It’s never too late to start something new. Almost half of people in one survey reported that they intend to work part time after leaving full-time work – and honestly, that makes a lot of sense.
Staying active, keeping your mind busy, meeting people, and earning some extra money to stay financially comfortable? Those are pretty great reasons to keep working in some form.
The good news is that when it comes to low stress jobs, there are genuinely loads of great options – from working from home on your own schedule to getting out in the community and doing something you love. Here are some of the best ones to consider.
Blogging is one of the most flexible ways to earn money after retirement – and Stupid Simple Blogging’s free masterclass shows you the exact framework one blogger used to hit 700k pageviews per month.
- Work from anywhere, any time
- Write about topics you genuinely love
- Earn passive income that keeps coming in
Best low stress jobs after retirement
1. Blogging
Blogging is one of the most popular ways to earn money from home, and it’s a particularly good fit for retirees who want flexibility and creative freedom. You pick the topic, set the hours, and work as much or as little as you like.
And it’s not just a hobby – it can genuinely pay well. Some bloggers make tens of thousands of dollars a month through affiliate marketing and other income streams.
To get started, you’ll want a reliable web host. Bluehost comes in at less than $3 per month, includes a free domain name, and is genuinely beginner-friendly – you don’t need to be techy at all.
Free resource: Before you do anything else, check out this free blogging masterclass – it walks you through the exact five-step framework one blogger used to grow his site to 700,000 pageviews per month.
It’s completely free, and it’ll give you a clear picture of what’s possible – and how to get there.
2. Focus group participant
Paid focus groups are a fantastic option for retirees who enjoy sharing their opinions – and the pay can be surprisingly good. Studies typically involve small groups discussing upcoming products, services, or trends, and you’re paid for your time afterwards.
You can do these online from home too, which makes it even more convenient. Respondent is the top pick here, with focus groups paying anywhere from $75 to $400+ per session – which is genuinely hard to beat for a few hours of your time.
Survey Junkie is another solid option, regularly advertising focus group opportunities that pay up to $150 an hour.
Quick tip: Once you’ve signed up for Survey Junkie and verified your email, go straight to your settings and turn on notifications for new focus group opportunities.
They fill up fast, so being one of the first to know gives you a real advantage.
3. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants provide all kinds of support to online business owners and other clients – think scheduling, email management, social media, research, and more. It’s flexible, well-paid, and you can do it entirely from home.
US-based VAs typically earn between $35 and $50 an hour, with those offering more specialized services often making up to $100 an hour.
Not sure if being a VA is right for you? This free 60-minute training from The Virtual Savvy is the perfect starting point – it teaches you how to launch a VA business from scratch and land your first clients, even if you have zero experience.
4. Bookkeeper
If you have a head for numbers, virtual bookkeeping is one of the best low-stress jobs that don’t require much customer interaction. You track financial records for businesses or individuals, and the work is almost entirely remote.
You don’t necessarily need prior bookkeeping experience to get started either – there are training programs that will take you from scratch to client-ready.
Worth knowing: Bookkeeper Launch’s free three-class workshop covers exactly what you need to know to get started – including whether this is the right fit for you, how to find high-paying clients, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
5. Voiceover artist
If you have a great voice, this could genuinely be one of the most fun jobs on this list. Voiceover artists record audio for ads, audiobooks, TV shows, documentaries, and more – and a lot of it can be done entirely from home.
You don’t need any formal training to get started, though practice definitely helps. Many companies need people to narrate content, and once you’ve built up a portfolio, the work can come in steadily.
Free starting point: This free voiceover mini-course is a great way to figure out if this is something you’d enjoy and want to pursue – it covers voice acting, podcasting, and audio editing, all in one place.
6. Transcriptionist
Transcription – converting audio recordings into written text – is a great low-stress option for anyone who types well and enjoys working quietly at their own pace. There are plenty of work-from-home transcription jobs available, and the best part is that you can take on as much or as little work as you want.
This makes it ideal for retirement – you can ramp up during quieter periods and pull back whenever you want more free time.
Get started for free: This free seven-day transcription mini-course from Transcribe Anywhere covers exactly what skills you need, where to find work, and what it takes to succeed – all without spending a cent to find out if it’s right for you.
7. Freelance writer
Freelance writing is one of the most flexible low-stress jobs you can do after retirement. You work from home, choose your own topics, and set your own hours – and it’s absolutely possible to get started even without prior experience.
