More than a million people over 50 in the UK work for themselves. Some do it for freedom and flexibility; others do it because redundancy, caring responsibilities or health changes make traditional employment harder.
Either way, self-employment can be a smart “second act” if you pick something that fits your strengths, your schedule and your tolerance for risk.
Before jumping into the ideas, keep two principles in mind: Start with what you already know. Your experience is your unfair advantage, and choose a model you can sustain. It is better to run a business you can manage at 70% energy consistently than one that burns you out at 100%.
Quick checklist before you start
Define what you want from self-employment
• Do you want income replacement or top-up income?
• Do you want flexibility (school runs, caregiving, travel) or structure?
• Are you building something to sell later, or just to enjoy working on your terms?
Know your constraints
• Health/mobility limits
• Driving/time on the road
• Seasonal income swings
• Working alone vs client-facing work
Get basics in place early
• Insurance (public liability / professional indemnity as relevant)
• A separate business bank account (optional but sensible)
• Simple bookkeeping method (software, spreadsheet, or bookkeeper)
• A clear pricing approach (hourly, fixed fee, packages)
1) Gardening and garden maintenance
Why it suits over-50s
Gardening is tangible, outdoors, and often in high demand locally—especially for regular maintenance, hedge work, tidy-ups and seasonal resets.
Typical services
• Lawn care, pruning, weeding
• Border planting, mulching, composting
• Hedge trimming, leaf clearing
• Light landscaping (paths, raised beds) if you have the skills
Start-up requirements
• Tools (mower, strimmer, hand tools) and PPE
• Transport (even a small car can work with the right kit)
• Public liability insurance
Pricing approach
• Offer maintenance packages (e.g., 2 hours fortnightly)
• Charge a day rate for larger jobs
• Consider add-ons (green waste removal, planting plans)
Reality check
Gardening is physical and weather-dependent, and winter demand can dip. A winter service list (fencing repairs, pressure washing, greenhouse clear-outs) helps smooth income.
2) Cleaning (domestic, commercial, specialist)
Why it works
Demand is steady and repeatable. Many clients prefer consistent weekly or fortnightly cleaners.
Options
• Domestic housekeeping
• Office cleaning
• End-of-tenancy cleaning
• Specialist (carpet, upholstery, trauma/biohazard—requires training)
Start-up costs
Low: cleaning products, basic equipment, insurance.
How to stand out
• Reliability, punctuality, clear communication
• Specialise: “eco-friendly cleaning”, “elderly support cleaning”, “Airbnb turnover cleaning”
• Create simple service tiers: standard / deep clean / premium
Reality check
It can be physically demanding. If mobility is a concern, focus on light housekeeping or admin-heavy cleaning niches (Airbnb coordination and staff management rather than doing all cleans yourself).
3) Counselling or coaching (with training)
Why it suits over-50s
Life experience can be a genuine asset. Many clients actively prefer working with someone who feels grounded and experienced.
Pathways
• Counselling (regulated best practice; requires recognised training)
• Coaching (less regulated; still benefits from accredited training)
Practical route
• Intro course → certificate → diploma / core training
• Register on therapist directories (if qualified)
• Start with a narrow focus: grief support, menopause transition, career change, confidence rebuilding
Reality check
This is emotionally demanding work. Supervision and boundaries are essential. It also takes time to build referrals and trust.
4) Handyperson / odd jobs / light property maintenance
Why it’s popular
There is consistent demand for “small jobs” that tradespeople often do not want: mounting TVs, fitting curtain rails, small repairs, basic decorating.
Services
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Painting and decorating
• Basic carpentry, tiling, flat-pack assembly
Requirements
• Tools + transport
• Public liability insurance
• Clear scope: know what you will and won’t do
Pricing
Avoid hourly-only. Use fixed-price bundles (e.g., “half-day handyman” / “two-hour visit”).
Reality check
Clients value reliability. Late arrival or poor communication kills repeat bookings.
5) Mobile hair, barbering or beauty services
Why it suits
It is portable, relationship-driven, and often builds repeat, loyal clients.
Options
• Mobile haircuts, blowdries, colour (if qualified)
• Nails, lashes, brows
• Make-up (weddings/events)
• Men’s grooming, barbering
Essentials
• Qualifications where needed
• Insurance (public and product liability)
• Portable kit and hygiene protocols
Reality check
Even if you are brilliant, you are still running a business: marketing, booking, reminders, cancellations and payment chasing all matter.
6) Bookkeeping and admin services
Why it’s ideal for some over-50s
It is low-impact physically, can be done from home, and small businesses are desperate for reliable admin help.
Services
• Bookkeeping and reconciliation
• Invoicing and credit control
• Payroll support (if trained)
• “Virtual assistant” packages for sole traders
Training
AAT bookkeeping qualifications are a common pathway; basic accounting software literacy helps (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).
Reality check
The work is consistent but trust-based. Confidentiality and professionalism are non-negotiable.
