Retirees don’t want to go back to work because, When you retire, the last thing you want to do is go back to work. Right? Well, think again! There are plenty of reasons why retirees should consider going back to work after they’ve left their full-time job. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the benefits of returning to work in retirement. Keep reading to learn more!
A Great Resignation is occurring in several parts of the American workforce, while a Great Unretirement is occurring in others. AARP reported that 1.7 million Americans who retired a year ago have returned to work based on data from the Indeed employment website. Approximately 3% of all retirees belong to this group.
Key Takeaways
- Going back to work can help improve your overall health by keeping you active and engaged, which is especially important as you grow older.
- It’s a great way to stay active, socialize with other people, and stay healthy.
- Many retirees lose their health insurance when they retire. If you need medical care, it’s not always easy to afford it without insurance coverage.

Retirees don’t want to return to work regardless of labor shortages
As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the economy, more and more workers are finding themselves out of a job. While some of these workers may eventually be able to find new employment, a recent study from Goldman Sachs suggests that many older workers will never return to the labor force. According to the study, over half of the workers who have left the adequate labor force are over the age of 55, and of those, 1.5 million have retired early.
While some of these early retirees may eventually go back to work, Goldman Sachs researchers believe that most of them are emotionally ready to retire and “likely won’t reverse.” This is a concerning trend, as it suggests that many older workers will be forced into retirement sooner than they had planned, and may never have the opportunity to return to the workforce.
Why Seniors Don’t Want Retirement Work
For many seniors, retirement is supposed to be a time of relaxation and rest, but for many seniors, it’s actually a time of stress. Many retirees find that retirement work is a necessity in order to make ends meet.
When you retire, your income will likely decrease substantially. If you’re living on a fixed income and don’t have enough savings to get by, your only option may be to work part-time or full-time. Working also gives you something fun and productive to do with your life, which can help prevent depression among seniors.
But working isn’t always easy for seniors. Here are some of the reasons why seniors don’t want retirement work:
Pay is Too Low
For older workers, the stigma of working past retirement age is fading. More older Americans are staying on the job than ever before, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The percentage of people 65 and older who were employed was up to 15.3 percent in 2017, from 10 percent in 1990.
But this trend has been driven by a need for income more than by a desire for work. The problem with retirement work is that there is such low pay.
Risk of Covid is Too Great
For many seniors, the thought of retirement is a welcome one. After years of working hard, they finally have the chance to relax and enjoy their golden years. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 has led many seniors to reconsider their plans for retirement. The risk of contracting the virus is simply too great, and the thought of putting themselves in harm’s way is not something that they are willing to do.
Paid Dues, Earned Peace
For seniors, the corporate world wore them out. Those who have stopped working and are now retired, there’s a good chance they didn’t retire because they wanted to. Many surveys have been conducted asking retirees why they retired at such an early age, and the most common answer is that they didn’t want to keep working anymore.
This isn’t surprising considering all of the reasons why someone might want out of the workforce so early in life:
Paid Dues – If you’ve worked hard for 40+ years, chances are you’re ready to reap some government benefits, etc. from all of your hard work.
Earned Peace – Working at any job comes with stress and challenges that can wear down even the strongest of people. When you reach retirement age, it’s time to take a break from all those things that are stressing you out and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Burnout
The answer to why seniors don’t want a retirement career is because of burnout. It’s an important concern, but it’s not the only one.
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 52 percent of Americans surveyed said they were burnt out at work, with 42 percent saying that they were “extremely” or “very” burnt out. The APA also found that people who are experienced workers have high levels of burnout had higher rates of depression and anxiety.
It’s easy to see why this would be a problem for anyone, but especially for older Americans. After decades of working hard at their jobs, many people in their 50s and 60s are looking forward to retiring and enjoying life on their own terms. The last thing they want is to spend their golden years slaving away at another job. So when you ask them why they don’t want retirement work, chances are that burnout has something to do with it.
Ageism
Many seniors are not interested in retirement work because of ageism.
As a senior citizen, there is a stigma surrounding your ability to do a job well. In today’s society, employers want to hire young people who are fresh out of school. They feel that senior citizens are not as productive or reliable as younger employees. This is why so many seniors are unemployed or underemployed.
This is not always the case, however. Many seniors still have a lot to offer an employer and can be just as productive as anyone else. The problem is that they don’t get hired for their skills but rather for their age.

