The golden years of retirement are often associated with relaxation and leisure.

However, for some Australian seniors, the desire to be financially independent, active, and engaged led them to explore various income-generating opportunities.

Side hustles have become a popular way to supplement income, and one Aussie retiree's success story was a testament to the potential of these flexible jobs.


Denise Condon, a 70-year-old retiree from Brisbane, found a lucrative and flexible side hustle that allowed her to earn up to an additional $750 per week.

Ms Condon retired as a systems analyst to care for a family member.

However, she realised that she needed to find work that could supplement her age pension and offer the flexibility her new life demanded.


Enter Amazon Flex, a program that allows individuals to use their vehicles to deliver packages for Amazon.

Ms Condon, who drives her SUV for the job, has been working as an Amazon Flex driver for six months.

She praised the role for its adaptability and for allowing her to insert physical activity into her daily routine.

'It had to be so flexible that I could not take a 9 to 5 job again because every day is different, and I need to be available,' Ms Condon explained.


Amazon Flex allowed Ms Condon to work three to four days a week in six-and-a-half-hour shifts commonly called 'blocks'.

The job not only provided a substantial boost to her weekly income, it also kept her fit.

'It's a terrific way to keep fit because you're constantly getting in and out of the car,' Ms Condon said.

'There's not a whole lot of walking to it because you're just going to drive up to where you're going to deliver, but there's a lot of movement.'

Amazon Flex pays drivers per delivery window, with the amount depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the block.

Regardless of whether applicants have a sedan, a large passenger vehicle, or a cargo van, Amazon Flex has varying opportunities to earn extra cash.


Payments start at $116 for a four-hour block for sedans. Meanwhile, larger vehicles and vans may earn a minimum of $174 to $270, respectively.

While drivers need to pay for their petrol, sole traders may post GST claims for services like petrol, vehicle registration and maintenance.

Thanks to the money she earned in Amazon Flex, Ms Condon was able to take her family to Disneyland Hong Kong last November.

'It was brilliant, and I wouldn't have done it without this. We went to Hong Kong for ten days because it wasn't quite so far,' she shared.

She also shared about the home improvement projects she had done for her home, thanks to the extra income.

'I would not get new fencing if I didn't have the Flex. When I get the quote, and it costs me $5,000 if I drive for two months, I'll have that covered,' Ms Condon added.


For retirees enticed to try Amazon Flex, it's crucial to understand how additional income could affect age pension entitlements.

Ms Condon consulted an accountant and spoke to Centrelink about her side hustle to ensure her earnings from Amazon Flex would not negatively impact her pension payments.

According to the Work Bonus scheme, pensioners like Ms Condon can earn up to $300 each fortnight without it affecting their government payments.

Moreover, any unused amount can be accumulated in an 'income bank'—which increased from $7,800 to $11,800 last year.

Ms Condon's story could be an example for other retirees looking for ways to stay active and improve their financial situation.

Side hustles like Amazon Flex offer the flexibility to work around personal commitments and health considerations.

Whether it's for extra income, social interaction, or to stay active, a side hustle could be what you need to add more value to your golden years.
Will you be trying Amazon Flex soon? Do you have another side hustle that suits your lifestyle? Share your insights and join the conversation in the comments section below!