15 Careers for People Over 50 You Can Do from Home

Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by Katie

Whether you started fresh like Martha Stewart in finance, designed late like Vera Wang, or published like Julia Child at 49, you know timing is personal.

And these later-in-life success stories show you that reinvention is not only possible, it is practical, and it can start right at home.

If you are over 50, remote work fits you well. Years of experience, sound judgment, clear communication, and strong organisation make you a safe pair of hands.

The freedom to choose hours, work part-time, or phase into retirement adds real value.

Another reason to be excited: in 2025, the best work-at-home options match skills you already have.

For more ideas tuned to midlife strengths, see these best jobs for a midlife career change.

Let’s dive in!

 

 

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* How to Start a Bookkeeping Business from Home – Free training series from the team at Bookkeepers.com.

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Flexible Administrative Careers for People Over 50

Whether you want steady work without the commute or a bridge to retirement, administrative roles fit well.

These careers for people over 50 value your judgment, reliability, and calm. You get flexibility, respect for experience, and work that stays organised and predictable.

For extra options that start fast, you can also review remote jobs paying $15 an hour or more.

 

1. Bookkeeper: Handle Finances on Your Schedule

Bookkeeping is a solid career path if you like numbers and checklists.

In this role, you will manage client accounts, track expenses, and prepare monthly reports from home using tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Excel.

Prior office experience or prior exposure to budgets helps you move quickly here, but is not essential.

The work can be done part-time and on a flexible schedule that works for you, but you will be busier at certain times of the year when the books need to be balanced.

• Skills:
  • Attention to detail
  • Basic accounting and reconciliations
  • Software proficiency in QuickBooks or Xero
• Typical day:
  • Log in mid-morning, review bank feeds and categorise transactions
  • Reconcile accounts for 3 to 4 clients and flag items for review
  • Prepare P&L and cash flow snapshots, then message clients with insights
  • Break for lunch, wrap up by afternoon
• Hours:
  • Flexible, 20 to 30 hours per week

Companies hiring: BELAY, Robert Half, Supporting Strategies, Intuit. Also check out these entry-level bookkeeping jobs hiring today.

Earnings: $23 to $60 per hour, depending on experience and whether you freelance or contract.

Pro tip: Take a quick online certification to stand out to potential clients. This field rewards accuracy and consistency, both of which tend to improve with age and experience.

 

2. Virtual Assistant: Support Businesses with Your Organisational Skills

While every client is different, the core work for a virtual assistant stays consistent.

You will handle email, calendars, travel bookings, light research, and document prep from home.

Management experience makes this path ideal because you already know how to prioritise, communicate, and keep teams on track. If variety keeps you engaged, this role delivers it.

• Skills:
  • Communication and client service
  • Multitasking across admin tasks
  • Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Typical day:
  • Start with emails and inbox triage
  • Set up meetings, confirm schedules, and send reminders
  • Handle research, organise files, and manage travel holds
  • Take or route calls in the afternoon
• Hours:
  • Part-time 15 to 25 hours, or full-time depending on client load

Companies hiring: BELAY, Zirtual, Boldly, Time Etc. And check these virtual assistant jobs hiring today.

Earnings: Around $27 per hour on average, with higher rates for specialised skills.

Pro tip: Specialise in one area, like social media to charge higher rates. You can also explore entry paths by scanning curated lists of virtual assistant roles with $15+ hourly pay on our site linked above.

Further reading: How to become a virtual assistant with no experience.

 

3. Project Manager: Lead Teams Remotely Using Your Leadership Experience

If you decide to start a career in project management, any past leadership experience pays off.

Day to day, you will coordinate timelines, budgets, and tasks for teams in tech, healthcare, or professional services.

Tools like Asana, Trello, and Jira keep the work visible. Clear updates, smart plans, and steady decision-making make you the calm centre of the project.

• Skills:
  • Organisation and stakeholder management
  • Communication across teams
  • Any bachelor’s degree helps for many roles
• Typical day:
  • Team check-ins via Zoom to align on priorities
  • Track progress and update tasks in Asana
  • Remove blockers and coordinate with vendors
  • Report status to stakeholders and adjust timelines
• Hours:
  • Full-time 35 to 40, often with flexible scheduling

Companies hiring: Amazon, CVS Health, HubSpot, Thermo Fisher.

