Breaking Into TikTok as a Senior: The Side Hustle Struggle 

A few months ago, a friend of mine—who’s in her 40s—told me she was making a few hundred dollars a week from a side hustle on TikTok. She was posting fun, casual videos, gaining followers, and watching the money roll in. “It’s easy!” she said. “You can do this! You just need to get to 5K followers.”
“It won’t take long!”
I love her optimism.

So, I created an account, posted a few videos, and… seven weeks later, I’m still stuck at 1,700 followers.
Meanwhile, other friends? They hit 5,000 in 2 weeks tops. What gives?

I keep asking myself, “Do I need to be a hip 20-something to make this work?” (Spoiler alert: I’m definitely not). They’re cruising along while I’m here, trying to figure out which filter makes me look less like I just woke up from a nap. It’s like they have the social media secret sauce, and I’m still searching for the recipe.

I’ve also been experimenting with Instagram and trying to grow my blog—because, of course, every senior needs a blog about navigating life post-retirement, right? But as I juggle all of this, I can’t help but wonder: Is this side hustle even worth it? The extra income sounds good, but does it justify the time spent figuring out hashtags and mastering TikTok dances my knees just don’t seem to want to do?

Well, a few hundred dollars a week sounded good! Who wouldn’t want to make a little extra income without diving into a full-time gig? The idea of extra cash was too tempting to pass up.

But then I got on TikTok and quickly realized that it’s not just about dancing to viral songs or lip-syncing to movie clips. No, it’s about creating content that actually resonates with people. And let me tell you—trying to film myself without my phone falling over or my dog walking across the screen is a true art form.

TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t care that I’m a senior. It doesn’t look at me and say, “Oh, she’s 65—let’s put her content at the bottom of the feed.” Instead, it focuses on engagement—how many likes, shares, and comments your videos get. So, I’m not being excluded because of my age. But still, it feels like I’m trying to play catch-up while everyone else is on the express train.

There are days when I look at my follower count and think, “Is this really worth all the hours I’ve spent trying to get this just right?” After all, retirement is supposed to be the time where I can do whatever I want—like enjoying coffee without wondering how many likes it will get on Instagram.

But then I remember why I started: extra income. A little extra cash could make life even sweeter—whether it’s spoiling my grandkids or treating myself to something fun. Am I getting rich? Not even close. But am I having fun and learning something new every day? You bet!

Here’s the Truth – building an audience doesn’t happen overnight—especially with TikTok’s unpredictable algorithm. Sure, my friends are posting videos that are always on trend and getting a ton of views, while I’m over here wondering if I’m supposed to use hashtags like #GrandmaDoesTikTok or #SeniorGoals. (Do those even exist? Should I make them up?)

It’s a process. And that process involves a lot of trial and error. I’ve posted plenty of videos that flopped, and yes, I’ve probably shared a few that made my grandkids want to crawl under the couch in embarrassment. But hey, at least I’m trying, right?

The good news is—it’s not about going viral overnight. It’s about finding what works, being consistent, and most importantly, having fun. TikTok, Instagram, and blogging are all about experimenting with different ideas and figuring out what clicks. My path might be slower than others, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the ride.
Can we still find success without sacrificing our freedom?

The answer is: Yes! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. A side hustle doesn’t mean you have to give up your leisurely walks in the park, your afternoon naps, or your coffee dates with friends. It’s about finding that perfect balance where you can earn a little extra cash, stay creative, and still have plenty of time to enjoy life.

Plus, let’s be real: A side hustle is a great way to feel like you’re part of the digital age. It’s a modern hobby that pays off—without the need for knitting needles or collecting stamps (no offense to knitters or stamp collectors). If you can learn to navigate TikTok, Instagram, or blogging, you’re staying sharp, staying relevant, and having fun with technology.
I won’t lie—TikTok and side hustles have been a lot more work than I expected. But the journey has been rewarding. I’m not just doing this for the money (though that part doesn’t hurt), I’m doing it because it’s fun, it keeps me connected, and it challenges me to keep learning. And that’s a good thing right?

“What’s your side hustle dream?” or “Have you tried TikTok or Instagram as a side hustle? Share your thoughts (or tips!) in the comments below!”