Working after retirement, even part-time, may help slow cognitive decline and also provide emotional fulfillment. But for one-third of retired Americans who have returned to work or would consider doing so, it could be a financial necessity to make ends meet, rather than a choice, according to a new survey from Western & Southern Financial Group.
The survey also revealed that 45% of previously retired Americans are still working, while 19% are open to returning to the workforce.
Read: Unexpected retirement expenses; how to prepare
Some GenXers and younger Baby Boomers are planning ahead and predicting that Social Security plus their savings and investments may not be enough to support the lifestyle they want in retirement. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans 50+ said that returning to work would “meaningfully improve” their financial situation in retirement. Similarly, 55% in the same demographic admitted that uncertainty about the future of Social Security has heavily influenced their outlook on retirement.
What Type of Work Do Retirees Want?
Most retirees returning to work put flexibility above other factors in their search for a role. Of the main reasons retirees returned to work “staying productive on own terms” and “staying mentally sharp” topped the list, tied for 69%. Meanwhile, 68% of seniors rated “supplementing retirement income” as “extremely” or “very” important.
In line with these reasons, a vast majority of retirees (67%) said they’re seeking or already working in remote or work-from-home roles. Freelance or consulting work also ranked high on the list, with 47% of retirees considering or holding these roles.
“For seniors seeking remote work, it’s important to first identify what they want from the opportunity,” said Resume-Now career expert Keith Spencer. Mentally review the reasons you want to return to work, including earning supplemental income or simply keeping your skills sharp, to identify roles that might fit.
“Before applying, consider factors like schedule, workload, technology requirements, physical demands, and whether the position aligns with your current lifestyle and long-term goals,” he said. “The best role is not always the one with the highest pay, but rather the one that provides the right balance of flexibility, responsibilities, and overall fit.”
Other top jobs for retirees, according to the survey, included gig work (39%), seasonal positions (37%), and starting a small business (22%). You can read inspiring stories of retirees who launched second businesses and found their purposes later in life in a regular series called “You’re Too Old For That.”
How to Find (and Win) the Right Job
It can be frustrating to search for remote or work-from-home positions that match your skillset. Understanding how the job board search engines work and keeping broad criteria can help.
“Employers often use different titles for similar roles, so expanding your search criteria can uncover opportunities you might otherwise miss,” Spencer said. “Most job boards also offer advanced search filters that can help you narrow results based on your preferences, but it’s important to avoid filtering so narrowly that you limit your options.”
He advised using both large national job boards and niche job boards within specific industries to find hidden gems that may not be shared broadly.
“Professional associations and industry organizations can also be valuable sources of job leads,” he said. If you’re looking for a job within your prior industry, reach out to your network of business connections, including past employers, colleagues, clients, or vendors in your field.
As you review job descriptions, keep in mind ways you can tailor your resume and interview responses to the employer’s needs. “Pay attention to the challenges employers are trying to solve, the skills they prioritize, and the results they hope to achieve,” Spencer said. “When you understand their needs, it becomes much easier to identify and communicate the aspects of your background that make you a strong fit.”
And if you don’t check all the boxes, that’s okay. “In many cases, an employer will place just as much value on a candidate’s reliability, professionalism, and experience as they do on technical skills,” Spencer said.
Avoid Scams
Job scams are on the rise, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stats reported by Moody’s. Losses rose to more than $501 million in 2024, up from $90 million in 2020. The FTC report identified remote jobseekers and older adults (age 70+) in high-risk groups. Although younger adults, ages 20 to 29) reported the highest number of job fraud incidents, median losses amongst the senior set were higher, at $1,650 per scam.
“One of the biggest red flags is any request for money, like application fees, training costs, or equipment purchases, as well as requests for sensitive personal information early in the hiring process,” Spencer said.
Many scammers avoid face-to-face interactions like video interviews, although that’s changing in the AI age, when even a Zoom interview persona can be faked. Requests for secrecy remain a red flag, along with an intense sense of urgency.
“Many scammers… encourage candidates to act quickly before they have time to verify the opportunity,” Spencer said.
Your best defense is to slow the process down and take time to investigate the company and the job source carefully. “Research the company, verify that the position is listed on the employer’s official careers page, and review the company’s LinkedIn presence,” Spencer advised.
You can even ask loved ones for their thoughts if you have doubts. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your adult children or a trusted friend won’t think less of you for asking for their insights; sometimes a second set of eyes is all you need to confirm your suspicions.
“Taking a few extra minutes to confirm the legitimacy of an opportunity can help you avoid becoming the victim of a job scam,” Spencer urged.
A Different Kind of Retirement
Retirement for GenX may not look the same as it did for our grandparents or even our parents. But it’s never too late to revisit your retirement savings strategy, explore investment options, and even plan for a second-stage career. You might find the rewards of working in your later years extend beyond the financial benefits.