Sometimes we are just not making enough money in our day job.
We are living in a gig economy which means there aren’t a lot of long term opportunities these days.
Many people, especially older guys are looking for a side gig, or side hustle to get ahead or maybe just make ends meet.
Side hustles are a great way for men and women over 50 to make some extra money.
Whether you’re looking to move in another direction, or simply want to make some extra cash, there are plenty of side hustle options available.
Here is a list of businesses you can start on the side to make a few extra bucks, that may grow into a full time job, depending on how big you want to get.
Of course, you’ll need to put in the hard work to make your business a success.
You can start out working just a few hours a day and the beauty of it is, you can work your own hours.
Once you get started, you could be on your way to a whole other career while growing your bank account.
Because we are older, younger hiring managers are not looking at us as closely as someone who is younger.
Those are the facts.
Now is the time to get your own side hustle and build something for yourself.
I am an affiliate with some of the companies below and may receive compensation from them at no extra cost to you.
Making Money
Here is a list of a few side hustle ideas that don’t require too much physical strain.
Cutting grass and pressure washing may be a little tougher, but you can judge for yourself on your own capabilities.
You can always take an online course to up your skill level and make money online.
These should give you some ideas if you want to have your own business someday.
Pressure Washing
Pressure Washing is an excellent way to keep a home looking great.
Not only does it remove dirt, grime and mildew, but it also extends the life of your siding, paint and other materials.
Pressure washing is a great way to clean driveways, sidewalks, patios, and more.
You can also offer your services to businesses who need their storefronts or office buildings cleaned.
Here are some pressure washing equipment tips to help get you started in this business.
If you don’t already have a pressure washer, you’ll need to purchase or borrow one.
There are a variety of models on the market, so choose one that’s appropriate for the task at hand.
A light-duty machine is fine for general cleaning, while a more powerful model may be necessary for stubborn stains.
Before you go out and buy a new machine, have a look on FaceBook Marketplace for a good used pressure washer.
Here are a couple of new Pressure Washers to check out.
Call around your area and ask the competition how much it costs to have a house done.
Also, look on Craigslist to see if anyone is advertising this service and how much they charge.
Window Washing
Window washing is one of those things that you don’t really think about until you need to do it.
And then, it’s all you can think about.
That’s where you come in.
First, you need to choose the right window washing solution.
Dawn liquid soap seems to be mentioned a lot in Youtube videos.
You don’t want to use a household cleaner, because they can leave streaks.
Second, you need to have the right tools.
A squeegee is a must, and you might also want a brush or sponge for tougher spots.
Also, a telescopic pole for those higher windows.
Third, you need to be careful.
Windows are delicate, and you don’t want to scratch them.
Fourth, take your time.
Window washing is not a race.
If you go too fast, you’ll miss spots and streaks will form.
This can be a quick way to generate extra income. Starting out, may want to charge $5 for a small window and $10 to $15 for larger ones.
After you’re in the business for a while, it’s up to you and what the local market will bear.
Here is a video giving some advice on getting started.
Washing Cars
If you have a knack for washing cars, you can start your own business doing just that.
You can set up a car wash in your driveway or offer mobile car washing services to customers in your area.
To get started, all you need is a hose, some soap, and a little elbow grease.
A heavy duty vacuum cleaner with attachments to get into tight spaces.
Depending on the depth of detail, you can go from $40 to $150 per car.
The detailing will take longer so keep that in mind.
If you have a mobile service, you could go to a business with many employees and a parking lot.
They can have their car washed while they work, not wasting time out of their day.
You will also have a few customers in one place without having to drive around to the next client.
Handy Man Services
There is always a need for handyman services.
From fixing a leaky faucet to hanging drywall, there is no shortage of things that need to be done around the house.
If you’re handy with tools and have a little bit of experience, you can start your own handyman business.
You can advertise your services online or in your local paper.
Handyman services typically cost between $50 and $100 per hour.
Not every job requires measuring twice and cutting once.
Sometimes they just may need light bulbs changed or a sink disposal replaced.
