Retirement isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. Gone are the days when your golden years meant endless golf rounds and idle afternoons. More retirees today are discovering that a side gig might just be the secret ingredient to staying financially secure, mentally sharp, and genuinely fulfilled.
Why? First, we’re living longer and staying healthier. Many retirees find themselves with decades ahead and plenty of energy to spare. But without purpose, boredom and loneliness can creep in fast. Add inflation eating away at fixed savings, and suddenly, a side gig becomes a perfect solution.
Just ask the retirees who drive rideshare in Florida for extra cash and conversation or the former psychologist who now writes mystery novels, combining his passion for storytelling with a nice royalty check on the side. From freelance consulting to Etsy shops selling handcrafted knits, side gigs are reinventing what retirement can look like.
A recent survey found that while only 8% of retirees currently have a side gig, two-thirds of those without one wish they did. And of those who do? A whopping 93% say they love it.
So don’t wait until you’re retired to think about it. Could your favorite hobby become a small business? Could volunteering evolve into a paid part-time position? The best side gigs don’t just boost your bank account—they give you a reason to get up with purpose.
Retirement isn’t about what you’re leaving—it’s about what you’re going to. Plan now, explore your passions and let a side gig add meaning (and money) to your next chapter. The golf course will still be there when you need it.