Earnings: Around $94,000 per year on average, with room to grow for complex programs.

Pro tip: Get a short certification to transition smoothly into this role. Your control over the workday increases as you streamline processes and set clear communication rhythms.

 

4. Recruiter: Match Talent to Jobs with Your Industry Knowledge

If you have industry experience, recruiting is one of the best work-at-home careers for people over 50.

In this role, you will source candidates, screen resumes, run interviews, and guide hiring managers to strong fits.

Healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and education value recruiters who understand the work. Strong relationships and quick follow-ups help you build a steady pipeline.

• Skills:
  • Networking and rapport building
  • HR basics and applicant tracking systems
  • Communication and negotiation
• Typical day:
  • Review resumes and shortlist candidates
  • Call candidates for screenings and skills checks
  • Meet client needs and refine job profiles
  • Prepare offers and guide candidates through acceptance
• Hours:
  • 30 to 40 hours, with flexibility around calls and interviews

Companies hiring: Robert Half, Kelly Services, Aerotek, Randstad.

Earnings: Around $63,000 base, with commissions on successful placements that can lift total pay.

Pro tip: Focus on niches you know to build a steady client list. Commission potential grows when you work in fields where your judgment speeds up hiring.

 

5. Transcriber: Turn Audio into Text at Your Own Pace

As a transcriber, you listen to audio files and turn them into clean text.

General topics are a good start, and medical or legal work pays more once trained.

Strong listening, patience, and accuracy matter more than fancy tools, although foot pedals and text expanders can help.

• Skills:
  • Typing 65+ wpm
  • Grammar and punctuation
  • Focus for sustained listening
• Typical day:
  • Select files that match your speed and subject comfort
  • Transcribe for 2 to 3 hours, then take a short break
  • Review for errors and submit clean files
• Hours:
  • Part-time 10 to 20, with flexible windows

Companies hiring: Rev, TranscribeMe, CrowdSurf, Daily Transcription. For more options, check out these remote transcription jobs for beginners.

Earnings: About $20 per hour, rising as speed and accuracy improve.

Pro tip: Practice with free audio to speed up your output and earnings. The flexible schedule also supports health needs and mid-day breaks without penalty.

 

Creative and Writing Careers for People Over 50 That Spark Joy

Whether spreadsheets leave you cold, creative paths can bring energy back to your workday.

These careers for people over 50 benefit from your life experience, voice, and judgment. Remote tools make it simple to start small, test ideas, and grow a portfolio that pays.

 

6. Writer: Share Your Stories and Expertise Through Words

Another career option for people over 50 is freelance writing.

This job requires you to write articles, blog posts, or even books from home, drawing on lived experience to add authority.

Niches like retirement planning, health, travel, or second-act careers help you stand out fast.

• Skills: grammar, research, creativity.
• Typical day: brainstorm ideas, write articles, edit for clarity.
• Hours: flexible 20–30 per week.

Companies: Upwork, Contently, Fiverr, ProBlogger. If you are starting fresh, learn how to become a freelance writer with no experience.

Earnings: $72,000 per year on average.

Pro tip: Start a personal blog to build your portfolio fast. Focus on practical topics that you know about to build up a reader base.

Get started with these easy online typing jobs to gain experience.

 

7. Content Creator: Build an Online Presence in Your Passion Area

As a content creator, you can share what you know by posting videos on social media platforms.

To gain an audience, focus on storytelling, steady publishing, and being helpful so people get to see you are an expert in your chosen subject.

Once you have a decent following, you can apply a simple monetisation method such as ads, sponsored partnerships, or affiliates.

• Skills: storytelling, basic tech, consistency.
• Typical day: create content, engage followers, monetise.
• Hours: part-time 10–25 per week.

Platforms: YouTube Creators, Medium, Instagram.

Earnings: $25,000–$75,000 per year, with affiliate options boosting income.

Pro tip: Choose a niche from your experiences to connect deeply with viewers.

Further reading: How to make money on Instagram with under 500 followers.

