Side hustles are everywhere, promising flexibility, extra income, and a low barrier to entry. But for people over 50, not every gig is worth the time, gas, or energy. While younger workers may be able to tolerate low-paying or high-effort jobs as stepping stones, older adults often have less margin for error and far more to lose when it comes to time, health, and opportunity cost.
The truth is, some of the most heavily promoted side hustles sound great on paper but end up being financially useless, or even draining, for those in midlife or beyond. Whether it’s because of hidden costs, physical demands, or age-biased platforms, these gigs rarely deliver what they promise.
If you’re over 50 and looking to supplement your income, here are eight side hustles that often waste more than they’re worth—and why it’s time to rethink where your efforts go.
Rideshare Driving
Rideshare driving seems like a flexible, low-commitment way to earn money, but the reality often falls short, especially for older adults. Between rising gas prices, vehicle wear and tear, and long wait times between passengers, the actual profit margin can be razor-thin.
Add in the physical strain of sitting for hours and the risk of late-night or high-traffic driving, and many over-50 drivers find the hustle unsustainable. Insurance costs and tax complexities only make matters worse. Unless you live in a densely populated area with consistent demand, rideshare driving is unlikely to meaningfully boost your finances.
Food Delivery Apps
Food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats are flooded with drivers, which means lower per-trip payouts and more unpaid idle time. For people over 50, the constant in-and-out of the car, climbing stairs with bags of food, and navigating poorly lit neighborhoods can take a physical toll, and it’s often thankless work.
Factor in the wear on your car, unpredictable tipping culture, and app commissions, and the actual hourly wage can dip below minimum wage. Many find they’re earning less than they thought once expenses are tallied.
Reselling Used Items Online
Selling old items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace can feel productive at first, but once the attic is empty, what’s next? Turning reselling into a consistent income stream requires hours of sourcing, pricing, photographing, packing, shipping, and handling returns.
Thrift store finds rarely flip for big profits anymore, as the market is oversaturated and many buyers expect rock-bottom prices. For older adults without a deep knowledge of collectibles or designer brands, reselling can quickly become a time sink with little return.
Taking Online Surveys
Online surveys promise easy cash for opinions, but most pay pennies per hour, if that. Some platforms require dozens of completed surveys just to cash out, and many screen users out after they’ve already started, wasting even more time. For retirees or semi-retirees hoping to pad their income, online surveys rarely offer anything close to a meaningful payoff. It’s digital busywork dressed up as opportunity.
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
Whether it’s skincare, supplements, essential oils, or kitchenware, MLM companies continue to recruit older participants with promises of flexible income and community. But the vast majority of people in MLMs either break even or lose money.
These businesses often rely on constant selling to friends and family or require bulk product purchases upfront. At 50 or older, risking your reputation or social relationships for the chance of “residual income” isn’t just emotionally draining—it’s financially dangerous.
Blogging or Content Creation (Without Strategy)
Blogging or creating online content can be lucrative for those with a niche, a plan, and the patience to build an audience over time. But too many people over 50 are told to “just start a blog” without guidance on monetization, SEO, or traffic generation.
Without a focused strategy or digital marketing knowledge, most blogs become digital diaries no one reads. The cost of domain names, hosting, and hours of writing can easily outweigh any ad or affiliate revenue, if that revenue ever comes.
Renting Out a Spare Room (Without Vetting)
Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb can generate decent income, but only with careful management. Many older homeowners underestimate the time, energy, and legal exposure involved in hosting strangers.
Cleaning, guest communication, property maintenance, and insurance coverage require active effort and risk management. Without strict screening, some seniors have been left with property damage, noise complaints, or even legal issues. Hosting isn’t passive income. It’s hospitality work, and not everyone over 50 wants (or needs) that kind of stress.
Selling Crafts or Handmade Items
Sites like Etsy have made it easier than ever to sell handmade goods, but the market is flooded. Competing against mass-produced items, undercut pricing, and shifting trends make it hard to earn a consistent income. Plus, crafting supplies are costly, and the time spent creating can far exceed the product’s value. Unless you already have a loyal customer base or local following, turning crafts into cash is often a labor of love, not a retirement strategy.
After 50, Your Time Is More Valuable Than Ever
Side hustles can be smart, but only when they truly support your financial goals without draining your time, health, or peace of mind. After 50, every hour you spend chasing income should deliver more than pennies and frustration.
Don’t buy into the hype that any hustle is better than none. You’ve already paid your dues in life and labor. Now it’s about working smarter, not harder.
Have you tried one of these side hustles or found a better alternative that actually works after 50?
Read More:
9 Side Hustles That Are Actually Losing You Money
Why Most Side Hustles Fail—And 5 That Still Work in 2025
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