5 of the Best Side Hustles for Women Over 40

If you’re looking for ways to spend your spare time now that the kids have flown the nest, or to add a little extra money to your savings and travel funds, a side hustle could be your answer. It could be something you’ve always dreamed of doing or a new-found hobby that could generate some extra cash each week.

Think of it as a “double life.” You could be a full-time accountant by day and a rideshare driver after-hours. Or maybe even a part-time receptionist with an affinity for mystery-shopping. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or are retired, allow these go-to ideas to inspire your new hustle.

Become a rideshare driver.

There’s nothing better than flexible working hours. Once you get the forms filled in and the checks done, you’re free to start driving. You’ve heard of Uber and Lyft, but there are also smaller apps like Arro, Curb, and Via you can sign up for!

Sell your clothes.

Time to dig out those 80’s numbers you have hanging in the back of your wardrobe and pass them onto the next generation — and make some cash! Team up with your girlfriends and open an online store using sites like eBay or Etsy, or grab a stall at the local markets. It will be the ultimate spring clean for your wardrobe.

And if you’re feeling extra creative, little DIY jobs like tie-dying can transform an old tee into a vintage lover’s treasure.

Rent out your spare room.

Feeling a little lonely as an empty-nester and wondering what to do with that spare room or granny flat? Rent it out! Nowadays, with sites like Airbnb even Facebook groups, you can rent out spare rooms to travelers at the click of a button. You may be able to rent out a parking space, or your garage or spare room for storage, too.

It’s a super easy and quick way to earn money and meet some new and interesting people along the way. The best thing about it is that you can approve who stays and for how long. And if room-rental works for you, why not rent out your entire house and take yourself on a quick getaway?! It’s a win-win.

Get paid to shop.

If you tend to spend a lot of your free time perusing your local shopping center (guilty), why not make some cash out of it? A mystery shopper is employed by an agency and sent into a store to provide invaluable customer feedback and necessary critiques. Usually payment is a small amount, or even a gift voucher, but it is a relatively easy position — especially if you’re out and about anyway.

And all the job requires is a brief shop, a purchase (that you will be reimbursed for), and a short feedback form or report. Job done!

Holiday House-Sitting

Getting paid to look after someone’s pets? Um, yes please! House-sitting is one of the easiest ways to earn some extra cash on the side. Basically, you’re getting paid to live in someone else’s house and look after their pets and plants while they’re away. You get the entire place to yourself, plus all the attention of their pets.

So what are you waiting for? Get hustling!