Retirement from the kitchen was bittersweet. After decades of sizzling pans and late-night rushes, I was ready for a slower pace—but not quite ready to do nothing. Like many retirees, I wanted to stay active, earn a little extra, and maybe learn something new.
Over the past few years, I’ve sampled a buffet of side hustles. Some were a perfect fit; others, not so much. Here are the beginner-friendly gigs based on the Side Hustle Database I’d recommend, especially if you’re just starting out (and even if you don’t know your way around a whisk!).
1. Online Cooking Classes
Naturally, my first stop was teaching online cooking classes. If you have a skill—any skill—there’s probably someone out there who wants to learn it. I started by offering simple “Home Chef 101” sessions on Zoom, showing folks how to make a perfect omelet or bake crusty bread. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or a studio kitchen. I used my phone, a tripod, and my own kitchen. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or even Facebook Live make it easy to get started.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You set your own pace, and there’s no upfront cost beyond what you already have at home. Plus, sharing your passion is incredibly rewarding.
Tip: Start with friends and family to build confidence and collect testimonials!
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
After years of working in a high-pressure environment, I craved something more relaxed. Enter pet sitting and dog walking. I signed up with a couple of local apps, and before I knew it, I was spending my afternoons strolling through the park with a pack of happy pups. No special skills required—just a love for animals and a bit of reliability.
Why it’s great for beginners:
It’s flexible, low-stress, and you can start small. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get some fresh air and exercise.
Tip: If you’re nervous, start with friends’ or neighbors’ pets before taking on clients from apps like Rover or Pawshake.
3. Freelance Food Writing
I never considered myself a writer, but after years of scribbling recipes and kitchen notes, I realized I had stories to tell. I started pitching articles to food blogs, local magazines, and even recipe websites. You don’t need to be the next Anthony Bourdain—just write from the heart and share your experiences.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You can start with short pieces, and there are plenty of websites looking for fresh voices. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to keep your culinary knowledge alive.
Tip: Start with what you know—your favorite recipes, kitchen mishaps, or restaurant reviews. Sites like Medium, Vocal, or even local newsletters are great places to get published.
4. Selling Homemade Treats at Local Markets
This one took me back to my roots. I started baking small batches of cookies and jams, then set up a stall at the local weekend market. You don’t need to be a professional chef (though it helps!)—just focus on one or two specialties and perfect your recipes. The real joy comes from chatting with customers and seeing their faces light up when they taste your creations.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Start-up costs are low, and you can scale up or down as you like. Plus, you get instant feedback and a sense of community.
Tip: Check your local food safety regulations and start with a small, manageable menu.
5. Virtual Assistant Work
This one surprised me. I always thought virtual assistants needed tech wizardry, but many tasks are simple—answering emails, scheduling appointments, or managing social media. I found a few gigs on Upwork and Fiverr, and it was a great way to keep my mind sharp and learn new skills from the comfort of home.
Why it’s great for beginners:
According to Side Hustles Database, you can choose tasks that match your abilities, set your own hours, and work from anywhere. Plus, there’s a huge demand for reliable help.
Tip: Start with what you know—maybe helping a local business with their bookings or organizing someone’s calendar.
6. Selling Digital Products
After years of jotting down recipes and kitchen tips, I realized digital products could be a goldmine. You don’t have to be a tech wizard—just package up your knowledge or creativity. I started with simple things: printable meal planners, recipe e-books, and even kitchen conversion charts. Sites like Etsy, Gumroad, and Shopify make it easy to sell digital downloads, and once you’ve created your product, it can earn passive income with little ongoing effort.
Why it’s great for beginners:
No inventory, shipping, or upfront costs beyond your time. If you can use basic design tools (like Canva), you can make and sell digital products.
Tip: Start with something you know well—like a “30-Minute Meals” e-book or printable shopping lists.
7. Print-on-Demand Merchandise
I’ve always loved a clever kitchen pun, so I tried my hand at designing T-shirts, mugs, and aprons with foodie slogans. With print-on-demand, you upload your designs to platforms like Printful or Redbubble, and they handle printing and shipping when someone orders. You don’t need to buy inventory or worry about logistics.
