Five Unexpected Reasons Why Retirees Are Returning to Work

Although it is becoming more common to retire earlier in life, many retirees feel the need to or desire to go back to work. Many people have had to take early retirement due to the pandemic, while others find that their Social Security and pension benefits are not sufficient to meet their daily living costs.

But it is not only the pandemic that drives retirees to return to work. Returning to work may provide financial security to retirees who are struggling to meet their fixed income. Even though full-time employment is not necessary, part-time jobs can be a significant help in covering your expenses.

Here are five more surprising reasons that retirees return to work.

1. A Changing Work Landscape

When employers need workers they often offer flexibility work options that are appealing to retired people. Flexible work arrangements may include remote working, flexible hours and part-time employment. These arrangements often allow you to select from a variety of payment options that suit your needs.

This is a major shift from traditional workers, who can be rigid and difficult to work with. For retirees looking to get work, but not the traditional hassle of a job, this new environment is appealing.

Several popular flexible arrangements for retirees include

Remote Work

Many retirees find working remotely and on a more flexible schedule appealing. Many retirees don’t desire to work a 9-5 job or commute to work every day. The freedom to go on vacation, see their grandchildren and take care of their own health without having to miss work is something they also desire.

The pandemic has made remote work easier and is likely to persist even after the event. Retirees looking to work from home can be assured that they will have plenty of options.

are the most sought-after remote job opportunities for retired people.

• Customer service representative
• Sales representative
• Accountant
• Bookkeeper
• Recruiter
• Writer/editor, and more.

Part-Time Work

Part time work is another option that retirees love. Part-time work allows retirees to make an income and still have more time for their retirement. This can be a great way to get into retirement and reduce their work hours.

Flex Schedule

A flex schedule allows employees to move their start and end times around, as long as the hours worked total 40 per week. These arrangements are popular for retirees who desire more control of their time, but still want to keep a job.

Flex time is different from working remotely. Flex time means that you still need to be present at work during certain hours. Remote work allows you to work anywhere.

The Gig Economy

Another reason that retirees go back to work is the gig economy. People don’t get the traditional job with security and benefits in gig work. They instead look for clients with whom they can work for a short time, and then find another client.

There’s a reason the gig economy appeals to retired people:

• First, you can work as much or as little as you want.
• You can select the projects that you would like to work on.
• Third, you’re in control of your schedule.
• Finally, depending on your industry, you can work both in-person and remotely.

The downside to the gig economy? It’s less stable than a regular job. For many retired people, however, the freedom and flexibility of being a freelancer is worth it.

2. The Ability to Use Their Skills and Experience

While some look forward to retiring as an opportunity to take a break and relax, while others long for the challenges and rewards of using their experience and skills in the workplace. These people find working in retirement a great way to keep challenged and to use their talents to benefit others. These are some of the benefits that returning to work may offer:

Returning to Work Can Give Them a Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment.

Many retirees want to be able to apply their talents and experiences in a more fulfilling way than they did when they worked at their job. Many retirees return to work because they like the routine and structure of a job. This can add meaning and purpose to their daily lives.

It Can Give Them a Chance to Give Back.

Many retirees return to work to help their industry or community. You might be able to find a job with a non-profit organization, or a consultant position where you can offer your expertise. Sometimes, retired people return to work after feeling they have more to contribute than their younger counterparts. You might have learned new skills, or you may be able to share your valuable experiences with others.

3. Reducing the Risk of Health Issues

It’s well-known that moving is the best way for you to be healthy. This is especially true for those who are older. Unfortunately, inactive individuals are more susceptible to developing health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

Retirees also find the health benefits of going back to work compelling:

Body Fitness

Many jobs involve physical activity. This helps to keep your body and mind healthy. Even sedentary work can help people move around and stay active, which is good for their overall health. Many retirees hesitate to exercise or to go to the gym. They prefer to work over exercising, since they can’t make an income from going to the gym. It’s great if they are able to exercise and work at the same time.

Popular alternatives for retired people who want to return to work and exercise are:

• Dog walking
• Food delivery
• Waiting tables at a restaurant
• Working at a retail store

Memory and Mind Sharpness

Many people worry about the decline in their mental abilities as they age, and dementia is a major concern. Moreover, research shows that people who stay active and engaged mentally are less likely to develop dementia and another cognitive decline.

Retirees who want to retain their sharp minds are best suited for roles that involve active problem solving, like teaching or consulting.

4. Staying Social

As people get older, they can become increasingly isolated. Feelings of depression and loneliness can result from this inability to adapt to retirement. Staying social is one way to overcome this. One of the most effective ways to combat this is to return to work.

Not only is it something that retirees can do but also gives them the opportunity to meet new people every day. It can keep them connected and lower their chances of becoming isolated. Remote jobs can benefit from this because you are required to communicate regularly with remote colleagues to work on various projects. However, this is not as effective as a water bottle conversation during a 10-minute break.

Retirees can find many jobs to help them stay active. You can work in retail, customer service, and reception. It also offers jobs that demand collaboration among team members such as project management or consulting.

5. Loyalty to a Company or Government

Some employees build loyalty over years of service to the company they work for or government agency that employs them. They may decide to stay on the job after retirement to ensure that it continues to prosper. It is common for government employees, however it should only be if there are strong feelings of pride in their country or a connection with the ruling party.

This can allow retirees to keep in touch with an organization that interests them and make a positive impact.

A retiree might have strong loyalty to a large, private business that offered them many benefits and incentives while they were employed. Other times, loyalty can be based on having worked in the same organization for many years and being able to attribute most of their success and achievements in life to that company.

Let’s say that a company has difficulty hiring the right person for a specific job. It may ask a retired worker to come back to work in such a case. Many will happily accept.

The Bottom Line

There are many reasons people might want to go back to work when they retire. While some do it to make money, others are more active and involved. Many retirees are happy to get back in the saddle again, regardless of whether it is for socializing, loyalty or because it is a routine they love.

By Jordan Bishop

The Epoch Times Copyright (c) 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. These opinions and information are for general informational purposes only. They should not be taken as advice or solicitation. The Epoch Times is not a source of investment, tax or legal advice, nor does it provide financial planning, estate planning or other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times is not responsible for any errors or delays in the information.