Life after 50 brings more freedom and fewer responsibilities, giving women the chance to rediscover what they’re good at, follow their passion and something they enjoy doing. Whether you’re still employed, semi-retired, retired, or simply looking to boost your income, options for women in today’s world are limitless and varied. Side hustles can offer women with both financial rewards and fulfillment on a personal level, making them feel more confident about themselves and boost their self-esteem. This article will help you explore the 23 best side hustles for women over 50, helping them do something meaningful on their own terms and conditions.
1. Freelance Writing or Editing
If writing comes naturally to you, consider freelance editing and writing as a side hustle. Many websites and businesses are in the constant need of quality blogs, content, and newsletter, making this side hustle more in-demand. You can create an account on freelancing platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com and start connecting with people across the globe who can be your potential long-term clients in the future.
2. Online Tutoring
Your years of knowledge and academic experience can be highly helpful for students struggling with their high school or college courses. Whether it’s English, Maths, or a complex subject, offer your insight and knowledge surrounding it and help students through your guidance.
You can offer in-person tutoring as well as online sessions through Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams if you prefer a digital approach.
3. Selling Handmade Crafts
If you often find yourself making handmade things and people tend to compliment your crafts and creativity, selling them as a side hustle may work the best for you. Whether it’s knitting, making jewellery, candles, or artwork, handmade crafts have their own elegance and an appealing look that can’t be compared with goods manufactured on an industrial level. Platforms like Etsy and local markets are perfect for turning your hobby into an income.
4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Women who love animals and enjoy their time being around animals should consider pet sitting as something they can earn an income from. Not only do you get your time around animals but you also get paid for doing so, making it a considerable option as a side hustle.
Dog walking on the other hand can help you stay fit and healthy as you walk the dogs around, addressing both your health and income like none other.
5. Virtual Assistant
Women with good communication and organization skills can consider virtual assistance as a potential side hustle. Tasks can include managing emails, scheduling, or dealing with social media presence for your clients.
The work is remote and can be flexible, making it perfect for those who prefer to keep the side hustle low-effort and undemanding.
6. Proofreading or Transcription
If you find yourself paying attention to small details in a document or are more vigilant and careful when it comes to grammar, proofreading as a side hustle can fit you the best. Moreover, transcribing audio files can be an undemanding side hustle as well. All you need is a quiet space and headphones to transcribe audios into written text and you’re all set to make money through it.
7. Airbnb Hosting
What better way to put your spare room or guesthouse in use than to earn money through renting it out? Whether you’re renting it out to travellers or a college student living away from home, you can be in control of when to host, how much to charge, and what kind of guests you’re willing to accept, making Airbnb hosting a considerable option to earn money passively
8. Gardening Services
If you enjoy gardening or spending your time close to nature, plants, or trees, consider offering gardening services and earning money through it. Many people, especially those busy with their daily life commitments or elder citizens, may need help keeping their yards and lawns tidy and organized.
9. Online Coaching or Mentoring
Guide others through online coaching or mentoring with your decades of experience and knowledge. Whether it’s life advice, personal development, or career guidance, there are people out there looking for support and guidance.
You can start with one-on-one sessions or group programs online and soon build a thriving business.
10. Selling on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
If you’re looking to make money fast, consider selling unused items on eBay, Facebook marketplace, or local Whatsapp communities. Put a detailed description, a clear picture, and someone out there may be willing to purchase the item you’re advertising.
11. Bookkeeping or Accounting
If you have a background in finance or are good with figures, consider bookkeeping or accounting as a side hustle. Many small or local businesses may need help keeping track of invoices, budget, or taxes, making bookkeeping or accounting a considerable side hustle.
12. Blogging or Vlogging
If you’re into writing content about things that interest you, consider blogging as a side hustle and start writing and earn money through it. Figure out what intrigues you the most, whether it’s makeup, life advice, or fashion, share your opinion and start making money through the process.
Moreover, you can also create a YouTube account or start vlogging. Share your area of interest with the targeted population and earn through ads, sponsorships, or product sales once your channel starts growing.
13. Personal Chef or Catering
What better way to utilize your cooking skills than to earn money through them? From weekly meal prep to dinner parties, homemade meals are more in demand, especially when people in today’s world are more busy and occupied with their daily life commitments.
14. House Sitting
For a low-effort little getaway from your busy life, consider house sitting that involves looking after a house, collecting mails, watering the plants, or petsitting while the owners are away.
Some gigs may even include living in beautiful houses, making this option a perfect one if you need a relaxing and undemanding side hustle.
15. Resume Writing or Career Consulting
Working for decades gives you insight into how the perfect resume should look like or what makes companies hire someone. Use that knowledge of years to help someone craft the perfect resume, cover letters, or offer career development guidance and earn money through the process.
16. Sewing or Alterations
If you are skilled with sewing machines or clothing alterations, this side hustle may fit you the best. From sewing sweaters to altering sizes, people may be looking for someone to make their clothes suit them the best.
17. Childcare or Babysitting
For people who are good with babies and toddlers, consider the option of childcare or babysitting as a side hustle. All you need to be is hypervigilant and attentive when offering your services and this option may work the best for you.
You can also offer daycare services with a child-friendly room in your house, some toys, and lots of attention and care.
18. Renting Your Car
If you’re looking to make money without putting effort or draining yourself, consider the option of renting your car out on platforms like Turo and earn a passive income without doing anything at all.
You can control the availability and pricing, and the insurance is usually included by the platform, making it an easy and accessible side hustle for women over 50.
19. Teaching a Class or Workshop
Figure out your area of expertise and share your knowledge and experience to help others. Whether it’s artwork, yoga, cooking, or life skills, people struggling with it may be on the look out for someone who can guide them through it, making it a potential side hustle.
20. Decluttering and Organizing Services
If you’re naturally tidy and enjoy creating calm spaces, help others declutter their homes. Offer services like closet makeovers, garage clean-outs, or kitchen reorganization and you’ll not only help people feel more at peace in their homes but also build a potential business.
21. Voiceover Work
If you’ve got a soothing and clear voice, consider earning through it by means of voiceover work. Whether it’s dubbing videos, narrating audiobooks, or YouTube intros, voiceover work can be a great way of earning a passive source of income.
22. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products or services you love through a blog, email list, or social media, and earn commissions on any sales made through your referral links. It requires patience to build up, but once your audience grows, affiliate marketing can become a potential source of passive income.
23. Become a Tour Guide or Local Experience Host
Living in a city or town that attracts customers can be a great way of earning money by becoming a tour guide or a local experience host. All you need to do is offer your insight, walking tours, or cultural storytelling to make your clients’ experience memorable and worthwhile.
Conclusion
Turning 50 doesn’t have to slow you down, it can be about starting a new chapter of your life that is more about what you enjoy doing and find fulfillment in. From being creative to sharing your knowledge and insight, each side hustle given in this article is helpful and unique in its own way. The key is to figure out what aligns well with your values and interests and choose it to turn your passions and skills into something meaningful.