I Asked ChatGPT the Best Side Hustle for Retirees in 2025: Here’s What It Said
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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When I asked ChatGPT about the best side hustle for retirees in 2025, the AI had a surprising answer: There isn’t one perfect option. Instead, ChatGPT broke down the top opportunities based on different skills, interests and time commitments that retirees actually have. The end result was a list that’s actually helpful.
Here’s what ChatGPT recommended for retiree side hustles in 2025.
Online Teaching Dominates the List
ChatGPT’s top recommendation was online tutoring and course creation. The AI explained that retirees have knowledge and experience that younger people are willing to pay for.
Platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com and VIPKid let experienced professionals earn $20 to $150 per hour tutoring students online. The wide pay range depends on the subject matter and demand for expertise.
ChatGPT suggested that retirees with backgrounds in education, business, languages or specialized skills have major advantages in the tutoring market. The AI wrote that creating pre-recorded courses through platforms like Teachable and Kajabi can generate $20 to $100 per hour initially, with potential for ongoing passive income.
Virtual Assistant Work for Organized Retirees
ChatGPT identified virtual assistant services as an ideal match for organized, tech-savvy retirees. The work includes scheduling, bookkeeping, email management and other administrative tasks that many retirees handled during their careers.
The AI said virtual assistants typically earn $25 to $100 per hour through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour. This work offers flexibility to choose clients and set your own schedule.
ChatGPT said that many small businesses need help with tasks that don’t require full-time employees, creating steady demand for part-time virtual support.
Consulting Pays the Most
For retirees with specialized professional experience, ChatGPT recommended consulting as the highest-earning option. The AI said consultants in areas like finance, marketing and operations can earn you $40 to $50 or more per hour.
Even simpler consulting through expert Q&A platforms like JustAnswer can generate serious income. ChatGPT cited examples of retirees earning $2,000 to $7,000 monthly by answering questions in their areas of expertise.
The key is identifying what specialized knowledge you have that others need. Decades of professional experience often translate directly into consulting opportunities.
Selling Products Online
ChatGPT recommended several selling-focused side hustles that work well for retirees. Platforms like Etsy, eBay and Poshmark let people sell handmade crafts, vintage items or collectibles.
The AI said monthly earnings from selling physical products vary widely, from $200 to $3,000 or more, depending on the products and effort involved.
Creating digital products is also a potential money-making path. Templates, e-books, printables and other digital items can generate passive income — bonus points: Once it gets going, there’s not a ton of upkeep to be done. Set it and forget it! (Well, until you cash the checks you’re making.)
Renting Assets for Passive Income
ChatGPT highlighted rental income as ideal for retirees who want earnings without active work. Renting out a spare room through Airbnb, parking spaces through SpotHero or storage space through Neighbor.com can generate steady monthly income.
The AI said earnings range from $200 to several thousand dollars annually depending on what you’re renting and your location. Some retirees even rent recreational equipment like boats through GetMyBoat, with potential earnings of over $15,000 yearly.
Pet Care Services
ChatGPT recommended pet sitting and dog walking through Rover or Wag as ideal for active retirees who enjoy animals. The AI said this work typically pays $100 to $200 weekly depending on how often you work.
The flexibility appeals to retirees because you can choose which clients to accept and when to work. Pet care also provides social interaction and light exercise.
Writing and Content Creation
For retirees who enjoy writing, ChatGPT suggested freelance writing, blogging or newsletter creation through platforms like Substack. The AI said writers can monetize through advertisements, affiliate marketing or sponsorships.
Starting earnings might be $100 to $500 monthly, but ChatGPT wrote that this can scale over time as you build an audience.
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