If you’re looking for ways to earn some extra cash or feeling a bit bored and want to do something that comes with financial perks, the gig economy is perfect for those over 60 considering semi-retirement.

The gig economy has fast become a popular means of employment in today’s modern world. With people chasing convenience in every aspect of life, employers are seeking short-term contracts to save money and employees enjoying the freedom to pick and choose their work – both parties are able to enjoy the freedom of not being locked into a contract. The gig economy has created the ideal niche for seniors to make money on their own terms.

The team at Starts at 60 have compiled a list of ways you can make money with your time including some great companies to check out.

If you have a license and a working car (or even a bicycle), delivering goods like groceries, parcels and takeaway is an easy way for you to use your time to make money. You can choose the hours to work, from as little as one hour, just weekends or a full workweek. Below is a list of companies you can use to become a delivery driver in your area.

Perhaps the most popular company known for its ridesharing services, Uber also includes food, grocery and parcel delivery services. Uber allows you to deliver on any mode of transport that your city allows, including bikes and scooters. Once signed up on their website as a delivery driver, if using non-motorised transportation, Uber requires proof of identification that includes a photo, legal names and birth details, as well as a driver’s license.  If delivering in a car, motorbike or scooter, the company will need a copy of your vehicle insurance and proof of registration.

The company includes a tipping option for users and gives the ability to track your earnings, providing the driver will full information on potential earnings on each delivery, including the minimum amount – and you keep 100 per cent of tips earnt.

You can check out more information here.

Australian independent courier service, Drive Yello, founded by CEO Steve Fanale, was created for the hire of on-demand delivery drivers after a friend of Fanale who owned a pizza store had three delivery drivers call in sick and struggled to replace them.

Similar to Uber, Drive Yello promotes itself as a way for you to take control of your schedule and make money on your terms, stating rates are determined by a range of factors including how long delivery will take and the items involved. The company gives drivers the ability to pick and choose the jobs they want, even allowing them to plan out the following day. The company prides itself on no hidden fees or cuts to commission.

You can check out more information here. 

If you’re a more social person and would like to add some social interaction into your part-time gig, ridesharing could be for you. Almost identical to delivery services, ridesharing companies rival transport services like taxis.

Along with giving you flexibility in your working hours, Ola promises low commission rates and pays its drivers daily. The company offers a 24/7 support team and a thorough guide and safety manual for drivers, including an airport guide for drivers accepting pick-up and drop-off gigs at major airports.

The website provides comprehensive information on how to become an Ola driver, allowing users to find the required documents for their state. The requirements include an open driver’s licence, an ABN and vehicle documents such as registration and a certificate of inspection.

All you need to do to get started is sign up!

You can check out more information here. 

Similar to the other rideshare companies, DiDi pays weekly and offers its drivers the ability to choose their own hours, providing a 24/7 support team. The company differentiates itself by rewarding its committed drivers with access to a rewards program that offers a lower services fee and other “bonus perks”.

DiDi offers its drivers discounts and benefits at set retailers for fuel, car maintenance, insurance and wheels.

The company provides a comprehensive checklist to becoming a driver that includes being an Australian citizen, a smartphone and a car no older than 10 years.

You can check out more information here. 

If you like to spend your days cuddling a furry friend or taking a stroll, pet sitting or hosting and dog walking are the perfect opportunities to earn some extra cash. Get some sun while getting paid to take a friendly dog for a walk around a gorgeous park, or sit back and relax while you look after someone else’s pets without the long-term commitment of having your own.

Lots of cuddles are awaiting you at Mad Paws. The company offers you the ability to choose flexible work looking after other people’s pets in a variety of different ways, inducing overnight and daytime services.

With Mad Paws, you can:

In addition to choosing your own schedule, the company allows you to set your own prices and choose the services you would like to offer. Mad Paws offers prides itself in safety, providing public liability insurance and ensuring that all payments are deposited securely online to avoid any awkward cash exchanges or rate bartering.

Mad Paws offers free sign up with a service fee of 20 per cent.

You can check out more information here.

Make a difference in someone’s day at the same time as earning some extra cash. Support work is a rewarding opportunity, ranging from social support to domestic duties, the choice is yours.

Become an independent support worker on Mabel. The company allows you to choose your clients, the type of service and the hours you want to work. Carers can offer services such as support work, domestic support, personal care, and more. Mabel offers a 10 per cent service fee and allows you to set your own rates depending on services and experience.

To get set up with the organisation, you’ll need:

You can check out more information here.

With the seemingly never-ending opportunities available in the current gig economy, the ability to make extra cash as a retiree has never been easier.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your financial or legal situation, objectives or needs. That means it’s not financial product or legal advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a financial or legal decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get independent, licensed financial services or legal advice.

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