To get started, you’ll need a selection of tools to complete the most common handyman tasks.
A power drill is a must, along with a screwdriver set, hammer, wrenches, and tape measure.
You might also need a ladder, depending on the job.
As you get more experience, you can add more specialized tools to your collection.
There are a few things to keep in mind when starting your own handyman business.
First, always be honest about your experience and skills.
It’s better to turn down a job than to take it on and not be able to complete it.
Second, make sure you’re insured.
Accidents happen, and you don’t want to be stuck with a huge bill if you damage someone’s property.
Starting your own handyman business is a great way to make some extra income.
With a little bit of effort, you can build a steady stream of customers.
Check out this video for Starting a Handy Man Business.
Lawn Service
All right, so we’re talkin’ about lawn service.
You can make money by mowing lawns, killing/removing weeds, cleaning gutters, raking leaves, and so on.
Let’s just start with cutting grass.
This business is in high demand, but you need to look around your area and see how much competition there already is.
You’re gonna need a lawn mower, a weed eater, and a leaf blower.
Start out with basics and if you start growing with more lawns, you’ll want to get better equipment.
You can make between $35 to $50 per lawn depending on the size of the yard.
It’s a good idea to get as many yards in one neighborhood as possible.
That way you can cut all of the lawns without having to load up your equipment as often.
Because every season offers the opportunity for some type of yard maintenance, this can turn into a year round job.
Pool Service
A pool service can offer many benefits to a homeowner.
A pool service can help to keep their pool clean and free of debris, as well as keeping the pH levels balanced.
You can also provide them with peace of mind, knowing that your pool is being properly cared for.
In addition, as a pool service technician, you can get discounts on pool supplies and equipment with local supply companies.
Leave your business card with pool supply companies and have them recommend you to home owners.
That’s how I found my pool service person years ago when I was working overseas and couldn’t be home to do it myself.
There are videos available that teach you how to maintain a pool.
You can make about $25 a visit and are only there about 5 to 10 minutes.
You can schedule this weekly.
Dog Walking / Pet Sitting
Older folks can make great dog walkers and pet sitters.
They often have the time and energy to commit to taking care of someone else’s pet, and many people are happy to pay for this service.
It’s a great way to get some exercise while also making some extra money.
If you like to walk dogs, this could be a fun side hustle.
A dog walking service can be great way to earn extra cash or for a side income if you decide to get more clients.
It’s a good idea to like animals if you are going to pet sit.
Go sign up with Rover.com and get on their list of dog walkers and pet sitters.
Look in your area to see what the going rate is.
You may want to start out by letting friends know on FaceBook that you are starting this new venture.
Busy people are looking for someone to give their dog some exercise when they can’t.
Proof Reading for Profit
There are plenty of opportunities for proofreading out there.
You can find work with businesses and individuals alike, offering your services as a much-needed second set of eyes.
Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, there are options available to you.
One of the great things about proofreading is that it can be done from anywhere.
As long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you can get started with this online business.
It’s also relatively low-cost to get started.
Proofread Anywhere is an online course that will get you started in the right direction.
Digital Marketing
Another online business to consider is digital marketing.
The internet is how business is conducted these days.
You can get online training in digital marketing from Youtube videos or pay for an online course.
You can promote your services online and never have to leave your home.
Check out Fivver.com.
Deliver Food – Restaurant
Chains and local restaurants are always looking for drivers to deliver food to their customers.
This is a great way to make some extra money, especially if you’re already out and about running errands.
Door Dash and Grub Hub are two food delivery services you can check out.
They each have a pay structure with mileage and the drivers keep 100% of the tips.
You must be of a certain age, consent to a background check, and have good driving record.
Deliver Groceries
If you’re looking for a side hustle that will keep you active, consider becoming a grocery delivery driver.
You can work flexible hours and make money while getting some exercise.
To become a grocery delivery driver, you’ll need to have a car and a clean driving record.
Walmart may be a place to start.
Rent Out Storage Space
If you have a spare room in your home, why not put it to use and make some money?