Popular niches include travel, health, food, finance, parenting, and business – though if you have a professional background in any area, that expertise can make you especially valuable to clients in that space.
To find clients, FlexJobs is a great starting point – it specializes in remote and flexible work and has a solid selection of writing opportunities at any given time.
8. Create and sell printables
Selling printables on Etsy is a genuinely passive way to earn money after retirement. You create the file once – think planners, calendars, art prints, worksheets, or wall art – and it can sell over and over again without you needing to do anything more.
If you have a knack for design, this can add up to a meaningful income stream over time.
Learn how to get started: Gold City Ventures’ free workshop is run by people whose students have collectively earned over $3.3 million selling printables on Etsy – and it’s completely free to attend.
9. Design and sell products with Printify
If you enjoy design but don’t want to deal with inventory or shipping, print-on-demand is a brilliant model. You upload your designs, and Printify handles the rest – printing, packaging, and shipping the product directly to your customer, while the profit lands in your account.
You can create t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, phone cases, and hundreds of other products completely free. All you need is a design and an Etsy store to sell through.
10. Social media manager
If you’re comfortable with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, social media management is a very real and growing career option. Businesses of all sizes need help keeping their accounts active, and many prefer to hire experienced, reliable people rather than rushing to find young graduates.
Pinterest management in particular is worth exploring – there’s a dedicated market for Pinterest managers who help businesses drive traffic through the platform, and the work is very flexible.
Good to know: If Pinterest management appeals to you, the Pinteresting Strategies course is a highly regarded option for learning the ropes – it’s regularly updated and covers the exact strategies that successful Pinterest managers use.
11. Video editor
With the continued growth of YouTube, online courses, and social media content, video editing is a skill that’s genuinely in demand. As a video editor, you take raw footage and shape it into a finished product – and it’s something you can do entirely from home, on your own schedule.
It’s one of those retirement job ideas that most people wouldn’t immediately think of, which means there’s less competition if you’re willing to learn the tools.
12. Proofreader
If you’re someone who automatically spots typos and can’t help but notice grammatical errors, proofreading might be a natural fit. It’s quiet, focused work that you do entirely at your own pace – making it one of the more genuinely low-stress remote jobs on this list.
Publishers, website owners, businesses, and online course creators all need proofreaders, and the work can be done from anywhere.
Start here: Proofread Anywhere’s free workshop is a great introduction to what the work actually involves – and whether it’s the right path for you before you invest any time or money in training.
13. Tutoring
Tutoring is a genuinely rewarding part-time option for retirees who enjoy working with people and passing on what they know. Whether it’s academic subjects, music, a second language, or even life skills, there’s a market for almost any expertise.
Many tutors now work online, which opens up your potential client base well beyond your local area. You set your own hours and your own rates, and the work itself is genuinely satisfying.
Some platforms do ask for a relevant degree or teaching background, but others will accept you based on your knowledge and ability to explain things clearly.
14. Dog walker
If you love dogs and like being outdoors, dog walking is one of those retirement jobs that genuinely doesn’t feel like work. The hours are flexible, you can take on as many or as few clients as you like, and every walk is a little different.
Dog walkers typically charge per dog rather than per hour, so walking multiple dogs at once can add up quickly. Rover is the world’s largest platform for dog walkers and sitters – creating a free profile there is the easiest way to start finding clients in your area.
15. Pet sitter
Pet sitting is another great option if animals are your thing. You care for people’s pets while they’re away – which might mean staying in their home, having pets stay at yours, or just stopping in for daily check-ins.
It’s flexible, it gets you out of the house, and pet owners are genuinely willing to pay well for someone they trust with their animals. Again, Rover is a solid starting point for finding clients.
16. Craft seller
If you knit, do woodworking, make ceramics, or have any other craft hobby that produces something tangible, selling your work is a natural next step. You can sell online through platforms like Etsy, at local craft fairs, or both – whatever suits your style and schedule.
It’s one of those low-stress jobs where you largely work alone, on your own terms, which makes it a great fit for retirement.
17. Furniture flipper
Furniture flipping – buying secondhand pieces, restoring or refreshing them, and selling them for a profit – is one of those retirement activities that can genuinely turn into a small fortune if you have an eye for a good deal and enjoy the process of bringing tired items back to life.
Most flippers start by hunting for deals at garage sales, thrift stores, and estate auctions. Once you’ve got a few renovation skills under your belt, it becomes surprisingly easy to turn a profit fairly quickly.
