So, you’re thinking about working from home in retirement, huh? Pajamas all day, coffee on tap, no boss breathing down your neck. Sounds dreamy, right? But hold on a sec—before you toss your slacks and stock up on fuzzy slippers, let’s have a heart-to-heart. Working from home isn’t all snack breaks and midday naps (although those are definite perks).
Let’s dive into the real stuff so you can figure out if this home-based hustle is the right move for you.
The Perks (a.k.a. Why Everyone’s Tempted)
Let’s start with the sunny side of working from your kitchen table.
1. Freedom, Baby
You wake up when you want. You work when you want. You eat lunch on the porch with your dog. Need I say more?
2. No Commute
Say goodbye to traffic jams, gas prices, and scraping frost off your windshield at 7 a.m. (hello, extra sleep).
3. Your Own Space
You set the vibe. Want a diffuser, jazz music, and your cat as your coworker? Go for it. You’re the boss now.
4. Work Around Your Life
Doctor’s appointments? Grandkid drop-offs? Spontaneous grocery runs? You can plan your work around life—not the other way around.
But Is It Right for You?
The perks are great, but let’s talk reality. Not everyone thrives in a home-based work environment, and that’s okay! Here’s how to find out if this setup suits you.
1. Can You Motivate Yourself Without Supervision?
Be honest. When no one’s checking in, do you:
- Get stuff done like a champ?
- Or…binge half a season of “The Great British Bake Off” before noon?
Working from home requires self-starting energy. If you’re someone who needs a little external push, consider setting up accountability (like a work buddy or daily goals).
2. Are You Okay With (a Lot of) Alone Time?
Home work life = solo life. If you’re energized by quiet and independence, you might love it. But if you’re a social butterfly, you might start talking to your houseplants.
Solution: Try coworking cafes, online communities, or Zoom catch-ups with fellow retirees who work online.
3. Are You Comfortable With Tech (or Willing to Learn)?
You don’t have to be a Silicon Valley guru, but you will need to:
- Navigate email, Google Docs, Zoom
- Understand basic website stuff (especially if blogging or doing affiliate marketing)
- Troubleshoot the occasional hiccup
If you’re open to learning and have a little patience, you’re golden.
4. Do You Need Clear Work-Life Boundaries?
When your “office” is also your living room, the lines blur. You might find yourself checking emails at dinner or skipping lunch because you got “in the zone.”
If you thrive with structure, you’ll need to:
- Set work hours
- Physically separate your workspace (even a corner of a room helps)
- Shut down when the “day” is done
5. Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss?
Spoiler alert: Working from home often means being your own manager, IT guy, and cheerleader. You’ll need to:
- Set deadlines
- Handle customer/client questions (if selling or freelancing)
- Make decisions without someone telling you what to do
Scary? Maybe. Empowering? Absolutely.
Still Unsure? Try This Mini Quiz:
Answer YES or NO to the following:
- I’m okay working alone most of the time
- I’m good at sticking to routines (or want to get better)
- I’m curious about learning tech tools and online platforms
- I enjoy learning new things and trying creative projects
- I can handle slow progress without giving up
- I want to earn extra income but keep flexibility
Results:
- 5–6 YES = You’re probably going to love working from home
- 3–4 YES = You may enjoy it with some structure and support
- 0–2 YES = It might not be the best fit, but never say never
Tips to Make It Work for You
If you decide to give it a shot, here are some tips to help make it enjoyable and sustainable:
Start Small
Try part-time work or a side hustle before diving in full-time. Blogging, affiliate marketing, online surveys, or crafting digital downloads are all low-risk ways to start.
Set a Routine That Fits You
Not a morning person? Start at 10 a.m. Prefer short bursts? Do 2 hours in the morning and another in the afternoon. Create your own rhythm.
Stay Connected
Join online communities, Facebook groups, or local clubs of like-minded retirees. Social interaction is essential—even for us introverts.
Keep It Light
Don’t pressure yourself to build a six-figure empire. If your goal is some extra income and brain stimulation, that’s valid and awesome.
Final Thought: It’s Not All or Nothing
Working from home doesn’t have to be a forever decision. You can test it, tweak it, and make it your own. Want to work from your porch one month and take a break the next? That’s the beauty of it—you’re in control.
So, is working from home right for you?
Only one way to find out: dip a toe in and try it! Whether it’s writing a blog post, signing up for an affiliate program, or creating a digital product, take a baby step and see how it feels.
You’ve already mastered life—you can master this too. Pajamas optional. 😉
-Shirley
No Responses