by staff writer
Why did I return to work after retiring? For years, I envisioned retirement as a carefree escape from the daily grind. Visions of tropical beaches and leisurely mornings filled my head. But after a few months of blissful relaxation, a disquieting emptiness settled in. The days, once structured by meetings and deadlines, stretched out before me, unstructured and oddly lonely. I especially missed the daily interactions with my colleagues at work.
It’s not that I wasn’t busy. I was. I spent a lot of time fixing all the things around the house I couldn’t get to before. My wife and I took wonderfully leisurely walks around the neighborhood. I also volunteered at the local animal shelter, something I always wanted to do, but didn’t have time for when working full-time. But the human connection, the camaraderie of shared experiences and friendly banter, was missing. That’s when the idea of unretiring first took root.
The Loneliness Factor
Looking back, I realize I hadn’t fully anticipated the social impact of retirement. For decades, my work was a central pillar of my life. It wasn’t just the paycheck; it was the sense of belonging, the conversations with my work family, the shared jokes and triumphs. Suddenly, that entire social network vanished.
Social isolation, I learned, is a real threat to retirees. Studies show it can have a significant negative impact on both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and heart disease. I know it wasn’t just me; many retirees face this social void.
Work as a Social Anchor: Finding My Tribe Again
The idea of returning to work, even part-time, was surprisingly appealing. It wasn’t about the money, although that’s a nice plus. It was more about finding a place to reconnect with others. I didn’t realize I would miss that connection, but obviously, I did. I wanted to feel like I was part of a group again.
The workplace fosters a sense of camaraderie, the chance to develop new friendships, and opportunities to engage in stimulating conversations. I didn’t understand why some of my retired friends decided to return to work until I retired myself. Now I get it; the social aspect you get at a job is important.
Beyond the Paycheck: Purpose and Identity
But work is more than just a social outlet. For me, and I think many others, it’s a source of identity. I spent years honing my skills and building a successful career. I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment and contribution to the greater good I got from my job. And I missed the sense of purpose and intellectual engagement I found at work. Retirement left a void. I understand that’s not the case for everyone; I have several friends who retired and stayed retired, happy to escape the pressure of a stressful job. But for me, I felt I needed to unretire.
The Changing Workplace
The nature of work changed a lot over the years, especially since the pandemic. The rise of the gig economy and remote work options offer retirees greater flexibility and control over their work schedules. That’s a good thing as it allows us to tailor our work commitments to suit our needs and avoid the full-time demands of a traditional job if we choose. On the flip side, many jobs are now done remotely. That didn’t interest me as I was looking for social interaction.
Another change in the workplace is that companies are starting to recognize that experienced workers bring great value to the table. More than one-quarter of the workers in the U.S. will reach age 55 or older by 2028. In addition, global talent shortages are predicted to create more than 85 million unfilled jobs by 2030, resulting in annual revenue losses of roughly $8.5 trillion. In the U.S. alone, there are presently 9 million open jobs. Obviously, employers need to embrace older workers as organizations simply can’t recruit enough younger workers to fill their talent needs. So, what’s happening is organizations are actively seeking to attract qualified retirees by offering programs and positions specifically designed for older adults. As a result, part-time work with flexible hours and meaningful projects is becoming easier to find.
Finding the Right Fit for My Unretirement
Not all work environments are created equal. When I decided to unretire, I knew finding the right fit was crucial. Here are some key factors I considered:
Flexibility
I prioritized positions with flexible hours and part-time schedules to maintain a healthy work-life balance at this point in my life.
Social Interaction
I sought out workplaces that encourage collaboration and interaction with colleagues, offering opportunities for conversation and building new friendships.
Meaningful Work
Finding positions that utilize my skills and experience was important for me to feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Remote Work
Though I wasn’t particularly interested in remote work, I did consider a few options that allowed me to collaborate as part of a team using the Zoom platform. Ultimately, I decided I preferred a position that let me get out of the house.
Searching for a Job Outside the Box
The truth is, while the idea of returning to work after retirement appealed to me for the social connection, I wasn’t excited about diving back into the same old grind. Don’t misunderstand, I enjoyed my previous career, but I wanted to explore something new for my next chapter. However, I didn’t want to start entirely from scratch. My years of experience equipped me with a valuable skillset that could be applied in many different settings. So, I looked for opportunities where I could effectively use those skills. A job in a new field felt like the perfect blend; it was a chance to contribute in a meaningful way, meet new people, and challenge myself intellectually, while also providing the social interaction I craved.
Ultimately, I landed a position well outside of my old field, but it tapped into my transferable skills. The learning curve was steep, but using my skills in a fresh way, combined with the social interaction with my new colleagues, was enormously satisfying.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Unretiring
The decision to unretire proved to be far more rewarding than I anticipated. Rekindling the social connection I craved was important, but the benefits extend far beyond that. I have a renewed sense of purpose. Using my skills and experience again, even in a new way, is incredibly stimulating. It keeps my mind sharp and gives me a sense of accomplishment that unstructured days sometimes lack. Plus, the extra income provides me with financial security and helps me worry less about the future. I feel like I get the best of both worlds: the social interaction and mental stimulation of work, alongside the freedom and flexibility of retirement. Unretiring wasn’t just about going back to work; it was about embracing a whole new chapter filled with unexpected rewards.
The Bottom Line
Retirement is no longer a one-size-fits-all proposition. The decision about how you want to spend your time after retirement is very personal. Having more time to spend with family, play golf and/or pickleball, travel, read, or whatever you like to do makes for a wonderful life for many retired folks. Personally, I needed more structure, purpose, and socialization in my life, which is why unretirement seemed like the right path for me. Did I mention the extra funds are awfully nice too? Heading back to work, but not in the same old way, turned out to be the perfect situation for me.
Have you thought about unretirement? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions from our readers about returning to work after retirement.
Why would someone want to return to work after retirement?
There are various reasons why people return to work after retirement. It could be for financial reasons, to stay mentally and socially engaged, to pursue a new career path or passion, or simply to stay active and productive.
Will returning to work affect my retirement benefits?
It depends on your specific situation and the type of retirement benefits you receive. Some pensions or retirement plans may have restrictions or penalties for returning to work, while others may allow you to continue receiving benefits alongside your new income. Check with your financial advisor to understand how returning to work might impact your benefits.
How do I find a job after retirement?
Finding a job after retirement can involve various approaches. Start by updating your resume and online profiles. Then, explore job search websites, attend job fairs or industry events, consider part-time or freelance work, or even start your own business or consultancy. Don’t forget to let your colleagues know you are interested in returning to work after retiring; you never know who might know of an opportunity.
Will returning to work affect my taxes or Social Security benefits?
Returning to work may impact your taxes and Social Security benefits. Your income from work could affect the taxes you owe, and if you are below full retirement age, your Social Security may reduce your benefits if you earn above a certain threshold. Consult with a tax advisor or financial planner to understand the implications for your specific situation.