Unusual Ways to Make Money in Retirement: 14 Often Overlooked Options

Full retirement with no more links to work doesn’t suit everyone. Many miss the hustle and bustle of the workplace, while others would like a little extra income to make things more comfortable.

Fortunately, retirees have many options, and not all of them involve returning to an office or regular place of work.

These are all options for making money you may have yet to consider.

1. Mystery Shopping

Retailers and other service outlets like to test out their operations. Many don’t employ from within since they need an independent reviewer, and that’s where mystery shoppers step in.

You may be asked to assess whether stock is being refreshed or ask some questions at a local store. You’ll receive a small fee, and you can keep any products you buy.

2. Market Research

Did you know that you can get paid for your opinions? Many retailers and service providers want to hear your views about new products in return for cash payments or gift vouchers.

Retirees often feel that their voices aren’t heard, so this is a perfect opportunity to share opinions. It’s interesting work, and the payment scales can be generous.

3. Complete Online Surveys

You can complete online surveys at a level below market research. Many pay with cash via PayPal, and exchanging points for gift cards is sometimes possible.

The pay scale is much smaller than for market research work, but it’s an interesting sideline that can pay the equivalent of a few extra dollars each month.

4. Become a Movie Extra

Movie and TV production companies look for extras. These are the people who congregate in the background. They’re usually not career actors but everyday people who register with agencies and earn a few bucks for their time.

Productions need extras of all ages, and the pay varies depending on the agency and the production. You can earn between $25 and $50 per hour for just standing around.

5. Rent Out a Parking Space

If you have extra space on your drive or you no longer have a vehicle, it may be possible to rent it out. Parking charges are high for commuters in cities, and many turn to private residences as an alternative.

If you live near a train station or a city center, you will likely be able to charge extra, but most spaces have some demand.

6. Tour Guide

Your experience gives you knowledge, and you could choose to offer that wisdom to others. If you have extensive knowledge of your local area, why not consider a career as a tour guide?

If your neighborhood isn’t a huge tourist destination, it can still be an option if you’re prepared to commute to a bigger city. Tourist agencies often search for guides to add to their list.

7. Buying and Selling

Buying in bulk at auction sites isn’t a guaranteed source of income, but if you keep your outlay to a minimum, you reduce the risk. Those who figure out what’s selling online can often have an excellent addition to their retirement funds.

Plenty of sites offer an auction or sales platform, and anyone can get involved.

8. Freelancing

Anyone with written word skills and a high standard of English could consider a post-retirement career as a freelancer. Writing and editing jobs appear regularly on job boards and through agencies.

Many online companies like to outsource this type of work. They may not have enough tasks to justify taking on a full-time employee, but there’s plenty to keep part-time freelancers engaged.

9. Start Crafting

If your skills are more directed towards arts and crafts, why not consider selling your creations? Retirees produce drawings, paintings, pottery, and much more and sell them online or locally at craft fairs.

If you opt to sell online, sites like eBay can help, or you could try it alone.

10. Set Up a Website

A website can help with online sales or be a money-making platform in its own right. Blogging is a rewarding pastime and allows you to write about your passions.

Selling products is one way to monetize your blog, but many others exist. Selling ad space and affiliate marketing could boost your post-retirement income.

11. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

As an experienced retiree, people are more likely to trust you with their pets when they go on vacation. Pet sitting is a popular side hustle among all ages, but your extra experience could help you land more work.

Dog walking is another way to help those with busy schedules. It’s a nice way to get outdoors, stay healthy, and earn some extra income.

12. Driving Into Profit

Drivers are needed in many areas of commerce, and the options aren’t always obvious. Organizations like Lyft and Uber frequently hire, but it’s possible to be a self-employed cab driver, subject to necessary tests from your local authority.

Amazon and major grocery chains also need delivery drivers, and it’s another area where experience is valued.

13. Gardening

Many of us aim to spend more time in the garden when we retire, so why not consider helping others who are short on time and skills? Mowing lawns and tending to plants is a rewarding pastime, and gardeners often command respectable hourly rates.

Start by offering your services around your neighborhood, and you can build your gardening business from there.

14. Tutoring

If you have specialist skills in certain areas, that knowledge can be passed on to others. Students are looking for extra education for many reasons. Some are cramming for exams, while others are learning as a hobby.

Those who worked in education during their regular career may have an advantage, but tutoring post-retirement is available to everyone.