Staying Active and Engaged in Retirement
At 79, Dan Weiss has discovered a unique way to maintain an active lifestyle, supplement his income, and connect with people from all walks of life. As a retired mortgage manager from Oakdale, Minnesota, Dan earns up to $47 an hour assembling furniture on TaskRabbit, a gig that brings in a substantial $3,000 to $5,000 per month.
From Mortgage Management to Furniture Assembly
After decades of managing residential mortgage branches, Dan retired in 2014, expecting a well-deserved break. However, the sudden lack of structure in his daily life left him feeling unfulfilled. “Going from 100 mph to 0 was very abrupt,” Dan explains. “One can only do so much gardening and reading without feeling empty.”
Finding Purpose and Structure
Six months into traditional retirement, Dan sought a way to stay busy while preserving his savings. He tried part-time jobs at Costco, customer service roles, and driving for Uber and Lyft before stumbling upon TaskRabbit in a local newspaper. Intrigued, he signed up and quickly discovered a gig he enjoyed.
A Newfound Passion
Since joining TaskRabbit in 2021, Dan has completed nearly 1,200 tasks and earned over $47,000 in 2023 alone. On a typical week, he handles one to three daily tasks, four to five days a week, often traveling within 30 minutes of his home. His clients come from diverse backgrounds, and the variety keeps things engaging. Beyond the income, Dan appreciates the social aspect of his work. “I meet people from all walks of life and find their stories fascinating. I enjoy this aspect of tasking the most.”
Retirement Planning and Adaptability
Like many retirees, Dan has faced financial and emotional challenges in leaving the workforce. According to Nationwide’s Protected Retirement Survey, 82% of Americans over 45 regret not taking retirement planning seriously earlier. While he’s grateful for his TaskRabbit income, he’s also aware that better planning might have eased some of the pressure. Dan’s advice for retirees? Find something you love to do and stay adaptable.
Maintaining a Sense of Purpose
Dan plans to continue working on TaskRabbit as long as his body allows. His earnings have funded trips with his wife, including visits to their favorite destination, Maui. He’s also exploring other potential adventures as he stays active in his later years. By finding a sense of purpose and structure, Dan has transformed his retirement into a fulfilling and engaging chapter of his life.
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