More Retirees Are Choosing to Work. It’s Not Just About the Money.

Retirement used to be the finish line. You’d throw the party, collect the watch, and ride off into a life of leisure. But for a growing number of Americans, that script is getting a rewrite.

Today, a record number of adults over 65 are back on the job — not because they have to, but because they want to.

From boat captains to cemetery groundskeepers, retirees are discovering that part-time work can offer more than a paycheck. Concerns like inflation and rising medical costs are certainly part of the picture, but they don’t tell the whole story. Here’s what’s really driving the trend.

Retirement Jobs Offer More Than Just Income

According to a new survey by MarketWatch, only 8% of retirees are working today — but a whopping 60% say they wish they had a job or side gig in retirement.

Even modest work can provide emotional and mental benefits. It can bring purpose, structure, and joy. A growing group of retirees are taking advantage of that.

Take Andy Roy, 74, who works mowing grass at a historic cemetery near Saratoga Springs, NY. The job offers him much more than a paycheck. “It’s constructive,” he said. “I feel useful. It gives you a little purpose — it’s a little anchor during the day.”

He’s not alone. Other retirees are picking up seasonal jobs, consulting part-time, or even starting small businesses. One 72-year-old in Maine now spends her summers ferrying boaters to and from their anchored vessels. The job doesn’t pay much, but she loves the challenge and the rhythm it adds to her days.

The Rise of “Flextirement”

This trend — sometimes called “flextirement” — reflects a growing desire for flexibility in retirement. Not everyone wants to fully walk away from work, and many are choosing to phase out instead of shutting down.

Financial pressures play a role, especially as inflation, medical costs, and longevity reshape what retirement looks like. But for many, the motivation is more personal than financial.

In the same survey, 93% of retirees with a job said they enjoy their work. And 55% said they picked up a retirement job because it was mentally or socially stimulating.

🥒 Pickle Tip

Retirement isn’t a one-time decision — it’s a stage of life that evolves. Whether you choose to work part-time, volunteer, or relax completely, the key is building a plan flexible enough to support whatever it is you want out of those years.

🌟 Final Thought

The idea of retirement is changing — and for many, that’s a good thing. If your dream retirement includes a little structure, purpose, or even a paycheck, you’re not alone.

Want to explore whether your current plan supports that sort of flexibility? A second opinion might help. Explore Money Pickle’s network of financial advisors if you ever want a fresh perspective.

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