The Real Reason More Older Adults Are Taking on Gig Work

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Although I’m not ready to retire, as my freelance-writing career keeps me happy and busy, when I think back over my working career, my favorite jobs were ones serving people, including jobs at a Six Flags theme park, a B&B and a concession stand in a park. Unfortunately, as they weren’t financially sustainable over the long term, they didn’t end up being career jobs but they sure were fun.

One thing’s for sure: when I do retire, I won’t miss deadlines, pressures from the boss and office politics. Nor do I want to sit behind a desk. I’ll want to stay engaged in my community and keep a schedule so I don’t become a couch potato and Netflix expert.

In 2023, AARP reported that 27 percent of retired people do gig work, proof that more and more retired people are picking up part-time work for fun and not just a financial boost. With a new administration, the job market might shift and the gig economy will become even stronger.

For many, it’s about getting out into the community. If I keep working after retirement age, you can bet I’ll want that same vibe, cruising along the road with my sunroof open on a warm day, and not stuck behind a desk.

Robyn Stewart, who handles communications for Rover, shared data from the pet-care app. Sitters and walkers in the U.S. aged 55 or older increased by 9 percent in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

After 40 years in the hotel industry, Michele Baron, 64, of Cape Coral, Florida, became an Uber driver eight years ago. “You’re missing going to the office and you no longer have the opportunity to meet new people,” she says. Through Uber’s partnership with Arizona State University, she earned a full-ride scholarship, earning a four-year degree and launching a second career as a health lifestyle coach.

A recent DoorDash survey of female Dashers 55+ discovered they do this to pay monthly bills (48 percent) or unexpected expenses (36 percent), buy gifts or celebrate special occasions for family and friends (24 percent), and save money for retirement (12 percent). With the exception of monthly bills and unexpected expenses, that sounds like an easy way to earn “play money.” In addition, 90 percent of female Dashers 55+ report they’re satisfied with the overall experience of “dashing.”

Carole Herbstreit-Kalinyen, a retired communications professional in Germantown, Wisconsin, became a pet sitter in 2018, two years after she retired at 60. When a friend’s husband began pet sitting, it intrigued her enough to sign up. She does not take on morning jobs or clients outside of her community, and only watches pets in their home, not hers. In a half-hour visit she’ll play with and feed the dog or cat, and take the dog on a walk. Calling the shots isn’t always an option in a career but can be in a second-chapter side hustle.

“When I do decide I need a break or decide to travel, I let my clients know ahead of time,” she says.

I can definitely relate to this need for flexibility. Retirement should be about you calling the shots, not your bosses or even your customers, right? How else will you find time to engage in hobbies and have a lazy lunch with all your other retired friends?

For potential gig workers, Herbstreit-Kalinyen suggests being specific in your bio. For example, she states she’s not a runner, so people don’t expect their dog will get a three-mile workout. “When you’re first starting out, do a meet and greet,” she says. “It’s a free visit to get to know the owner a little bit, and the pet. It clarifies expectations and gives you a chance to see if this feels like a good fit. Don’t just accept a booking sight unseen.”

Knowing if it’s a good fit might also mean choosing the best gig for you.

Janine Cavicchia had been happily retired for three years as an administrator at Western Illinois University, when in August of 2019 she walked into the campus’ bookstore. A flier advertising Lyft driver jobs caught her eye. She’d always loved driving. She went home and applied online.

Because in Macomb, Illinois, there are few Lyft drivers and no taxi service, she’s found gratification in helping people get to where they need to be. “When I would be gone, I would hear passengers say they couldn’t get to the train or the doctor,” she says.

For those considering a gig as a driver, she suggests first checking with your local township or city to see what registration is needed. The benefits, she says, outweigh any hassles, of which there are few.

“You don’t have to report to anybody to have set times you’re going to be on,” she says. “You don’t have to put in for vacation time or take time off. If you have a sick family member or you’re sick, you just turn (the app) off.”

That was true when her father needed care for Parkinson’s Disease and she traveled to see him one week each month. With the flexibility, she’s stayed involved with community groups and her church, and has frequent social plans with friends.

Staying involved in her community is what convinced 68-year-old Val Savidge to work for DoorDash in 2018. While on the clock, she’s still out and about. “I like to do Monday through Friday, about five hours, and leave weekends for family or friends,” she says. “But if I want to work more, weekends are a good time for making money.” When Denver’s roads are snowy in winter, she drives less, and takes time off for her grandchildren’s school functions.

“I don’t like cubicles and I don’t like standing behind the cash register,” says Savidge, “I just need the activity. I need the movement,”

Another plus for retirees is the preference for mature employees, not teenagers, as they have real-world experience.

When Herbstreit-Kalinyen arrived at a client’s home, the smoke alarm was blaring — but no fire. Rather than freak out, she responded as any seasoned homeowner would do by asking the neighbors for a ladder or step stool to turn it off.

“Younger people sometimes aren’t dependable and oftentimes don’t have the experience if something happens,” she says. “For retired people, your experience matters.”

This might even lead to new friendships and fun “I don’t do it for the money. I do it to get out of the house and I’ve met some nice people because of it,” says Herbstreit-Kalinyen, who also likes working with friendly animals. “We just have fun and it brightens my day.”

As a long-time owner of Golden Retrievers, I can’t imagine cuddling with other dogs during retirement — and for pay. Sign me up!

Do any of you have a side hustle or part-time job? What is it? Let us know in the comments below.