I recently chatted with someone who had received some good advice from a retired person.

The retired person had said that a way to remain active and productive as well as receive ongoing income was to turn one's hobby into a small business.  So it's a matter of earning while having fun and enjoying what you are doing.

I would go one step further and say that anything that you are passionate about is potentially a business in the making.  An important step is to start "moonlighting" while still actively employed, without harming your existing employer relationship.  So when that final retirement date comes you will have already built up your client base and can step into the next part of your career.

It might take a bit of creative thinking to earn from one's hobbies but consider this:

• If you enjoy reading, offer your services to proof reading manuscripts.
• If you enjoy gardening, open a small garden service that does more than just mow the lawns.
• Even the crafts such as knitting, crocheting or embroidery can be lucrative.  Pass on your skills to unemployed people and harness their efforts to creating articles that can be sold.

It will take some self-reflection, though.  Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, what you love doing, what you know well, what makes you come alive and you probably already have access to a business idea.