Why it’s great for beginners:
No upfront investment in stock, and you don’t need design experience—just a creative idea and a willingness to learn.
Tip: Niche down! “Retired Chef” or “Home Cook” merch speaks to a specific audience and stands out.
8. Freelancing Services
Your skills from any career—writing, editing, graphic design, or even consulting—can be turned into freelance gigs. I’ve done a bit of recipe editing and even helped a local café revamp their menu. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn make it easy to find clients and start small.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You control your workload and can pick projects that match your skills and interests. It’s a flexible way to earn and build a portfolio.
Tip: Start with what you know best, and don’t be afraid to charge for your expertise—even if you’re just starting out.
9. Rideshare or Delivery Driving
If you have a car and some free time, rideshare (Uber, Lyft) or delivery (DoorDash, UberEats) is a straightforward way to earn extra cash. I gave this a try during the holidays, delivering food and gifts around town. It’s flexible, you set your own hours, and you get to know your neighborhood in a new way.
Why it’s great for beginners:
No special skills required beyond a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. You can start earning almost immediately.
Tip: Work during peak hours (lunch, dinner, weekends) for the best tips and busiest routes.
10. Blogging
I never saw myself as a blogger, but sharing stories from my chef days and kitchen hacks turned out to be both fun and profitable. Blogging platforms like WordPress, Medium, and Substack make it easy to start, and you can monetize through ads, affiliate links, or sponsored content. The key is consistency and writing about something you’re passionate about.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Low barrier to entry, and you can write at your own pace. Over time, your blog can become a source of passive income.
Tip: Focus on a niche—maybe “Cooking for One” or “Retired Life Recipes”—to attract a dedicated audience.
11. Participate in Online Surveys and Paid Research
If you want something you can do from your couch with a cup of tea, online surveys are a classic. Companies pay for your opinions on products and services, and while you won’t get rich, it’s a simple way to earn a little extra cash or gift cards. Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and UserTesting are popular places to start.
Why it’s great for beginners:
No experience needed, no upfront costs, and you can do it in your spare time.
12. Resell Used or Vintage Goods
If you enjoy treasure hunting, flipping items can be both fun and profitable. Start by selling things you no longer need, then look for bargains at thrift stores, garage sales, or flea markets to resell online for a profit. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Depop make it easy to reach buyers.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Low risk—start with stuff you already own. You learn as you go, and there’s potential to scale up if you enjoy it.
13. Offer Local Services (Car Washing, Lawn Care, Odd Jobs)
There’s always demand for practical help in the neighborhood—washing cars, mowing lawns, raking leaves, or even assembling furniture. These gigs are easy to start, require minimal equipment, and can be advertised by word of mouth or on local platforms like TaskRabbit or Jobble.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You can start with friends and neighbors, set your own rates, and work as much or as little as you like.
14. Become a Voiceover Artist
If you’ve got a clear speaking voice (or even just a bit of character), voiceover work is surprisingly accessible. There’s demand for audiobook narration, ads, animations, and even YouTube videos. All you need is a decent microphone, some free editing software, and a quiet room. Sites like Voices.com and Fiverr can help you get started.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You can work from home, and it’s a creative way to use your voice. Plus, it’s fun to try something totally different!
15. Give Local Tours
If you know your city or neighborhood well, consider offering walking tours or themed experiences—history walks, food tours, or even “hidden gems” routes. Platforms like ToursByLocals or Airbnb Experiences make it easy to connect with travelers.
Why it’s great for beginners:
You get to share your local knowledge, meet new people, and set your own schedule. It’s especially rewarding if you enjoy storytelling or showing off your favorite spots.
Final Thoughts
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Whether you’re a former chef like me or just looking for a new adventure, side hustles are a fantastic way to stay engaged, earn extra income, and discover hidden talents. My advice? Start with what you love, don’t be afraid to try something new, and remember—every expert was once a beginner.