7) Consulting in your former profession
Why it’s powerful
You can sell expertise rather than time. Many over-50s have networks they can activate.
Examples
• Operations improvement
• HR consulting
• Marketing strategy
• Procurement, compliance, project management
How to start fast
• Build a simple one-page offer: “I help X achieve Y”
• Reach out to past colleagues and suppliers
• Offer a “diagnostic” session with a clear fixed fee
Reality check
Consulting is sales-heavy. If you dislike selling, partner with someone who enjoys business development.
8) Antique dealing and resale
Why it works
If you have an eye for value and enjoy sourcing, you can build a strong side income.
Models
• eBay flipping
• Etsy/vintage platforms
• Car boot sourcing → online resale
• Specialist auctions
How to reduce risk
Start as a side hustle to learn pricing and demand patterns.
Reality check
Cashflow is tied up in stock. You need discipline and good storage.
9) Taxi / private hire driving
Why it suits some
Flexible hours, immediate income potential, and social interaction.
Options
• Private hire apps
• Local taxi work
• Specialist: airport runs, executive driving
Reality check
Long hours in a seat, insurance costs, and vehicle wear and tear matter. Treat it as a business, not just driving.
10) House sitting and pet sitting
Why it’s attractive
Low overhead, flexible, can include travel or local work.
How to start
Use established platforms, build reviews, then shift to direct referrals.
Reality check
You need trust and reliability. Always clarify responsibility for property issues and emergencies.
11) Buying into a franchise
Why it appeals
You get a proven model, training, and brand recognition.
Where it works best
When you want structure and support, and you are willing to follow a system.
Reality check
Do due diligence. Speak to existing franchisees. Understand total costs, not just the headline franchise fee.
12) Photography (weddings, family, events, product)
Why it’s popular
It can start part-time and scale.
Niche options
• Family portraits
• Pet photography
• Corporate headshots
• Product photography for Etsy/Amazon sellers
Reality check
Photography is as much editing, marketing and client management as it is shooting. Build simple packages and tight turnaround expectations.
13) Pet services (dog walking, grooming, sitting)
Why it works
Strong demand, repeat customers, and often immediate referrals.
Consider specialising
• “Puppy drop-ins”
• “Senior dog walking”
• “Weekend sits”
Reality check
Insurance matters. For grooming, training and safety protocols are essential.
14) Personal training or fitness instruction
Why it’s growing
Fitness is increasingly tied to longevity and wellbeing—areas where over-50s often have credibility.
Options
• PT sessions (in-person or online)
• Older adult mobility classes
• Menopause fitness support
• Beginner strength coaching
Reality check
Consistency beats intensity. The best trainers build routines clients stick to.
15) Event planning and small-scale experiences
Why it’s a good “second career”
Organisation, calm under pressure, and people skills often improve with age.
Focus areas
• Small weddings
• Corporate away-days
• Birthday events
• Community events
Reality check
Event work is deadline-heavy and can mean weekends. Price properly for stress and time.
16) Tutoring (online or in-person)
Why it’s strong
Demand remains high and you can often set your own hours.
Options
• GCSE/A-level tutoring
• Adult education and skills
• English language support
Reality check
Parents want reliability and results. Structure your offer with clear goals and progress updates.
17) Childminding
Why it can suit
High demand in many areas and steady weekly income.
Requirements
Ofsted registration, first aid, checks and compliance.
Reality check
It is regulated, physically active work. Make sure it fits your lifestyle and energy levels.
18) Writing and editing
Why it’s flexible
You can work from home, choose projects, and build a portfolio over time.
Options
• Content writing
• Copywriting
• Editing/proofreading
• Ghostwriting
• Newsletter writing for businesses
Reality check
AI has increased competition for basic content. The opportunity is in expertise, insight, voice and credibility.
19) Catering and food businesses
Models
• Home baking
• Meal prep
• Mobile food stall
• Pop-up events
Reality check
Food businesses require compliance and margin discipline. Start small, test demand, and watch costs ruthlessly.
20) Holiday lets and short-term rentals
Why it appeals
If you have space, you can generate income without a “job”.
Reality check
Short-term letting is increasingly regulated, and cleaning/turnover can become a full-time operational burden. Consider whether you want to manage it yourself or outsource.
Choosing the right idea: a simple scoring method
Score each idea out of 10 for:
• Enjoyment
• Profit potential
• Time flexibility
• Physical intensity (reverse score: high strain = low score)
• Ease of starting
Then pick the top three and validate them:
• Talk to five potential customers
• Price it realistically
• Test with a small pilot before committing fully
Practical next steps for over-50s starting out
1. Start lean. Pilot before investing heavily.
2. Use your network. Your first clients are usually people you already know.
3. Package your offer. People buy clarity: what you do, who it’s for, what it costs.
4. Avoid underpricing. Underpricing leads to burnout and resentment.
5. Protect yourself. Insurance, contracts, boundaries, and good record-keeping matter more than most people think.