Resentful that Younger People Aren’t Getting it Done
A lot of seniors feel that they are being discriminated against because younger people are not doing their job. They feel that they deserve to be hired based on their qualifications and experience, but employers don’t give them the same consideration as younger applicants. This can lead to resentment among older workers, especially if they have been out of work for an extended period of time.
My Time
Some seniors feel that they should no longer be working. They feel that their time has passed and are ready to retire. This can lead older workers to lose focus on their job, which can make them less productive than younger employees who have a passion for what they do has come and gone. Some seniors feel that they have already done their time and now it’s someone else’s turn. They don’t want to work anymore, but they feel obligated to continue because they are still healthy and able-bodied.
In Favor of Working Full or Part-Time in Retirement
The U.S. Really Does Need Workers
Contrary to what some may believe, the U.S. really does need workers, especially seniors. In fact, there are a number of reasons why seniors are essential to the workforce. First and foremost, seniors have a wealth of experience that can be invaluable to any organization. They have seen and done it all, and their experience can be a valuable asset in any industry.
Secondly, seniors are often more reliable than their younger counterparts. They are less likely to call in sick, and they are more likely to show up on time and work hard.
Finally, seniors often have lower turnover rates than younger workers, which can save an organization money in the long run. Seniors may not be the first choice for many employers, but they certainly have a lot to offer.
Health Insurance
Although some seniors may be tempted to fully retire and enjoy their golden years, many are finding that working full or part-time in retirement is the best option for them. One of the main reasons for this is they provide health insurance.
In the United States, healthcare is not free, and even with Medicare, many seniors find that they need supplemental insurance to cover all of their medical needs. Some seniors opt to purchase private insurance, but this can be very expensive.
Others choose to work either full or part-time in order to maintain their employer-sponsored health insurance. This allows them to stay healthy and active while also being able to afford the care they need. For many seniors, working in retirement is the best option for maintaining their health and well-being.
Only If it is Truly Fun
If you’re not enjoying your work, it’s time to consider retiring. You may be able to keep working if you enjoy what you do and are good at it, but that’s not usually the case with part-time jobs. If you’re bored out of your mind while working a part-time job, it’s time to stop doing so and find something else that will provide more enjoyment and satisfaction.
If you’re going to retire, be sure that the job itself is fun. If it’s not something you enjoy doing, don’t do it just because you need the money. You’ll find that people who weren’t enjoying their jobs were more likely to suffer from depression and other mental health problems than those who enjoyed what they did each day.
Health care is expensive
Health care is expensive, and you don’t want to spend money on medical bills because you aren’t taking care of your health. If you’re not enjoying what you do, it’s time to find a new job that will provide more enjoyment. Health is a top priority, and you should make it a high priority to take care of your health. In order to enjoy retirement, you need to be healthy. Make sure that you have proper insurance coverage in place for your future needs.
Tapping your nest egg early can be costly
You may find yourself regretting it later in life. If you don’t have a plan for your retirement, then you will end up relying on social security and any other benefits that are available to you. This can be financially draining, especially if those benefits aren’t enough to cover all of your expenses. You will need to be prepared for the unexpected. It is possible that you will have to tap your retirement funds early, and this can cause problems later in life. You may not be able to recover from the loss of those funds as easily as you would if they were still available.
You sacrifice the power of compounding interest
You will miss out on compound interest, which is the interest that you earn on your interest. This can be a significant amount over time, and it will help to boost your retirement savings. You may not have as much money when you retire if this compounding effect isn’t present. . This is important because you can make more money from investing your retirement funds than drawing them out.
Compounding interest will help to grow your money, which can mean more savings for you in the long run. . The longer you wait to start investing, the more you will miss out on the benefits of compounding interest. This means that your retirement fund will be smaller than it could have been if you had started saving earlier in life.
You may have a long, long life ahead of you
You might have a long, long life ahead of you. That could mean decades of good health and energy, with lots of time on your hands. You may want to stay active and involved in the community. Working can help accomplish that goal.
If you are bored at home, going back to work can give you a new focus and make you feel more fulfilled in your retirement years.
You’ll spend more money than you think
It’s easy to underestimate how much money it will take to live comfortably in retirement, especially if you’re used to having a paycheck coming in each month. When the money stops coming in, it’s all too easy for retirees to dip into their savings accounts for extra spending money — which can quickly deplete those savings accounts. The good news is that working part-time gives people another source of income as well as a way to contribute toward their retirement goals while they keep busy and remain engaged with others who share similar interests and passions.
Housing expenses don’t retire when you do
You’ll still need to pay for your house, utilities, and food. Depending on where you live, these expenses can take a big chunk out of your budget—especially if you’re used to living in an apartment or renting out rooms in your home. If you’re used to eating out all the time, it’s going to be hard to make the switch.
You’ll have new expenses—like health insurance and car payments—that weren’t there before. And if you don’t have a pension or other retirement savings plan, you’ll need to make sure your Social Security benefits are enough for you to get by on. You’ll need to pay for transportation, too Depending on where you live, transportation can be a major expense. If you’re retired and living in a rural area without public transit options or carpooling opportunities, then getting around may cost more than you think.