Want to learn more? The free Flea Market Flipper webinar shows you how to find local deals cheaply and flip them for big profits – even if you’ve never sold a thing before.
18. Delivery driver
If you enjoy being out and about and have a reliable car, delivery driving is a straightforward way to earn money with total flexibility. You work when you want, accept the orders you want, and stop when you’ve had enough.
Instacart is a great option here – you shop and deliver groceries for customers, and tips often add significantly to what you earn beyond your set pay.
19. Editor
If you have strong writing skills and a good eye for detail, working as a freelance editor is a genuinely enjoyable option. You review and improve written content for accuracy, clarity, style, and grammar – and the work can be done entirely from home, in your own time.
Editors work with publishers, website owners, course creators, and businesses of all kinds – so there’s no shortage of potential clients once you start building a reputation.
20. Create digital stickers
Digital stickers are a popular product that people use to personalize their digital notebooks, planners, and online content. If you enjoy graphic design, creating and selling digital sticker packs on Etsy can be a relaxed, creative way to earn money in retirement.
You can design them using Canva (which has a very generous free plan) and sell them on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market. Like printables, they’re a product you create once and can sell over and over.
21. Create invitations
Personalized invitations for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and other events are consistently in high demand on Etsy. If you have a creative flair and enjoy design work, this can be one of the better-paying options on this list – especially for wedding-related items, where people are often willing to pay premium prices.
Canva is a great free design tool to get started with, and Etsy makes it easy to list and sell digital downloads.
22. Sell plants
If gardening is already your hobby, selling plants is one of the most natural retirement businesses imaginable. You can sell through Etsy, at local farmers’ markets, or through neighborhood groups – and you set your own prices and your own hours.
Cuttings, rare houseplants, and garden seedlings are all popular, and the startup costs are minimal if you’re already growing things at home.
23. Sell candles
Handmade candles are a consistently popular product, both online and at local markets or craft fairs. If you enjoy making things with your hands and have a good sense for scent combinations, candle-making can be a genuinely satisfying and low-stress way to earn extra money.
You can scale this as much or as little as you like – whether that’s a few batches a month or a more established small business.
24. Sell jewelry
If you enjoy working with your hands and have a talent for design, handmade jewelry is another great Etsy niche. Unique, handcrafted pieces tend to sell well, and the barrier to entry is low – especially if you already make jewelry as a hobby.
You can also buy and resell vintage or wholesale pieces if creating from scratch isn’t your thing.
25. Personalize items with a Cricut
A Cricut machine lets you cut and design custom items – everything from personalized mugs and t-shirts to home décor and tote bags. It’s a popular craft tool that opens up a huge range of products you can sell online or at local markets.
Once you’ve got the machine and learned the basics, the ongoing cost is low and the creative possibilities are genuinely wide.
26. Chat moderator
Chat moderators manage online communities and forums – keeping discussions on-topic, removing offensive content, and making sure participants follow the platform’s guidelines. It’s typically done from home on a set schedule, and as a retiree, you have more flexibility over which hours you cover.
You need to be good with people and comfortable handling the occasional difficult situation – but for someone who enjoys online communities and has a calm head, it’s a solid low-stress option that also means you’re literally getting paid to chat.
27. Online friend
This one often raises eyebrows, but it’s completely legitimate – and it can be a genuinely meaningful job. Online friend services match people who want companionship with someone they can correspond with regularly over email, text, or phone.
It’s entirely platonic, and all you’re really doing is being a good listener and keeping conversation going. I used to do this myself, and I can honestly say it requires no special training – just the ability to make someone feel heard and valued.
28. Vlogger
Vlogging – creating video content on YouTube – isn’t just for younger people. In fact, a retirement-age vlogger brings something genuinely different to the platform: life experience, perspective, and a point of view that a lot of viewers are actively looking for.
You make money through advertising revenue on your channel, and you can also promote affiliate products in your videos for additional income. It takes some time to build an audience, but it’s one of the more creative and enjoyable long-term income options on this list.
29. Translator
If you speak a second language fluently, translation is one of the most straightforward low-stress jobs to move into after retirement. Written translation in particular lets you work at your own pace – which keeps it firmly in the low-stress category compared to live interpretation.
There’s consistent demand for translators in almost every language pair, from websites and social media to legal and medical documents.
