That sounds like heaven. What a life!

Hear, hear!

You know the funny thing? A few months ago I saw that Statistics Canada was looking for part-time field workers to help collect surveys from non_responding households, so I applied, did the training, signed the confidentiality agreement and worked just over a week. I enjoyed the work. Then I came to the realization the time commitment was too much. Duhh.
One evening a month gigging is a better fit for me.
It is a wise man who knows when he is well off. Apparently I am not that smart.

Best
Les

I've always had a "side hustle" that I plan of doing for the rest of my life.

Basically I build/repair wheels and old bicycles. I've done a few classic steel framed mountain bikes of late.
I've always made a little bit of money but nothing Earth shattering.

But since Covid the local bike shops have been super busy so some of the local "MAMILS" have been bringing their bikes to me instead.

Good stuff :)

I really admire the folks here that can retire/retire.

As I have written before, we use retired folks all the time as 1099 employees/consultants.

Their talent level is off the charts in their specific area and they are as reliable as a hammer.

There are a few "consortium's" in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Yorktown area that are organized to help retirees find short term gigs (especially if a clearance of any kind is needed) but we have had good luck just using the old folks informal network.

All short term efforts without a lot of dedicated hours per week.

Works for all!

I still have 8 years to go, but will likely work on/restore mowers/garden tractors as a hobby that makes money. The one thing I have learned is to refuse working on other people's motorized stuff...they want it the next day, for a fee that barely covers the parts cost, let alone my labor, and they expect me to work miracles with their junker.

If you make your hobby a job you will need to find a new hobby.

I retired 3 years ago with the intent to have a part time job . Been working a part time job for over 2 years now . It provides a little structure and helps keep the mind sharp . It's only 1-2 days a week and they are VERY flexible to my schedule. I am busy all the time , I do hope I get to a point of being " caught up " and then do some volunteer work . Retiring was one of the best things I have ever done .

I have 6small rental properties, 4 of them house, one an Edwardian town house that I have had converted into three flats, and a small commercial building used by a vinyl sticker printer. Most of the day to day management is handled by my son-in-law who does the same for dozens of other landlords but I have to get involved once or twice a week on something regulatory or maintenance decisions.

I have about 5 years left before I retire. My sister who is 10 years older than me and was put out to pasture by her company at about 58 years old gave me a word of advice. She said stay as long as you can where you are and when you do retire look for some to do to stay active. Which is what all you are saying here.

I was waiting for that or I was going to post it. A side hustle is no longer on the side when retired. Like Baz, I go out on a very few jobs for regular customers that I like. The ones I didn't care for I let go.

Repairing and restoring antiques is keeping me busy whenever I have time.
(I care for my ill wife first.)

About the only service work I do is on doors and windows that leak or stick. I'm no longer interested nor can I pound nails due to my failed shoulder. Gonna go see about that this morning so I may be laid up for awhile if approved for a 2nd replacement.

The my hustle will be home care and PT. Antiques will have to wait. But guess what? Antiques do that.

In my experience you have to be ready to accept change in your preferences just like you (most likely) have over the course of your life. What sort of activity attracted you in your 30s may not be your preference in your 50s, 60s, or 70s. It's actually opportunity to explore new things.

I retired end of Dec 2020. I’m a former military pilot, also an FAA licensed drone pilot, with a few other skills (SOF) from military service. Not planning to work or side-hussle unless Seahawk-Paul offers a gig (but he couldn’t afford me, ha!) It’s time to be a vagabond.

I keep getting offered house painting/fence making/gate making/building jobs.

I'm flattered to have their approval and admiration of the jobs I'm doing. But PLEASE it's bad enough doing this sort of hard work for myself or GF's houses, let alone someone else.

when you retire, isnt the side hustle the main hustle?

Yeah but you're not supposed to 'hustle'. ;):D

...and they figure that you included a lifetime warranty as well!

Just let me know.

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no side hustle for me.

i will learn piano, speak Spanish (fluently, beyond ordering food and cussing), and hone my long ass range rifle skills..build up a 6.5 creedmore to hit distant steel plates. :D

find a hot young piano teacher, that speaks Spanish. hahha