Extra income can be hard to come by
In addition to social security benefits and other sources of retirement income, many retirees rely on their savings during their later years. Unfortunately, this income can disappear quickly if there’s an emergency or unplanned expense.
Working full-time or part-time can provide an extra source of income when unexpected expenses arise, as well as social security benefits. This can be a great way to stay connected with your peers and colleagues, have a mental break from being home all the time, and make sure you don’t miss out on any available social security benefits you may deserve. Plus, if you find a job that fits your needs, it can be a fun social experience!

Mindset Shift for Seniors
What Impact Will a Retirement Job Have on Your Finances?
For many seniors, the word “retirement” conjures up images of leisurely days spent golfing, gardening, or traveling. While it’s true that retirees generally have more free time than working adults, most will still need to budget carefully to make ends meet. One way to stretch your retirement savings is to take on a part-time job.
In addition to bringing in extra income, a part-time job can also provide social and mental stimulation. And with more and more companies offering flexible work arrangements, it’s easier than ever to find a position that fits your schedule and lifestyle. So if you’re wondering whether a part-time job is right for you, it’s worth considering the financial benefits. With a little planning, you can make sure that your golden years are both enjoyable and affordable.

Be Grateful if You Have the Choice to Work or Not
For many seniors, the choice to work or not is a luxury. In some cases, health issues may prevent seniors from working even if they want to. In other cases, seniors may need to work in order to make ends meet.
Either way, it’s important to remember that this choice is a privilege that not everyone has. If you’re able to work, be grateful for the opportunity and try to make the most of it.
Even if you don’t love your job, it’s a chance to interact with other people and stay active. And if you’re able to retire, cherish that time and use it to pursue your hobbies and interests. Whatever your situation, remember that the ability to choose whether or not to work is something special.
Working keeps your mind and body active and healthy
In today’s economy, more and more people are finding themselves in jobs that are poorly managed (by poorly skilled managers). This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety, which can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. If you’re in a poorly managed job, there are a few things you can do to try to improve the situation.
There are a number of things that seniors can do to maintain their health and prevent age-related decline. One of the most important things is to keep their mind active. Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain needs to be exercised in order to stay strong. Working, whether it’s a part-time job or volunteering, is a great way to do this.
Not only will it help to keep your mind sharp, but it will also give you a sense of purpose and keep you socially engaged. So if you’re looking for ways to stay healthy as you age, don’t forget the importance of keeping your mind active.
Retirees Going Back to Work FAQs
Why are retirees going back to work?
A solvent financial future is one in which your income meets your expenses without depleting your savings. For many people, this includes having a retirement job. A retirement job can provide extra income to help cover living expenses, travel, or healthcare costs. It can also help to reduce stress by providing a sense of purpose and social interaction.
In addition, a retirement job can be a great way to stay active and engaged in the community. Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time work, there are many options available to those who are retired. So if you’re planning for a solvent financial future, consider a retirement job as part of your plan.
Additionally, A recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that nearly one-third of retirees had returned to work by 2017. The reasons vary: Some want to keep busy and have fun, while others need the money.
Should retired people go back to work?
The decision of whether or not to return to work after retirement is a personal one that depends on a number of factors. Quite a few people the thought of staying active and engaged in the workforce is appealing, and they relish the opportunity to continue learning and contributing. Others may view retirement as a chance to finally relax and enjoy some well-earned leisure time.
There are also financial considerations to take into account, as returning to work can provide a much-needed boost to one’s income. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, and the decision should be based on what will bring the most happiness and satisfaction in retirement.
What happens if you retire and then go back to work?
Many people choose to retire at full retirement age, but some find that they are not ready to stop working entirely. The good news is that, at full retirement age, you are still eligible for full benefits. If you decide to return to work, your benefits will not be affected.
Retiring can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are not able to give up your current job yet. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has you covered. They will recalculate social security benefits should they need to be reduced or withheld due to excess earnings. But hey, don’t worry! That doesn’t mean you have to give up working part-time or seasonal jobs! As long as your earnings remain below certain thresholds, you can continue to receive full social security benefits and ease into retirement without worrying about a loss of income.
The Social Security Administration notes that the benefit amount will be recalculated to exclude the months when benefits were reduced or withheld due to excess earnings.
Conclusion
If you’re a retiree who is feeling antsy and considering going back to work, we want to encourage you to think twice. The numbers don’t lie – most retirees really don’t want to go back to work, and there are plenty of good reasons why you should stay retired.
Ready for a little more information? We would be happy to chat with you about the benefits of retirement or answer any questions you may have – give me a call today or schedule a free consultation!