30. Consultant
Your working life has built up a lot of knowledge and expertise – and companies will pay well for short-term access to exactly that. Consulting after retirement means you get to focus on the parts of your former career you actually enjoyed, while leaving behind the stressful parts.
A good starting point is simply letting your professional network know you’re available for consulting work. Many companies actively prefer hiring experienced retirees for short-term projects because they can get things done without the need for lengthy onboarding.
31. Life coach
Life coaching is a broad field – you can draw on your professional background to help clients in similar fields, or focus entirely on personal development, relationships, or transitions like career changes and retirement itself.
The most important skills here aren’t credentials – they’re the ability to listen well, ask the right questions, and help people think clearly about what they want. You can work with clients online, which opens up a much larger potential client base.
32. Author
If you’ve always wanted to write a book, retirement is a genuinely great time to do it. You finally have the time – and you have a lifetime of experience to draw from.
The traditional publishing route (finding an agent, then a publisher) takes time and isn’t guaranteed. A great alternative is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, which lets you self-publish and keep at least 70% of every sale – with access to Amazon’s enormous customer base from day one.
33. Instructor (create your own course)
Whatever you’ve spent decades getting good at – cooking, gardening, photography, finance, a language, a craft – there are people who want to learn it from someone with real experience. Creating an online course lets you share that knowledge and earn money from it indefinitely.
Platforms like Learnworlds make it fairly straightforward to build and sell a course (not to mention their free trial), and once it’s done, it can earn passively for years.
34. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers help clients find clothes, gifts, home items, and more – either in person at stores or online. It’s a great fit for retirees who enjoy shopping and have a good eye for what people need, and the hours are typically very flexible.
Many of these positions are seasonal or event-based (holiday shopping, wardrobe refreshes), which suits retirement perfectly – you can take on work when you want it and step back when you don’t.
35. Data entry specialist
Data entry is simple, repetitive, and entirely remote – which makes it a genuinely low-stress option for anyone who types accurately and doesn’t need constant variety in their work. You pull information from one source and enter it into a system, review it for accuracy, and that’s essentially it.
There’s no requirement for specialist training, no customer interaction required, and you can work from home on your own schedule.
36. Retirement planner
Who better to help people plan for retirement than someone who’s been through it? If you have a background in finance, law, or even just extensive personal experience managing money and planning ahead, retirement planning could be a genuinely rewarding post-retirement career.
It can be done from home, the hours are flexible, and you’ll be helping people at one of the most significant financial transitions in their lives.
37. Financial planner
Similarly, if your background is in finance or accounting, becoming a financial planner is a natural transition. You help clients make informed decisions about investments, savings, and future planning – work that’s meaningful, flexible, and well-compensated once you’re certified.
Most financial planners work with a mix of in-person and remote clients, which gives you plenty of options to structure things however works best for your retirement lifestyle.
38. Tax advisor
Tax season brings a predictable surge in demand for people who know their way around a tax return. If you have experience in this area, working as a tax advisor during the busier months of the year is a great way to earn well for a defined period without committing to year-round work.
Being able to take as many or as few clients as you want means the stress stays firmly in your control.
39. Tutoring
If you speak a second language or have deep knowledge of a particular culture, teaching others is one of the most rewarding ways to share that knowledge. Language tutoring in particular is consistently in demand and can be done entirely online with nothing more than a good internet connection.
You’ll need to put in the time to prepare well and genuinely connect with your students – but if you love the subject matter, that part tends to take care of itself.
40. Interior decorator
If decorating your own home is something you genuinely enjoy and have a natural talent for, turning that into a business is a very real option. Interior decorators don’t need to do heavy lifting – the job is about creative vision, client communication, and sourcing the right pieces.
Until you’ve built a client portfolio, your own home can serve as your best showcase – take photos, create a simple portfolio, and start reaching out to friends and neighbors who might be interested.
41. Mediator
Mediators help two or more parties resolve disputes in a neutral, structured setting. It’s a great fit for someone with a background in law, human resources, or conflict resolution – and it’s a career that genuinely benefits from the kind of life experience and patience that comes with age.
You can take short courses or certification programs in mediation to formalize your credentials, and from there you can work as a freelancer with as many or as few cases as you want.
42. Real estate agent
Real estate suits people who enjoy working with others and have a flair for sales. You help clients buy, sell, and rent properties, earning a commission on each transaction – and the hours are genuinely flexible, especially once you’ve built up a network.
