Linda Thompson had spent 35 years raising kids, managing a household, and decorating every porch, mantle, and holiday table in her family's life.
When her youngest moved out, she felt a strange mix of freedom and loss.
"I had all this time suddenly," Linda told me. "But I didn't know what to do with it. I'd joke with my husband that I should charge people for all the decorating I'd done for free over the years."
Turns out, that wasn't a joke. It was a business plan.
A modest ranch home transformed with fall decor - Linda's specialty
The Moment Everything Changed
Last September, Linda saw a Facebook post from a woman in Ohio who was charging $500 to decorate porches.
"I thought, wait—I've been doing this exact thing for decades. For my house, my mom's house, my sister's house, my neighbor's house. I never once thought about getting paid."
Linda found a simple $29 course called "Porch to Profit" that showed her how to turn her lifelong hobby into a business.
"I was nervous about the tech stuff. But there wasn't any tech stuff. I just posted on Nextdoor and the phone started ringing."
Why Your 60s Might Be The Perfect Time
Here's what Linda discovered: being 62 wasn't a disadvantage. It was her biggest asset.
What Linda Had That Younger Women Didn't:
- Decades of decorating experience (for free, but still)
- A network of neighbors and friends who trusted her taste
- No kids at home demanding her time
- A flexible schedule she controlled completely
- The confidence that comes with not caring what people think
"My daughter kept asking if I needed help with marketing," Linda laughed. "I told her I've been 'marketing' at church potlucks and book clubs for 40 years. I know how to talk to people."
The Numbers (From Someone Who Isn't A Math Person)
Linda's first season, she kept it simple. A few porches here and there. Nothing crazy.
By November, she'd made enough to pay for a trip to see her grandkids in Arizona—and then some.
"I work about 2-3 days a week during the season. I'm home by 3pm. My back gets a little sore sometimes, but I use a wagon for the heavy pumpkins. It's honestly not that different from gardening."
Linda focuses on regular homes in her neighborhood - "Nothing fancy, just beautiful"
The Part That Surprised Her Most
It wasn't the money. It was the purpose.
"After the kids left, I felt like I'd lost my job. Like I wasn't needed anymore," Linda said. "Now I have clients who light up when they see their porch. One woman told me I'd made her house feel like home again after her husband passed."
She paused. "That's worth more than any paycheck."
But the paychecks don't hurt either.
Is This Right For You?
Linda's advice for women her age who are curious:
You're Perfect For This If:
- You've been decorating for years (even just for yourself)
- You have a car and can lift a pumpkin or two
- You know people in your community (or can post on Nextdoor)
- You want something creative, not another desk job
- You'd rather work 8 weeks than 52
"Don't let anyone tell you you're too old," Linda said. "I spent 60 years getting ready for this. I just didn't know it."
Ready to See If This Is Right For You?
The same $29 course Linda used. No tech skills required.
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Reader Comments
Showing 12 of 284 commentsI'm 64 and just finished my first season. Made enough to pay off my car. My husband thought I was crazy when I bought the course. Now he helps me load the truck!
I'm 58 and worried about the physical part. Is it really doable for us "mature" ladies?
I'm 66 with a bad knee! I use a little garden wagon from Walmart - $25. Roll everything from the car to the porch. The actual arranging is easy. Honestly it's easier than gardening.
Retired teacher here. I was bored out of my mind. Now I have something creative to do, I'm meeting neighbors I never knew, and I have "pumpkin money" for Christmas gifts. Win win win.
Do I need to be on Instagram? I barely know how to use Facebook...
I only use Nextdoor and word of mouth. No Instagram, no TikTok, none of that. I'm 61 and fully booked every season. Our generation knows how to TALK to people - that's all you need!
Just turned 60 and this has been the best birthday gift to myself. I feel like I have PURPOSE again. The money is nice but honestly? I just love seeing people's faces when they see their porch.
To anyone thinking they're too old: I've been decorating porches for FREE for 40 years. Church, neighbors, family. Now I get PAID. Same skills. Same me. Just smarter!