Often when people reach their elder years, their entire lives have been about working and supporting themselves. As they reach 65+ they have SS benefits, but sitting at home is boring. A low-stress job seems perfect for them.

 

Most that I know need the money. I was approached by one today who was happy to have found a job at WaWa to help pay the bills. They were happy with the rate of pay and the work was not difficult. I know another man that does security at a plaza. He is just doing it to get out of the house.

 

I think the answer is all of the above.

 

Plus the 10% discount card. Definitely knew women who though WM was a very pleasant part time job and kept some sanity in their life ( vs sitting at home with their husbands.)

 

I see old men dealing poker at the card tables and I really don’t think they’re there for the fun of it being really cranky all the time, I’m pretty sure they need they money because poker dealers are absolutely the worst players

 

For a bit after retirement I picked up a job ferrying cars for a commercial auction (dealers only.)
I did it for pin money and because I liked driving a lot of different cars. I got to drive some hoopties but also some really nice rides.
They wanted to add some extra duties to what I had been hired for and those tasks did not appeal to me so we parted ways.

 

For a bit after retirement I picked up a job ferrying cars for a commercial auction (dealers only.)
I did it for pin money and because I liked driving a lot of different cars. I got to drive some hoopties but also some really nice rides.
They wanted to add some extra duties to what I had been hired for and those tasks did not appeal to me so we parted ways.

About 40 years ago, I had a stint with a car dealership. I'd done a couple of trips for them with a few other guys where we'd go to Baltimore to pick up some brand new vehicles and drive them back to the dealership about 2.5 hours away, things like that. Basically I was a driver and was happy.

The dealership decided they wanted to hire a driver full time and I applied for and got the job. Except when I got there, they didn't have much driving to be done and I found myself washing and detailing cars, something I really did NOT like doing. I was only there for about a week and decided that was not for me. Loved driving when it happened. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen once I was there.

I toyed with getting my CDL a few times but never did. I wouldn't want to do that anymore though something like a route with an auto parts store or something of that nature might suit me a lot better. I know it wouldn't pay worth a toot but it might be something I'd enjoy. Plus, in the slow times, I would be pretty contented dealing with things like stocking shelves, stuff like that. Probably would not be happy trying to answer the phone, though. Me and the phone do not get along.

 

We see both those that just want extra spending money and something to do, as well as those that need the job to live on.

Even places like McD's which should be more younger folk getting into the job market, I'm seeing older folk doing it.

Some of the local owners and managers also say the older folk have better work ethics and don't need to be on their phone. So there's that.

 

I think you should ask them. We could sit here and guess all day. The answer - as someone else suggested - could be all of the above, but you won't know until you ask.

 

No need to ask someone a question that they could find uncomfortable or embarrassing. This thread is just a general discussion.

 

There's an older lady who bags groceries at my local Kroger.

My 83 year old brother in law works part time in Publix.

He's probably doing it to make ends meet, considering my sister's a spendthrift.

She's 77, and still working full time in a cancer center.

They have a lot of debt.

 

I think the answer is all of the above.

I agree.

Even places like McD's which should be more younger folk getting into the job market, I'm seeing older folk doing it.

I see older people working at many of the fast food joints. And they probably do have a better work ethic and can literally go for hours without having to check their cell phone. I forget to even turn mine on sometimes. I am lucky to get one call a day.

Frankly I would love to have a little part time job but I'm not working for $7.50 an hour. I would just like to get out of the house a smooze a little with other people. I have no debt and get by fine on my $1700 a month SSA check. I don't need much money because I don't spend much anymore.

I think its good for older folks to get up and out of the house and move around. I think sitting at home all day with his oxygen on and smoking cigarettes all day is what shortened my dads life by several years.

 

I agree.



I see older people working at many of the fast food joints. And they probably do have a better work ethic and can literally for hours without having to check their cell phone. I forget to even turn mine on sometimes. I am lucky to get one call a day.

Frankly I would love to have a little part time job but I'm not working for $7.50 an hour. I would just like to get out of the house a smooze a little with other people. I have no debt and get by fine on my $1700 a month SSA check. I don't need much money because I don't spend much anymore.

