, taking up new hobbies, travelling, seeing friends, joining clubs. For others, the extra time may seem too much, and they become bored. Some may miss the regular salary they used to have, and would love the opportunity to earn a little money.
There is a way you can enjoy all the benefits of retirement, earn a little extra, and be as busy as you choose to be doing something you enjoy. How? Get a side hustle.
Side hustles can be anything at all, and retirees, who have the advantage of a pension, can choose to do something we love, rather than just focusing on income. Side hustles can also be a great way of feeling productive/valued, making new friends, learning new skills and getting out in the community.
There are literally hundreds of things to choose from, so take your time to think about how much time and money you want to invest (some require little or no financial outlay). Consider what skills you have, or what you may need to learn. Below are just a few you might find interesting.
Celebrant
Celebrants are one of the fastest growing new careers in the UK, and many don’t begin this rewarding life until they are in their 50s, 60s and even beyond. A Celebrant conducts a variety of ceremonies, including funerals, weddings, baby naming ceremonies, divorce healing ceremonies, rites of passage and many more.
They meet clients, write the service plan and ceremonial script, and preside over the ceremony. If you like writing, planning, creativity and enjoy meeting people, this could be an excellent side hustle for you.
Crafter
With so many on-line sites to sell your crafts, as well as a huge number of craft fairs up and down the country, this is an excellent way to make additional money and do something you love. Crafting includes jewellery making, knitting, sewing, dying fabric, pottery, weaving, leatherwork, candle making, soap making and hundreds more.
Upcycling
Who doesn’t enjoy putting a little love into something and extending its life by a few years? I know I do! Going to car boots, auctions, country house sales and buying an item that you take home and lovingly restore can, not only enjoyable, but really lucrative. You can up-cycle almost anything from furniture, curtains, clothes, garden equipment, cameras and even cycles!
Consultant
If you are an expert in a particular field, you could work as a consultant, sharing your knowledge and expertise with others. This allows you to use the knowledge you have built up throughout your career to help others. It provides flexibility, the opportunity to build relationships and feel valued and some extra income.
Fresh Fruit and Veg Delivery
A growing number of people love to have a fruit and veg box delivered to their door, especially if it is locally produced. We are more aware of our carbon footprint than ever before, so knowing something is grown nearby can be really important to many (and the planet!). There is also the benefit of less packaging.
Some customers particularly like organic food boxes. You may be able to buy direct from growers, or buy at a wholesale market.
Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners are hired by couples to help create and design their wedding. This may include guest lists, invitations, locating the venue, catering, etc. Wedding Planners need to be extremely organised, creative and stay calm under pressure, after all, you are planning one of the most important days of your clients’ lives. If you are enjoy creating the perfect event, this could be a great side hustle for you.
Antique Dealer
If you have a love for old things, enjoy going to antique auctions and have sound knowledge of antiques and valuables, this could be an enjoyable way of earning money. Auction Houses often sell items that can be sold for a profit (though always remember to include their fees) and there are significant opportunities for selling antiques overseas to countries such as America, where many interior designers purchase old pieces of furniture etc.
Film/TV Extra
Working as a film/TV extra can involve long days, often standing about for hours, perhaps in the cold and rain, but it can also be a lot of fun. You do not need to have any experience and agencies are looking for all types of people so age, size, shape, etc., is irrelevant. It helps if you are willing to travel and have good availability, as agencies often need to find extras in a hurry. Never hand over any money without fully checking the agency out.
Stock Photos/Videos
Stock photos and videos are used by millions of businesses all over the world. Many websites buy stock photos or videos to provide a colourful and stylish image, perhaps for their website, business brochures, marketing materials, etc. If your passion is for photography/videography this could be an excellent way of building a side hustle while doing something you love.
So, you can see there are a lot of opportunities out there just waiting to be explored. Choose something you are passionate about and really enjoy. Being successful is much more likely if you love what you do. Hopefully, you can earn money and enjoy how you make it. What could be better?
Let’s start a conversation:
Do you have a side hustle? Have you thought about starting one? What would be your main motivation? Do you know anyone who has a successful side hustle?
