The other side of Retirement
Why Choosing to Work Online in Retirement Might Be the Best Idea You’ve Had Since Joining Pickleball
Sure, those first couple of years were glorious. You slept in, wore your softest pajamas until 2 p.m., and tried every flavor of herbal tea your local co-op had in stock. You celebrated not having to attend Monday meetings by attending zero meetings at all. Bliss!
But then… something shifted.
Coffee Tastes Better at Sunrise
After years of saying, “I’m never setting another alarm again,” you found yourself setting one—voluntarily. Not for a Zoom call or an early tee time, but to enjoy coffee or dip a hot tea on the deck while the world wakes up. And you thought: I kind of missed this feeling of purpose…
When Your Budget Says, “Nice Try”
You’ve had a few years to figure out how your retirement budget works. You know which hobbies stretch a dollar (hello, library book sales and Monday discounts at the bar and grill) and which sneak up on you like a ninja in golf spikes (we’re looking at you, Amazon and spontaneous travel plans).
So maybe you start thinking, “Could I earn a little extra? Doing something flexible? From home, ideally near snacks?”
The Brain Wants In
Retirement gave your body a break, but your brain. It’s starting to itch. That crossword puzzle app or digital solitaire isn’t cutting it anymore. You miss solving problems, thinking creatively, and—let’s admit it—being good at something.
Maybe it’s time to do work that stimulates your brain and gives you the freedom to wear stretchy pants.
A New Kind of Contribution
You spent a career contributing to the world. And one day, you realize you want to contribute again—but on your terms. You don’t want a boss. You want a blog. Or a business. Or a hobby that quietly deposits $247 into your account each month.
So here you are, retired but not finished. You’ve got wisdom, life experience, and the superpower of not panicking when tech gets weird. (Okay, maybe a little panicking, but you know how to Google stuff.)
Pickleball Can Only Take You So Far
We love a good game of pickleball or kayaking on the lake. But there’s only so much paddling around one can do before you start asking yourself: “Is this it?” You still have time, energy, and enough curiosity to learn something new, like affiliate marketing or how to turn your passion into a digital side gig.
You’re Energized—and You Know It
Ironically, those retirement yoga classes and morning walks gave you more energy. Now you’ve got to do something with it, or you’ll start alphabetizing your spice rack again just for fun.
Online work gives you a new outlet. Whether it’s writing, coaching, designing, or sharing knowledge—you’re back in the game, on your own terms.
So, Why Work Online in Retirement?
Because you can. Because it’s fulfilling. Because it’s fun. And because pajama pants are totally acceptable business attire in the online world.
It’s not about going back to the grind. It’s about creating something of your own, using your skills, and keeping your mind sharp—while still making time for afternoon tea or spontaneous naps.
You’ve retired once. Now it’s time to rewire. And hey, this time, you’re the boss.
My journey to online work
I retired early at the age of 53 after working as a civil servant for 33 years. At the time, I was ready to leave my job as a government worker, which had become lacking in satisfaction for me. I truly enjoyed the technology in working with the Center’s Intranet and our part of the FDA’s public website. I also enjoyed supporting the scientists and other staff at the research center. I had been assigned new work utilizing the Center’s main telephone switch. I received specialized training in setting up the Center’s digital phones for over 600 people and many labs, animal rooms, and other facilities on the large campus. But after 33 years of government bureacracy, I had had enough, plus I had a side gig anyway. So I too a “buyout” and retired two years early.
I became a full time Photographer
After my last day with the FDA, I began working full time at my part-time photography studio, which a friend and I had started. I loved my Canon camera, the different editing software, and the fun of working with families, kids, and high school seniors. That was in late September of 2006. For 3 years, this went well. I was busy, challenged, and felt like I was creating cool memories for my friends and neighbors. However, studio photography is not easy work physically. Lots of moving props, chairs, creating mini scenes, changing backgrounds, and posing kids and high school seniors, including crawling around on the floor to catch babies and kids at just the best moment of smile, curiosity, and cuteness. Those things can be tough on a bad back (which I had). Then, in late 2008-2009, we took on the task of photography for two church pictorial directories with over 500 families each. Those directories and the work involved in moving and setting hydraulic stools for pictures did me in, and my back went out. At the time I had had some other health issues (a detached retina and a mini stroke). Doing the photo studio work was not something I could continue to do, so I reluctantly sold out to my friend and fully retired.
I still wanted more!
After a while in complete retirement, my health got better, and my spouse was still working, our daughter was in college; I got that itch again to contribute. I wasn’t ready to quit contributing to our society, and I wanted to keep learning and using my brain and skills with the internet, computers, and software. I began looking into various things I could do from home on my computer and online. I created websites, did online tasks for companies, learned to do transcription work, and tried several things. Then I found the perfect solution to accomplish something and maybe earn a little extra.
Ready to Rewire Your Retirement?
If your inner voice is whispering, “I think I’m ready for something more…” then listen to it. You don’t need a boss—you need a blueprint, a supportive community, and the right tools to get started online.
That’s precisely what I found when I joined Wealthy Affiliates. It’s where I learned how to turn my curiosity into income—and how to build something that’s truly mine. I became an Affiliate Marketer and I create affiliate blog sites. I have turned my passion into all things Tea into a cool affiliate blog “A Passion for Tea.com“
Whether you want to blog, teach, promote your passion, or just learn what’s possible, Wealthy Affiliate is a fantastic place to start. And the best part? You can try it free for 7 days—no credit card required, just curiosity.
Click below to see what it’s all about.
You’ve got the time. You’ve got the talent, you enjoy learning, and YES—you can still wear your pajamas.
Affiliate Links
This post does include affiliate links, which, if clicked on and an item purchased, I receive a commission with no extra cost to you.-Shirley
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