You can list your storage space on websites like StoreAtMyHouse and get paid by the month.
This is a great way to make some extra cash if you live in a desirable location.
What about a piece of land or a lot that you own.
You could rent out space for RVs and boats.
My neighbor rents out his garage to a car enthusiast who needs the extra space.
Online Tutoring
If you’re a person with expertise in a particular subject matter, consider becoming an online tutor.
There are many websites and online tutoring platforms that connect tutors with students who need help in a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and history.
As an online tutor, you can set your own hours.
Give Wyzant a look for tutoring positions.
Start Selling Online
If you’re looking for a side hustle that you can do from the comfort of your own home, then selling online is a great option.
You can sell products or services on a number of different platforms, including eBay, Amazon, and even Facebook.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selling online, such as shipping costs and product photography, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great way to make some extra money.
Start a Blog
Another option for men over 50 is to start a blog.
This is a great way to share your interests and passions with the world, while also earning some income from advertising or affiliate marketing.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are a number of blogging platforms that make it easy to set up your own blog, such as WordPress or Blogger.
Start a YouTube Channel
Another popular option for making money online is to start a YouTube channel.
This is a great way to share your hobbies, expertise, or just everyday life with a wide audience.
If you can build up a large enough following, you may be able to make money from advertising or sponsorships.
You’ll need to create engaging, high-quality videos and regularly post new content in order to grow your channel.
This can be a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding.
Start an Online Store
If you’re an old hand at woodworking or have some other creative talents, you could start your own online store.
There are a number of platforms you can use to do this, such as Shopify or Etsy.
You’ll need to create and populate your store with products, and then market it to drive traffic and sales.
This can be a great way to make some extra cash, and if you’re successful you could even turn it into a full-time business.
Plus, it’s a great way to tap into a growing trend of consumers shopping online for unique and handmade items.
Bookkeeping Business
If you’re good with numbers and have a head for business, you could start your own bookkeeping business.
This can be a great way to earn some extra cash, as there is always demand for bookkeepers from small businesses and startups.
To get started, you’ll need to be proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero.
You’ll also need to be familiar with double-entry bookkeeping, as this is the standard method used by businesses.
Once you’re up and running, you can start marketing your services to small businesses in your area.
You can also build up a clientele by offering your services online through platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork.
Cleaning Business
Another great side hustle for men over 50 is starting a cleaning business.
There is always demand for cleaners from both businesses and households.
To get started, you’ll need to invest in some basic cleaning supplies such as a vacuum cleaner, mop, and buckets.
You’ll also need to purchase some cleaning solutions and detergents.
Once you have your supplies, you can start marketing your services to businesses and households in your area.
You can also build up a clientele by offering your services online through platforms such as Craigslist or TaskRabbit.
Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing and have a knack for it, you could become a freelance writer.
There are a number of platforms and websites that offer paid writing opportunities, such as Contently or Upwork.
You can choose to write on a wide range of topics, or specialize in a particular niche.
This is a great way to make some extra money, and if you’re successful you could even turn it into a full-time career.
Plus, it’s a great way to get your writing seen by a wider audience and build up your portfolio.
Medium.com is a platform where you can earn money by putting your creative skills to work.
You can get paid for writing about things you are interested in.
Take Online Surveys
Another easy way to make some extra cash is by taking online surveys.
There are a number of companies that offer paid surveys, such as Survey Junkie or InboxDollars.
You can sign up and start taking surveys straight away, and most only take a few minutes to complete.
You won’t get rich from taking surveys, but it’s a great way to make some extra money in your spare time.
Plus, you can voice your opinion on a variety of topics and help shape the products and services of the future.
Conclusion
Starting your own business can be overwhelming.
By starting a side hustle, you can grow it as large as you want and still keep your day job.
Most of these side hustles have a small start up cost, so the risk is minimal.
There are all sorts of ways to make money without having to get a traditional job.
If you have the time and motivation, why not try your hand at one of these businesses?
You might be surprised at how much money you can make by working your own schedule.
Good Luck in your new Side Hustle!