The first morning after I retired, I poured a cup of coffee and thought, Now what?
After 30+ years of running plants, managing teams, and living by schedules, it was strange not having somewhere to be. That’s when I decided to start building something of my own—not because I had to, but because I wanted to.
Retirement wasn’t the end of my work life—it was the start of my work life.
💡 The Spark That Started It
My first “side hustle” idea came from curiosity. I wondered how people made money online—so I learned.
I bought a domain, built a small website, and wrote blog posts about topics I knew well. The first time I earned $1.49 from an Amazon affiliate link, I felt like I’d won the lottery.
It wasn’t the amount—it was the proof that new opportunities still exist after 60. Every little experiment, every sale, every “fail forward” moment kept me motivated.
🖥️ Turning Curiosity Into Income
I’ve launched websites, created YouTube channels, written books, and even designed shirts. Some things made money, some didn’t—but all of them taught me something.
That’s the beauty of retirement side hustles: you can try ideas without the pressure of survival.
You’re not chasing paychecks anymore—you’re chasing purpose, creativity, and a little fun.
I used to manage factories; now I manage ideas. And you know what? It’s just as rewarding, only with better coffee breaks.
🔧 The Tools of the Trade
Here’s what helped me most:
- Patience. Nothing takes off overnight.
- Curiosity. If something sounds interesting, learn it. YouTube is a classroom.
- Consistency. A few hours a week adds up fast.
Between blogging, designing shirts, and selling domains, I’ve found that steady effort beats perfect timing every time.
💭 Redefining “Success” in Retirement
When you’re retired, success changes shape. It’s not about how much you make—it’s about how much you enjoy what you’re making.
One of my favorite shirts I designed says, “World’s Longest Coffee Break.” That shirt sums up this phase of life. I’m still working, but on my terms.
The internet has leveled the field for retirees. You can share your knowledge, tell your stories, or create something funny that brightens someone’s day—and maybe earn a little on the side.
☕ Final Thought
Your nine-to-five might be behind you, but your creativity isn’t.
Start something small. Learn. Try again. You’ve got the experience, wisdom, and time—combine them, and you’ll surprise yourself.
☕ Fuel the journey: Buy Me a Coffee
🎥 Watch the progress: Retired and Trying on YouTube
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