It's not unusual to worry if you have enough money saved to retire comfortably.
Now that you’ve reached retirement age, maybe you feel the need to make extra money , or you’re a little lost now that you don’t have a 9-to-5 job to fill your time.
Here are nine of the top work-from-home jobs for retirees, including how much money you could earn from each job on average and which skills you need to get started.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Freelance editor
Average pay : $37 an hour
Do you have a good understanding of grammar and syntax? Freelance editing could be a good fit.
It's a job that will help you boost your bank account and doesn't require the same dedication as an in-house editor. Generally speaking, freelance editors have more freedom and control over the work hours and the types of projects they take on.
If that type of freedom appeals to you, check out copy editor job boards like Publishers Marketplace.
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2. Freelance writer
Average pay: $23 an hour
If you retired from a copywriting career or a job in the publishing industry, why not try freelance writing from home? Even if you haven’t worked as a professional writer before, you might be able to find a gig writing for a business in your former industry.
The amount of money you make as a freelance writer can vary greatly from company to company and from piece to piece. Some companies pay as little as $5 per article, while others pay closer to 30 cents a word.
You’ll want to carefully sort through your options and calculate the exact amount of money you could make before signing a freelance contract.
3. Virtual assistant
Average pay: $24 an hour
Becoming a virtual assistant has been a viable career for a while, but virtual jobs that used to be office-based are now more popular than ever.
As a virtual secretary or assistant, you might schedule appointments, take phone calls, send emails, generate spreadsheets, or create presentations.
As an administrative professional, your hours might be a little less flexible than if you had a creative job. But if some external structure is something you need in a job, virtual assisting could be the perfect new gig for you.
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4. Graphic designer
Average pay: $27 an hour
As a freelance graphic designer, you could work with just one company to create designs that match its brand image.
If a corporate job doesn’t sound appealing, you could work one-on-one with clients whose projects you find interesting. For example, you might look for self-published authors needing cover designs.
You’ll almost certainly need a design portfolio to apply for a graphic design job, so this part-time gig is only for people with a solid background in art and design.
5. Tutor
Average pay: $35 an hour
Did you recently retire from an accounting career? Keep your math skills sharp by teaching others online.
Some online tutoring jobs are face-to-face, requiring you to schedule and attend meetings over a virtual platform like Zoom. Other tutoring jobs involve creating lesson plans that you tailor for individual students.
Remember that the best tutors have more than subject matter expertise. They also have a passion for helping others. If you don’t like teaching and lack the patience to mentor others, you’ll want to stay away from this particular job.
6. Tax-time bookkeeper or CPA
Average pay: $21 an hour
If you have a bookkeeping background and would prefer a seasonal job rather than a year-long gig, consider offering at-home bookkeeping services during tax time only.
As a virtual bookkeeper or accountant, you could partner with companies or solopreneurs to prepare tax documents from afar. Or, if you prefer working with individual clients in person, you could set up a home office for counseling or tax prep services.
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Average pay: $48 an hour
If you want to learn new skills while inspiring others, consider life coaching. Most states don’t require you to get a license or complete a course to become a life coach, but it’s a good idea to get certified before starting a life coaching business.
Giving people advice on how to structure their lives is a big responsibility that can have outsize consequences. Learning coaching skills through a course can keep your brain spry and your life interesting while teaching you how to help other people.
8. Crafter
Average pay: Varies by project
The crafting site Etsy has been around since 2005, and both its popularity and profits continue to grow year over year.
You can find almost any handmade product on Etsy, from clothes and blankets to pottery, charms, and watercolors. No matter what you enjoy creating, you’re almost certain to find a market for it online.
In other words, if you enjoy crafting, Etsy is a great way to monetize your hobby.
9. Tailor
Average pay: $20 an hour
Speaking of crafting, would you prefer the stability of working on projects for individual clients rather than creating items and hoping to find a buyer online?
At-home tailoring is ideal for capable needleworkers. And while $23 might seem low, you could make more by charging either per hour or project. Of course, what you charge may be based on your skill level and years of experience.
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Once you’re retired, you’ll hopefully have more free time to do something you love.
Depending on your income and budget, you could have more time to turn that passion into a money-making opportunity that might be easier than you think and will help you get ahead financially .
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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