I think its good for older folks to get up and out of the house and move around. I think sitting at home all day with his oxygen on and smoking cigarettes all day is what shortened my dads life by several years.

$7.50 an hour? Where the hell do you live? Convenience stores here start at $16.00 an hour and are always hiring. The Dunkin down the street hires at $18 with a raise to $20 if you stay a year ... part time. It took the owner 3 years to find 3 or 4 people that were reliable and honest enough so that he didn't have to be there 7 days a week.

According to the neighborhood forums on NextDoor an FB the going rate for a babysitter (teenagers) is $20 an hour and you're lucky to find one.

The vast overall majority of older folks around here (and I'm one but still work full time) are working part time for socialization and something to do. Especially those who were unfortunately widowed earlier than they hoped. Many of my peers have told me 2 or 3 years after they "retired" they never should have left. They just thought it was "time" because. It is a major lifestyle change and sure, you fix up the stuff around the house that you were always going to do ... that takes a couple weeks or months and then what?

Last year my wife and I toured 5 local independent living facilities/communities because her elderly aunt was considering relocating to this area. We knew nothing about them and got a full education .... both of us came back with a totally different take on the concept. Very favorable to be honest. I spent a lot of time talking with the residents and the number 1 benefit to moving there was for the socialization aspect. Male or female it didn't matter same answer. Many told me "I should have done this X years earlier .... I'm healthier, more active and happier". There is always something to do there. Amazing concept and there's waiting lists at the 3 most popular ones. They are building more around here so the concept is vailid.

In my age group (late 60s) many have children that moved away years ago, friends either start passing away or "move to Florida" or move to be "closer to the grandkids" and if you lose a spouse on top of that you can find yourself isolated socially. So if you aren't ready for "independent living, etc" you go volunteer or get a part time job. I think the financial aspect is secondary or less.

 

I think it's mostly because they need the money. Either they didn't plan their retirement well or thought they could get by on less.

Yes, there are stupid, reckless people who don't plan at all. But increasingly, it's inflation that is robbing peoples' savings and making it even more difficult to save at all, as more and more struggle just to get by.

 

Married young had,kids young,paycheck to paycheck for many years.They grew up,moved out,and we started to make progress to saving and modest investment..bought our first home.
Wife started having medical issues,every year worse.Even with insurance,they bleed you dry.10 years of hospitals,Drs,medicine,I lost everything,most importantly,her.
Start all over at age 58 in a deep hole.
Accident shattered my foot leg,out of work 8 months,2 years ago..broke my other knee in a fall last year.
I'm getting SSI next month at age 64,but will still have to work until I die.
Ain't complaining,nobodys fault but mine..even those that did things right can be ruined from medical issues also.

Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the nose.

 

All of the above. Inflation does hurt folks on fixed incomes .

 

Probably different combinations of all the above.

 

I think more than inflation, food, gas, etc., the thing that will effect my retirement plans will be the drastic rise in insurance of all kinds. Home, auto, etc.

 

I think many of these people need the money. And while some of the motivation may be "just to get out of the house", I think many are forced to take these $7.50/hour jobs. Because lots of these seniors I have met, have advanced skill sets. But have lost their jobs.

And the reason so many SKILLED and EXPERIENCED seniors taking crap jobs and having to work at places far under their level?

AGE DISCRIMINATION

Age discrimination in employment is the last acceptable discrimination in American society.

Sure---there has always been discrimination in employment: racial, religious, and sexual. But at least they have been acknowledged, and attempts to address these has been taken.

But even companies that pride themselves on "diversity" practice age discrimination.

I'm 20 years in the IT field, and I have seen colleagues tossed-out because of it. And it's not limited to the "tech" fields. It's common in finance, management, sales, and other positions.

Sure---there are laws against it. But they are virtually toothless. Unless the employer openly admits you were let go because you are "too old", it's very difficult to prove. They can always find ways to hide it.

 

I think many are forced to take these $7.50/hour jobs. Because lots of these seniors I have met, have advanced skill sets. But have lost their jobs.

