How To Start Working Online Later In Life With No Experience
Estimated reading time: 7 Min
You could be any age; I started my business online aged 65. Here you can discover how to start working online with no experience at any age.
Maybe you’re feeling the urge to do something meaningful.
Create an asset of your own.
A way to keep your mind sharp and your days interesting.
I understand that feeling well.
I know how overwhelming this can feel—my name is Richard Brecknock, and for many years I’ve been facilitating groups that wanted to achieve something, working across tech, finance, personal development, and music of all things!
I built my first website in 1998.
Despite this breadth of experience, in 2020 I had no experience of starting and running a business, online!
Starting my own online business at 65 wasn’t easy, but I knew it was possible; I just needed to figure how.
I’m 71 years old as I write this.
Five years ago, during the pandemic lockdown, I had these thoughts.
I’d reached retirement age, but still had energy.
Still had curiosity.
Still wanted to feel useful.
And I knew I had decades of life experience that could be useful to others.
One day, via email, I was reminded of trying a platform back in 2016, called Wealthy Affiliate.
It helped me understand how online business works.
Back then, I’d put it aside.
But in lockdown, I had time—and a question:
What if I gave it a proper go?
Why Bother Starting Now?
You’re Not Starting From Scratch
If you’re anything close to my age, you’ve learnt a lot over the years.
You’ve worked, raised families, managed money, handled problems, and supported others.
That knowledge is useful—and it’s marketable.
Younger people online are teaching things you’ve lived through.
You Still Want to Matter
That desire to help others never really goes away.
Whether you share skills, write stories, review products, or teach something—there are people out there who want to hear from you.
You can inspire them.
Support them.
Guide them.
You Need Something That’s Yours
Not a boss.
Not a schedule set by someone else.
Something you control.
That’s what an online business offers.
A space that’s yours.
Work as much or as little as you like.
Make it suit your life.
Unexpected Benefits of an Online Business Later in Life
Work From Home
Stay comfortable.
No commuting.
No standing for hours.
Your laptop, yourself, and your own schedule.
Keep Your Brain Active
You’ll learn new skills—slowly at first, then faster.
You’ll think, read, plan again, and write.
It improves confidence, concentration, and memory.
Connect With Others
It’s not just tech and content.
You meet people from all continents online through training sessions and communities.
People who share ideas, support each other, and become part of your new routine.
Earn Extra Income
Pension not stretching?
Want to travel or treat the grandkids?
An online business can generate modest, steady income over time.
No promises of overnight riches.
Just consistent potential.
Want more? Read this: 33 Benefits of Starting an Online Business
Two Ways To Start: DIY or With Help
DIY (Do It Yourself)
Yes, it’s possible.
There’s Google, YouTube, blogs, and forums.
You can teach yourself almost anything.
But it takes time.
And patience.
And trial and error.
You may feel stuck or overwhelmed.
It’s a lonely route.
Guided Help: The Smarter Option
This is where Wealthy Affiliate changed the game for me.
Everything you need is in one place.
Training, website tools, help desk, and community.
No need to jump between 12 tabs to figure out how to build a website or choose a topic.
You follow lessons step by step.
You ask questions and get quick answers.
You feel part of something.
Why I Chose Wealthy Affiliate
Proven Platform
Launched in 2005.
Thousands of success stories.
Always improving.
Safe and reliable.
Beginner-Friendly Training
Starts from zero.
No tech skills needed.
Short, practical videos.
Tasks are set at the end of each lesson.
You learn by doing.
Outstanding Support
There’s live chat.
There’s a ticket system.
There are expert members.
You can get answers to almost any question you can think of.
All the Tools
- Website builder
- Hosting (up to 3 full sites with Premium)
- AI tools to help with choosing a niche, topics and writing
- Keyword research tools
- Monetisation training
- Social media and affiliate training
Free to Start
To join as a Starter Member you don’t even need a credit or debit card.
One website is included.
Enough training to help you experience the offer.
Upgrade later if you like it.
What You Actually Do Inside Wealthy Affiliate
- Learn how to choose a topic that interests you (called a niche)
- Build a simple website
- Create content people search for
- Add links that earn you commission (affiliate marketing)
- Build trust, traffic and income over time
There’s a lot of support along the way.
You don’t do it alone.
There are people of all ages—including many over 60—learning and succeeding every day.
But What If…?
“I’m Not Good With Tech.”
You don’t need to be.
If you can type an email, you can learn this.
Everything is broken down step by step.
“I’ve Never Built a Website.”
The website builder gets it started for you.
Choose a name for your website.
Pick a template.
Done.
“I’m Not a Great Writer.”
The training helps.
The community helps.
The AI tools help.
You don’t need to be a novelist.
Just be honest and helpful.
“What If I Don’t Like It?”
Then you don’t pay anything.
The Starter Membership is risk-free.
No pressure, no obligation.
What To Do Next
1. Try the Starter Membership
It’s free.
You’ll get a feel for the training, tools, and people.
Start building your website in the first hour.
2. Think About Your Interests
You don’t need to be an expert.
Pick something you care about.
You’ll find your voice as you go.
3. Make Time For It
Just 30–60 minutes a day.
Or a few hours a week.
Small, regular effort builds big results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to know my niche before I sign up?
No. The training will help you discover a niche based on your interests and experience. You can explore several ideas before deciding.
Is there a time limit on the free Starter Membership?
No. You can stay a free member for as long as you like. You’ll only upgrade if you want access to more features and tools.
Will I need to write blog posts or long articles?
Not necessarily. You can create short posts, reviews, tips, or videos. The training gives you different ways to share your content.
Can I do this part-time?
Yes. Many members start with just a few hours a week. Consistency is more important than hours.
What happens if I get stuck?
You’ll have access to the community to ask questions, live chat, and direct support. There’s always someone to help you move forward.
Will this cost a lot if I upgrade?
Premium Membership is about the cost of a monthly coffee habit. It includes hosting, training, tools, and support. It replaces the need to pay for other services. If you decide to take it seriously, you’ll want to purchase a domain name for around $16.
Is Wealthy Affiliate only for affiliate marketing?
No. You can also build a site for your own services, create digital products, or just share your expertise. There are many monetisation paths.
Is Wealthy Affiliate good for older adults?
Absolutely. Many members are over 60 and thriving. The training is simple, and the pace is up to you. No age limits, just curiosity and a willingness to try.
How To Start Working Online: A New Beginning, Not an End
This stage of life isn’t about slowing down.
It’s about doing more of what matters to you.
Helping others.
Learning something new.
Building something of your own.
That’s what an online business can give you.
That’s what Wealthy Affiliate gave me.
And it all started with one click.
Start Your Free Wealthy Affiliate Account Now
🟩 No card required
🟩 1 free website
🟩 Beginner training included
👉 Become A Starter Member Here
You’re not too old.
You’re just getting started.
😉
Richard