 

8. Proofreader: Catch Errors and Polish Content from Home

If you have a keen eye, proofreading turns focus into income.

You review writing for grammar, style, and formatting, then return clean, consistent copy. Demand stays high as businesses publish more online.

• Skills: editing, syntax knowledge, focus.
• Typical day: read documents, mark changes, submit.
• Hours: flexible 20 per week.

Companies: Proofread Anywhere, Scribendi, Gramlee. Get started with this guide to proofreading jobs with no experience.

Earnings: $24,000 – $56,000 per year on average.

Pro tip: Join online communities for steady freelance gigs. Consistent quality brings referrals.

Further reading: How to become a proofreader with no experience.

 

9. Crafter: Sell Handmade Goods Using Your Creative Talents

If you prefer to work away from a desk, turn hobbies into income and sell crafts online.

Ideas include making quilts, jewellery, or printable designs, then listing and shipping from home. Buyers value the personal touch and story behind your items.

• Skills: crafting, photography, marketing.
• Typical day: create items, list on sites, ship orders.
• Hours: part-time 10–20 per week.

Platforms: Etsy, or Amazon Handmade.

Earnings: $20,000–$50,000 per year, depending on product and volume.

Pro tip: Photograph your work well to attract more buyers. Clear, bright images sell.

Check out these simple fall crafts to make and sell for extra income.

 

10. Graphic Designer: Design Visuals Remotely with Your Artistic Eye

If you have a creative streak, starting a new career as a graphic designer could be an ideal path for you.

To make money in this role, a typical day may see you creating logos, social graphics, brochures, or thumbnails.

Many bloggers and businesses don’t have time to make these themselves so will pay you well to do this work for them.

• Skills: Adobe Suite, design principles.
• Typical day: sketch ideas, refine in software, deliver files.
• Hours: project-based, about 25 per week.

Find work at 99designs, Fiverr, Upwork, or design with Canva Pro.

Earnings: $40,000–$70,000 per year, with higher rates for brand work.

Pro tip: Learn free tools first to test the waters. Then layer in paid software as projects grow.

Further reading: 17 creative side hustles for craft lovers.

 

Educational and Coaching Careers for People Over 50 That Make a Difference

Whether you enjoy guiding others or sharing years of knowledge, these paths put your experience to work.

Each role fits remote or flexible setups and rewards patience, clear communication, and empathy.

As you explore, think about the people you want to help and the schedule that suits your life. These options fit well within the most practical careers for people over 50.

 

11. Tutor: Teach Subjects Online and Share Your Knowledge

Tutoring online is another rewarding choice if you enjoy helping students one-on-one.

You can support learners in math, science, language arts, or conversational English over video.

Patience shines here, especially when explaining steps in a new way or slowing down for understanding.

Adults, high schoolers, and college students all need steady support.

• Skills:
  • Subject expertise and clear explanations
  • Teaching and communication
  • Comfort with video calls and simple digital tools
• Typical day:
  • Prep short slide decks or worksheets
  • Run 1-hour sessions with focused goals
  • Grade quick practice sets and send feedback
• Hours:
  • Evenings, 10 to 15 per week

Companies hiring tutors include Tutor.com, VIPKid, Wyzant, and Chegg. For a broader list of opportunities that pay fairly, browse these platforms to teach English online.

Earnings: About $26 per hour, depending on subject and availability.

Pro tip: Target adult learners for daytime flexibility. Many professionals book sessions during lunch or early afternoons, which opens up your schedule and reduces evening work. The direct feedback you receive makes the work especially satisfying.

 

12. Coach: Guide Others to Success in Life or Business

If people often ask for your advice, working as a coach could turn your natural mentorship skills into a structured career.

To make the most money, you can focus on life, wellness, or career growth, then meet clients in weekly or biweekly sessions.

Your past wins and lessons become your signature approach, so have a think about what problems you have overcome in your own life.

• Skills:
  • Empathy and active listening
  • Goal-setting and accountability
  • Clear frameworks for progress
• Typical day:
  • Client calls and progress check-ins
  • Plan sessions with tailored exercises
  • Review notes and set next steps
• Hours:
  • Appointment-based, around 20 per week

Get trained or hired through iPEC, or build a client base on Coach.me. Quick certifications help you show credibility and structure your method.

