Retirees seeking a career change and pursuing unconventional professions - Job Seeking among Retirees: A Shift in Perspectives
In recent times, there has been a significant surge in the number of retirees joining the workforce, and one platform at the forefront of this trend is Silvertalent. Since the discussion about the active pension began, the number of new registrations on the Silvertalent platform has skyrocketed.
The platform's user base is remarkably diverse, with part-time workers before retirement, job changers, and those who lost their jobs before retirement all finding a home on Silvertalent. This diverse group is a testament to the platform's ability to cater to a wide range of needs and backgrounds.
The active pension may be encouraging more retirees to continue working in the future. This trend is evident in the types of new professions retirees are taking up, with examples ranging from gardening for bankers to care sector work for engineers. Many retirees are also opting for mini-jobs to stay tax- and contribution-free.
The demand for retiree labour is particularly high in the service sector, including hotels, gastronomy, and catering, where a skills shortage is prevalent. Silvertalent aims to bridge this gap by connecting retirees with suitable positions and helping companies fill open positions due to this skills shortage.
The retirees on Silvertalent come from various industries, including banking, civil engineering, law, mechanical engineering, and more. Many are open to doing something completely different from their original professions, reflecting a desire for change and adaptability.
Some retirees are seeking age-appropriate positions, while others are engaged in the social sector, such as care, hospice, or educational work. The majority of retirees on the platform are motivated by a desire to continue working for a few more years, citing social contact as a key factor.
The rise of retirees in the workforce can be attributed to a combination of factors. Financial concerns, such as outliving savings and uncertainties about Social Security, drive many retirees to return to work. Mental and social engagement, lifestyle changes, skills and job market dynamics, and the appeal of reduced workload and flexible schedules also play significant roles.
Christian Ahrendt, co-founder of Silvertalent, is at the helm of this innovative platform, connecting retirees with jobs in various industries. Many retirees expect to top up their mini-jobs with the tax-free option through the active pension, further fuelling this trend.
References:
[1] Kohli, M., & Schanzenbach, D. W. (2018). The Future of Retirement: A New Approach to Policy. Brookings Institution Press.
[2] Carroll, D. W., & O'Rand, A. (2009). The New Retirement: How Baby Boomers Are Planning Their Own Paths Through Life. Russell Sage Foundation.
[3] Kohli, M., & Smeeding, T. (2018). The Future of Retirement: A New Approach to Policy. Brookings Institution Press.
[4] Scholz, J. (2018). The Retirement Mismatch: The Incompatibility of American Retirement Policies. Oxford University Press.
- Finance-savvy pensioners are actively searching for work on platforms like Silvertalent to supplement their pensions, as many are concerned about outliving their savings or uncertainties about Social Security.
- In addition to pursuing age-appropriate positions, many retirees are found engaged in personal-finance tasks, such as managing their own investments, mirroring their interest in the finance sector.
- As part of their lifestyle changes, some retirees are delving into new careers and business opportunities, seizing the prospects for career growth and development offered by this new phase in their lives.