You’ll need to get licensed (requirements vary by state), but once you are, it’s a job you can work at whatever pace suits your retirement lifestyle.
43. Drop shipper
Drop shipping is an e-commerce model where you sell products online without ever handling inventory yourself. You set up an online store, market the products, and when someone buys, the supplier ships directly to the customer.
Platforms like Shopify make setting up a store relatively straightforward, and since you’re not managing stock, the ongoing work is mostly about marketing and customer service.
44. Flip houses
House flipping – buying a property, renovating it, and selling it for a profit – is genuinely exciting and can pay extremely well. It’s not always low-stress (things go wrong, budgets stretch), but for someone who enjoys home improvement and can tolerate some uncertainty, the rewards can be significant.
The key is working at your own pace and choosing projects you can manage comfortably – you’re not on anyone else’s deadline when you’re the one calling the shots.
45. Substitute teacher
Substitute teaching is a genuinely flexible option – you choose when you’re available and can turn down assignments whenever you want. It’s a good way to stay connected to the community, enjoy the energy of working with young people, and earn a decent hourly rate without any long-term commitment.
Requirements vary by state, but many areas don’t require a full teaching certification for substitute positions – particularly at the elementary level.
46. Charity work
Volunteering with a charity you care about is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend retirement. Many charities also offer paid part-time roles, and the combination of meaningful work, community connection, and flexible hours makes this one of the best non-financial reasons to keep working.
You can fit shifts around your life, pick causes that genuinely matter to you, and make a real difference without any particular qualifications needed.
47. Animal shelter worker
Animal shelters regularly need volunteers and part-time employees, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time if you’re an animal lover. You don’t generally need prior experience – most shelters will train you on the job.
The emotional side of shelter work can sometimes be hard, but for those who love animals and want to make a difference, few things feel as worthwhile.
48. Massage therapist
Becoming a massage therapist doesn’t necessarily require a formal degree, which makes it more accessible than it might seem. You can work from your own home, visit clients’ homes, or work from a spa or wellness studio – and you set your own schedule based on how much you want to work.
It’s physical work, so it’s worth being realistic about what you can manage comfortably – but for someone who’s physically able and enjoys helping people feel better, it can be a genuinely satisfying and well-paid option.
49. Tour guide
If you love history, architecture, local stories, or a particular city or region, becoming a tour guide is one of the most enjoyable ways to share that passion. You’ll be trained on specific facts, but what really makes a great tour guide is genuine enthusiasm for the subject – and that’s not something that can be taught.
Most local tourist sites and attractions hire guides directly – it’s worth reaching out to museums, heritage sites, or tour companies in your area to ask about opportunities.
50. Bookstore assistant
Working in an independent bookstore might be a dream job for a lot of book lovers – and for good reason. You’re surrounded by books, helping people find what they’re looking for, recommending your favorites, and working in an atmosphere that’s almost always calm and pleasant.
Many independent bookstores are small operations where one or two people can manage the whole shop, making it a genuinely relaxed working environment.
51. Call center operator
Call center work isn’t always stress-free – some callers will definitely test your patience. But as a part-time retiree, you can choose more manageable hours and avoid the high-pressure quotas that full-time employees often face.
Many call center roles are now fully remote, so you can do this from home – which makes it a much more comfortable option than the traditional call center setting.
52. School bus driver
School bus drivers typically work a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon, with the rest of the day free – which makes it a surprisingly good fit for retirement. You’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license and pass the relevant checks, but beyond that, the requirements are fairly straightforward.
If you enjoy the routine and don’t mind working around a school-year schedule, it’s a very manageable source of extra income.
53. Telehealth representative
Telehealth has grown significantly in recent years, and there’s increasing demand for people who can support patients with questions, scheduling, and navigating digital health services. If you have a background in healthcare or customer service, this is a natural fit.
Most telehealth representative roles are fully remote, which ticks the low-stress, work-from-home box nicely.
54. Youth sports coach
Coaching youth sports is one of those jobs where you actually look forward to going in. If you played a sport seriously or have solid knowledge of a particular game, sharing those skills with kids is a genuinely rewarding experience.
Hours are typically after school and on weekends, so it works well alongside a retirement lifestyle – you’re not locked into a nine-to-five, and the physical activity is good for you too.
