Pre-Retirement Power Move: How To Launch a Low-Stress Side Hustle Before Handing In Your Notice
You know what they don't tell you about retirement? Most retirees don't actually retire.
A new survey from Western & Southern Financial Group revealed that a large number of retirees (45%) still work in some paid capacity, while another 19% are open to it. Seventy-three percent of respondents said that working would "meaningfully improve" their retirement finances. In other words, a lot of retirees need extra income, and a side gig can be a great way to earn it.
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But you don't have to wait until retirement to figure it all out. In fact, starting a low-stress side hustle before retirement gives you a huge advantage: you can test-drive it, build a client base and ease into it without the pressure of needing it to replace your full-time income immediately.
Why Retirees Are Still Working (And Why You Should Plan Ahead)
For the survey, Retirement Rewritten: How Americans Are Changing the Way They Retire, Western & Southern polled 1,1014 U.S. adults ages 50 and older, and the results tell a clear story. For 33% of respondents, working is a financial necessity. For 9%, not having enough saved to retire comfortably is a genuine concern.
Retirees aren't working because they love their jobs or because they're workaholics. They're working because they have to. But most retirees aren't looking for a traditional 9-to-5. They've left those days behind. Instead, these positions are the most desired by those polled:
Remote or work-from-home roles: 65% of respondents
Freelance or consulting work: 47%
Part-time roles in previous industries: 43%
Gig work: 39%
Seasonal positions: 37%
Starting a small business: 22%
Some Low-Stress Side Hustles To Consider
A low-stress gig means different things to different people, but generally it boils down to a flexible schedule, steady pay, predictable work and minimal burnout. Here are some real options with actual pay data (as of May 2025) courtesy of RetirementJobs.com:
Tutor: $20.84/hour – Perfect if you have expertise in any subject
Library technician/assistant: $21.43/hour – Chill environment, steady hours
Tour or museum guide: $18.33/hour – Seasonal flexibility, engaging work
Receptionist/front-desk: $17.90/hour – Low-pressure, predictable duties
Beyond these, other retirees find solid income in consulting (leverage your industry expertise), freelance writing, tax prep, transcription work, pet sitting and food delivery. The beauty? Many of these scale with your schedule, not the other way around.
How To Actually Launch a Pre-Retirement Side Hustle
Step 1: Figure Out What You're Actually Good at (and Want To Do)
You already have a superpower — it's called experience. Start by identifying what you did well in your career, what people always asked you to help with and what you wouldn't mind doing in retirement.
SoFi recommends leveraging your skills and passions to find a side hustle that enhances your chances of “success and enjoyment.”
Were you a project manager? Consulting firms need freelancers who understand workflows. HR director? Companies constantly need contract HR work. Marketing professional? Agencies are always hunting for freelance strategists. If you were an accountant, tax-prep season is a goldmine.
Step 2: Build Your Credibility
Put together a CV and work samples that reflect your experience and strengths. If you haven’t done so already, create or update your profile on LinkedIn and check out other networking platforms that make it easy for those who need your services to find you. You can try Upwork (freelance everything), Fiverr (specific services), Care.com (tutoring, pet care) or industry-specific job boards.
Step 3: Actually Reach Out
Don't wait for opportunities to find you. If you want to consult, email businesses and peers in your field. If you want to write, pitch to publishers and industry newsletters. If you want to tutor, contact local schools and educational nonprofits. Most people won't respond, but some will and that's all you need.
Step 4: Get Your Finances in Order
This is an unglamorous but essential step.
Set up an invoicing system (Wave and PayPal are free/cheap) and a separate bank account for side-gig income. It makes taxes infinitely less painful.
Talk to a tax professional about self-employment taxes and estimated tax payments. You don't want surprises come April.
The Bottom Line
Starting a side hustle before retirement isn't about desperation. It's about leverage. You still have your full-time income as a safety net, you can build momentum while employed and you'll know exactly what you're walking into when you actually retire. Plus, you'll have the hardest part solved: figuring out what you want to do and who will pay for it.
That's not just a retirement plan. That's a power move.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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