Earnings: Usually $40 to $80 per hour, with higher rates for niche specialities.

Pro tip: Certify online to gain credibility quickly. A recognised program signals quality and can shorten the path to consistent bookings. As you niche down, your rates and referrals often grow.

Further reading: 23 legit sites to get paid to answer questions online.

 

13. Personal Trainer: Help Clients Get Fit Virtually or Locally

If you love staying active yourself, you can coach clients over video and make money on a part-time or full-time basis.

Many clients prefer home workouts with simple gear and a trainer who understands what they are going through in their current stage of life.

So, if you’re 50, you could focus on training women who are 50+ and want to remove the menopause weight, for example.

Your steady support and positive energy make it easier for them to stick with a plan.

• Skills:
  • Certification and safety knowledge
  • Motivation and habit coaching
  • Program design for different fitness levels
• Typical day:
  • Design workouts with progressions
  • Train clients via app or video
  • Track metrics and update plans
• Hours:
  • Flexible, 15 to 30 per week

Certification bodies like NASM and ACE Fitness offer clear paths to get qualified. For brand-side roles, review openings at Peloton. If you enjoy high interaction, see these ideas for remote jobs for extroverts.

Earnings: Around $47,000 per year, with growth from packages, upsells, and corporate wellness programs.

Pro tip: Offer group sessions online to scale your business. Small groups increase income per hour and build a supportive community around your coaching.

Further reading: 15 fitness side hustles you can do in your spare time.

 

14. Pet Sitter: Care for Animals While Working from Home

As a pet sitter, you can accept bookings through apps or from people in your local area.

The work includes quick drop-ins, longer stays, or daily walks, so you will need experience looking after pets to gain clients’ trust.

Your reliability and warm updates to owners make all the difference, especially for pets with specific routines.

• Skills:
  • Reliability and strong communication
  • Pet care, walking, and basic handling
  • Attention to feeding, meds, and safety
• Typical day:
  • Morning and evening walks
  • Feedings and fresh water
  • Photo updates and notes to owners
• Hours:
  • Part-time, variable based on bookings

Sign up with Rover, Wag, or Care.com. Many seniors and busy families prefer sitters who can commit to a consistent schedule.

Earnings: About $26 per hour, with higher rates for special care or holiday periods.

Pro tip: Get insured to build trust with clients. Simple coverage helps you book faster and charge higher rates.

 

15. Home-Based Travel Agent: Plan Awesome Trips that Get Remembered

Another one of the best careers for people over 50 who love travel is a home-based travel agent.

The day-to-day tasks for this job include helping clients plan holidays, finding flight and accommodation deals, and booking activities that match their style.

So, you will need to be adept at finding great holiday deals and have excellent communication skills to find out what is important to each client.

If you aim your service at travellers over 50, you can build tailored itineraries that favour comfort, cultural depth, and low-hassle connections.

• What you do:
  • Interview clients about budget, pace, and must-sees
  • Research flights, hotels, and insurance
  • Assemble day-by-day itineraries with tours and dining
• Focus area:
  • Trips for people over 50 with easy transfers and guides
  • Wellness, small-group tours, and heritage travel
  • Off-peak schedules and flexible cancellation options

For job leads and training, explore home-based travel agent jobs. You can also scan openings on Indeed’s remote travel agent listings.

Earnings: Base pay varies, with commissions and bonuses raising total income as your bookings grow.

Pro tip: Build supplier relationships to access perks and upgrades. Preferred partner status helps you secure better rates and repeat clients who value thoughtful planning.

 

Conclusion

Whether you want part-time freedom or a strong full-time path, these careers for people over 50 are top options for you to consider.

Your experience, calm judgment, and organisation translate into trust, better clients, and fair pay. Flexibility is the bonus, with schedules that fit your energy and goals.

As a next step, choose one role that matches your strengths, then take one action today.

Enrol in a short course or free webinar, refresh a resume, or send three applications.

The choice is yours. Pick a path, back it with one skill, and move forward with confidence. Thank you for reading, and share your thoughts in the comments.