55. Youth sports referee
Similarly, refereeing youth sports is a part-time, weekend-friendly role that keeps you active and connected to your community. You’ll need solid knowledge of the relevant sport’s rules, and depending on the level of competition, some formal certification may be required.
It can get lively on the sidelines – sports parents are an enthusiastic bunch – but if you have a thick skin and enjoy the game, it’s a fun way to earn extra money.
56. Barista
Working at a coffee shop can be wonderfully social and satisfying – or it can be hectic and exhausting, depending on the place and the hours. The key is being selective: a quiet neighborhood café on weekday mornings is a very different environment from a busy downtown chain during the morning rush.
If you choose wisely, this is one of those jobs that genuinely doesn’t feel like work – especially if you love coffee and enjoy chatting with regulars.
57. Handyman
If you’re practically minded and have experience with home repairs, plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work, handyman work is a great freelance option. You choose which jobs you take, set your own rates, and work as much or as little as you like.
Word of mouth tends to build quickly once you do good work – particularly in local neighborhoods where people are always looking for someone reliable and trustworthy.
58. Photographer
If photography is a passion of yours, there’s no reason it can’t also earn you money. Wedding and event photography pays well, but so does family portrait work, product photography, and even stock photography if you’d prefer something less people-facing.
Freelance photography is almost entirely self-directed – you take the jobs you want, on a schedule that works for you.
59. Carpenter
Woodworking and carpentry are deeply satisfying skills, and there’s a consistent market for custom furniture, cabinetry, home renovations, and repairs. If you already have the tools and the knowledge, turning this into a freelance business is very much an option.
You decide how much work you take on, which means you can keep things genuinely relaxed rather than letting it become overwhelming.
60. Busker
If you play an instrument or have a strong voice, busking is one of the more unusual but genuinely enjoyable ways to earn money in retirement. You perform in public spaces – parks, pedestrian areas, transit hubs – and collect tips from people who appreciate what they hear.
The trick is timing and location: a busy Saturday market is going to serve you much better than a quiet side street on a Tuesday morning.
61. Mentor
Mentoring is one of the most natural jobs for someone with decades of professional experience. Whether you work with young professionals in your former field, students navigating career choices, or entrepreneurs building their first businesses, the value you bring is genuine and significant.
You can work with clients privately or through mentoring organizations, and set up sessions however works best for your schedule – in person, by video call, or by phone.
62. Elderly companion
This one might seem surprising at first – but if you’re in your early retirement years, becoming an elderly companion to someone older is actually a very natural fit. You provide regular company and conversation, help with small tasks, and make a real difference to someone who might otherwise feel isolated.
It’s flexible, emotionally rewarding, and doesn’t require formal qualifications – just empathy, patience, and reliability.
63. Painter
House painting – interior or exterior – is a steady source of freelance work for someone who’s physically able and good at the job. You set your own rates, choose your clients, and decide how much work you take on at any given time.
For those with a more artistic bent, selling original paintings is another avenue – either through local galleries, art fairs, or online platforms like Etsy and Saatchi Art.
64. Park ranger
If the outdoors is your happy place, working as a park ranger is an ideal retirement job. You’d help visitors, maintain trails, and support the conservation of the park – meaningful work in a beautiful environment.
Park ranger roles can be seasonal or year-round, full-time or part-time, depending on the park – so there’s often flexibility in how much you take on.
65. Airbnb host
If you have a spare room, a guest house, or a property you don’t use year-round, renting it out through Airbnb is one of the easiest ways to earn extra income without actively working. You set your own availability and house rules, and guests come to you.
It’s one of the more genuinely passive income options on this list – especially if you hire a cleaning service to handle turnovers.
66. Podcaster
Podcasting is more accessible than ever, and the idea that it’s only for younger people is well out of date. If you have a passion for a topic – history, travel, cooking, personal finance, storytelling from your own life – there’s an audience for it.
You can start your own podcast or contribute to existing ones as a guest or co-host. Monetization comes through advertising, sponsorships, and listener support once you’ve built an audience.
67. Security guard
Security work varies enormously depending on where you work. The key to keeping this low-stress is choosing the right environment – think overnight museum guard or corporate building security, rather than nightclub bouncer.
Many security roles involve quiet, predictable shifts where you’re largely monitoring rather than actively intervening – which can actually be quite peaceful if you enjoy having time to think.
68. Hairdresser
If hairdressing was your career before retirement, there’s no reason to stop entirely – you can simply shift to freelancing on your own terms. Working from home or visiting clients means you control your schedule completely and only take appointments when you want them.
