Work After You Retire?

In an online news release published on the business wire from Monmouth County, New Jersey some interesting statistics have emerged about the baby boomers and their plans for retirement..

The release quotes statistics gathered by an online polling and marketing research company, Vizu Corporation. The research was gathered on behalf of the online web site RetireeWorkForce. The survey was executed during September 2007. The company used strictly on-line participants who voluntarily answered questions. Although the news release does not state exactly how many participants were involved in this survey. The numbers are interesting none the less.

Here are some of the results:
  • More than 75% indicated they would work past normal retirement years.
  • Close to 40% of those people who would work past retirement years said they would do so for monetary reasons.
  • Approximately 22% of those that stated they would work past retirement stated they would do it to stay active and mentally alert.
  • While only 4.7 % stated they would continue to work strictly for the social and human interaction. 1

While the company admits that there is room for error they do boast a 90% confidence in accuracy. Even with that said, these are some interesting statistics.

With employers expected to face a workforce shortage within the next decade and having trouble finding experienced, qualified workers, employers will no doubt jump at the opportunity to hire these baby boomers. It is estimated that "before the midpoint of the 21st century, 90 million Americans will be 65 or older, doubling today’s senior population and creating the single largest demographic segment in the U.S." 2

Merrill Lynch web site states that the average retirement age at this point in time is now 70 rather than the expected 62 or 65 of years past. 3

Merrill Lynch site goes on to show some statistics that closely match those of this survey. Of the people above retirement age still working, the site states that about 47% do it for monetary reasons. 4

So are you going to be one of those in the percentage of working retirees?

You have your resume put together, looking for a change but don’t know what to do with it now. There are some sites that are specific for retirees wishing to re-enter the work force. Sites such as this one (retirementbulletinboard.com) can offer up to date information and resources. Sites such as RetireeWorkForce allow you to place your resume and search for possible employers. Major companies including CVS, Hertz, PathMark, Marshall’s and Staples, among other employers, have job openings on the site, which currently lists over 55,000 blue- and white-collar jobs in a variety of industries Other places like Monster.com are great places to start placing your resume and searching.

Also be sure to check out the Forum (message board) of this site at Retirement Bulletin Board - Forums