7 Holiday Side Gigs That Can Turn Into Part-Time Jobs for Retirees
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Taking just Social Security into consideration, the average retiree gets about $1,784 a month, or $21,408 a year. However, many retirees have additional income sources, such as retirement plan withdrawals and investments. The U.S. Census Bureau found that the median income in 2022 for those ages 65 and up — as most retirees are — is $50,290.
While this median household income is decent, especially for those who don’t have any debts, it doesn’t go quite as far as it once did. In today’s economy, many retirees benefit from taking on side work to make ends meet or live comfortably.
If you’re retired and thinking about what side gig you can start doing now that might turn into a part-time job later, here are some options.
Retail Work
Retailers big and small rely on temp workers to meet demand during the holiday season. Pay for these roles varies, but it’s usually based on your area’s minimum wage. Certain stores do pay more, though — whether you’re seasonal or not.
While retail work won’t always turn into an ongoing part-time job, it certainly can. Check out your local stores — Target, Walmart, Safeway, your local movie theater, etc. — to see if they’re hiring and if there’s a possibility of staying on after the holidays are over.
Ridesharing or Delivery Services
Delivery and ridesharing services are two popular options for those seeking flexible or freelance work. But they could also turn into part-time jobs with more hours and greater pay.
Check out companies like Uber, Lyft and DoorDash. Just know that you’ll generally need a driver’s license, clean driving record and a reliable vehicle to do this. As with any job, freelance or otherwise, you’ll also be responsible for paying taxes on your earnings.
Etsy Shop Owner
Erika Kullberg, an attorney, personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com, suggested setting up an Etsy store to sell gift boxes. It might start out as a small holiday or freelance gig, but it could turn into a part-time job.
“I have a friend who makes custom mugs, t-shirts, lunch bags and other items for businesses,” said Kullberg. “Personal trainers, realtors and other businesses buy them to give to clients.”
Child Care Services
“With kids out of school on winter break, many parents still have to work,” said Kullberg. “Child care jobs on websites such as Care.com and SitterCity.com can bring in extra cash.”
Even though this might start out as a strictly seasonal role, some of these families might hire you on part-time throughout the rest of the year, too. This is especially likely for those with younger kids who haven’t yet reached school age.
Temp Agency Work
“With so many employees taking time off for the holidays, this can be a great opportunity to provide coverage through a temp agency,” said Kullberg.
When it comes to temp agency work, options range from administrative tasks to call center work. Pay also varies by position, hours and demand.
Virtual Assistant
If you have great communication and administrative skills, you could offer your time as a part-time, remote virtual assistant.
“Offering services as a virtual assistant can help businesses stay up and running while their staff are out for the holidays,” said Kullberg.
Some companies will hire on temp or seasonal workers in part-time or full-time roles once the holidays are over. If, for example, a business you’re working for loses one of their regular staff, you could be next in line for the role.
Consulting or Tutoring
Generally speaking, retirees have a wealth of knowledge and experience to fall back on. If you were once employed doing something where you made good money, consider picking it back up, but in a consulting role, instead.
“I could provide general answers when it comes to side gigs for retirees — and there’s tons of good options out there — but I think the biggest asset a retiree has is the field they worked at throughout their life and the area they are educated in,” said Alex Langan, chief investment officer at Langan Financial Group LLC. “Finding a place for you to provide mentorship or even complete small tasks might be a good place to earn some extra money and put your knowledge to use.”
He offered the example of a retired accountant offering bookkeeping services during tax season or a retired landscaper cutting grass with a landscaping company in summer.
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