You avoid the pressure of a packed salon schedule, keep doing something you’re skilled at, and still earn well for your time.
69. Game streamer
Most streamers are in their twenties, which is exactly why a retirement-age gamer would stand out. Playing video games and streaming it on Twitch or YouTube is a genuinely viable income stream for people who build an audience – and the novelty angle of a senior gamer would absolutely attract attention.
You’d literally be getting paid to play, which has to be one of the more enjoyable options on this list.
70. Rent out your parking space
If you live in or near a city center and have a parking space or garage you don’t use, renting it out is one of the easiest passive income options available. Platforms like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and JustPark let you list your space and start earning with very little effort.
It’s not a lot of money on its own, but for doing essentially nothing, it’s hard to beat.
71. Rent out your stuff
Do you have items sitting in the garage or attic that you haven’t touched in years? Platforms like Fat Llama and Loanables let you rent those things out to people who need them temporarily – think tools, cameras, camping gear, or sports equipment.
You earn money from things you weren’t using anyway, which makes it about as low-effort as income gets.
72. Rent out your car
If your car sits unused for significant stretches, platforms like Turo, Getaround, or HyreCar let you rent it out to people who need a vehicle. You remove the listing whenever you need the car yourself, so it’s genuinely flexible.
It’s a smart way to offset the cost of owning a car you’re not using every day.
73. Advertise with your car
An alternative way to earn from your car is by letting companies advertise on it. Services like Carvertise and Wrapify pay you to have an ad wrap applied to your car – and then all you have to do is drive around as normal, which you’d be doing anyway.
It’s about as close to pure passive income as you can get – just getting paid to advertise while going about your regular life.
74. Florist
If flowers are your passion, turning that into a small business is a genuinely enjoyable option. Florists create arrangements for weddings, events, and everyday occasions – and you can work from home, a small studio, or a shop depending on how much you want to invest.
Taking a floral design course is a good starting point if you don’t already have formal training, though a strong eye for color and arrangement goes a long way on its own.
75. Kindergarten carer
Working with young children is chaotic and wonderful in equal measure. It’s not always low-stress in the traditional sense – a room full of toddlers has its own kind of energy – but it’s a very different kind of pressure from a corporate office, and for the right person, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Part-time and casual positions are common in early childhood settings, which makes this a manageable option for retirement.
76. Crossing guard
Crossing guard might not sound glamorous, but it’s a surprisingly enjoyable job for the right person. You work only a few hours a day (typically school drop-off and pick-up times), you’re outside getting fresh air, and you get to know the local children and families over time.
It’s one of the more genuinely stress-free options on this list – short shifts, clear responsibilities, and no requirement to work every single day if you don’t want to.
77. House sitter
House sitting is a wonderful option for retirees who love to travel – you stay in someone’s home while they’re away, take care of things like watering plants and keeping an eye on the property, and often pay nothing for accommodation in return.
Sites like TrustedHousesitters connect sitters with homeowners around the world. It’s not always paid in the traditional sense (you’re often compensated with free accommodation rather than cash), but for someone who loves exploring new places, it can be an incredible lifestyle perk.
78. Professional cuddler
Yes, this is a real job – and no, it’s not what you might think. Professional cuddling services offer non-sexual, platonic physical comfort to people who benefit from human touch – such as those who live alone or are going through emotionally difficult times.
Cuddling has been shown to trigger the release of serotonin, which can reduce anxiety and depression, so the work is genuinely therapeutic. It’s one of the more unusual retirement jobs on this list, but for the right person, it’s both meaningful and surprisingly well-paid.
79. Librarian
Working in a library is one of the most quietly enjoyable job options imaginable – surrounded by books, helping people find what they need, and contributing to your local community. Many library roles don’t require a full library science degree, particularly for assistant or part-time positions.
It’s peaceful, purposeful work in a setting that is almost universally pleasant to spend time in.
80. Start your own business
Retirement is actually a great time to start a business – you have experience, perspective, and (hopefully) fewer financial pressures than you would have had earlier in your career. More and more people are becoming entrepreneurs in their later years, and many are finding it more fulfilling than anything they did before.
The business can be anything that makes sense for your skills and interests – selling homemade goods, running a local service, or building something online. The key difference from earlier in life is that you can do this entirely on your own terms, growing it as much or as little as you want.