Don't think any legit company that files payroll with the IRS, pays $7.50/hr anymore. Up here in the Pacific NW, even all of the major fast food places and retail, start at $20+ and hour.

 

It’s part of my retirement plan. I plan to retire early with just enough to prosper. I’ll do it for social, health benefits and folding money.

Edit: to actually answer, folks out here need the money and/or benefits.

 

Yes to the above but additionally (I'll use myself as an example).......

There is a heavy DEI push in the US to replace aging workforces for a number of different reasons.

1. DEI....replace the 58yo white guy with the rainbow hair people that last a week and then quit.
2. Replace 45yo workers with younger workers to lower the overall cost of health insurance for the company. A company's heath rates for insurance are partially based on quantity of claims and age of workforce. Just look up what it takes to cover a 21 year old vs a 50 year old on the same healthcare plan........way less than half.
3. Fire 1 and hire 2......... business software has gotten so good that company's choose the business process to be compartmentalized with products like Salesforce and Netsuite to make you an easily replaceable cog in the machine. Again reduced cost of operating.
4. Exploding cost of living regardless if you are mortgage free. Exploding insurance costs with monster deductibles, expanding HOA fees, car insurance, healthcare coverage (and what's not covered), no food related inflation and lastly of course quality and healthy food. More and more of our agin population are permanently RV'ing, van living, tiny home off gridding and cruise ship cruising to stave off going bankrupt.

SO if you don't have $3M+ invested......working for that $2K/month and having that health insurance covered is very real.

HK

 

SO if you don't have $3M+ invested......working for that $2K/month and having that health insurance covered is very real.

You don't need $3M to retire.

You need income streams:

• Social Security
• Pension #1
• Pension #2
• 401K
• Savings
• Investment property

And you need minimal debt:

• Selling your large home and buying something smaller that is paid-off
• Paying off CC, LOCs and cars before you retire

 

I retired in 2020. Went back to work part-time not because I needed the money, but because I think it helps maintain mental sharpness.

I've read a lot on how to maintain one's health and mental acuity as one ages, and a few things stick out. One is challenge oneself mentally with new hobbies, whatever. Doing the same-old, same-old doesn't cut it--you have to build new pathways in the brain.

The second element is being physically active. There are lots of ways. Some people walk a lot. I work out 2-3x per week, half-hour of cardio, some upper-body lifting. Otherwise you'll devolve to the level of activity you engage in.

The third is social. That can take on a variety of forms. I am on a couple of volunteer committees, heading one of them. I also play poker, golf, and a few other things that get me out of the house and interacting with others.

I'm still working part-time because my former job asked me to come back PT, and they made me an offer I couldn't refuse. It forced me to get my head back in the game, and keep it there. The income I derive goes to support my various hobbies. I brew beer, fly, play cards, shoot trap, reload....all those are part of keeping my head active.

Works for me, but I think most people can benefit from the mental challenge/physical activity/social elements in their lives.

PS: My job isn't at WalMart.

 

I retired in 2020. Went back to work part-time not because I needed the money, but because I think it helps maintain mental sharpness.

My Father-In-Law retired at 65 (or maybe 66), plopped down on the couch with the remote glued to his hand, flipping through TV channels all day. He was gone in just a couple years.

I enjoy getting a long weekend now and then. Sleeping late. But after 3 days I start to go crazy, and watching TV shows and movies on my tablet isn't something that keeps me entertained all day long. I think I will also take some classes at the local Jr College. Probably take the Anthropology sequences, then transfer it to the WA state college and get a BA in Anthropology. Just for fun. I already have a A.A.S, B.S. and an M.S. all in technical fields.

 

I'll be retiring in a 2.3 years, when I hit 70. . . I'll probably look for a part-time 12-20 hours a week job at one of the places mentioned earlier in this thread.

My main reason will be to get out of the house and do something. Won't really need the money. But it will be nice to have some spending money that I can blow on fun stuff without feeling guilty. After all, everyone needs a new gun now and then!

So 16 hours * $20 = $320 Gross per week.
$320 ~* .65 = ~$200 per week to use for entertainment; going out for dinner; ammo and such. . . Or save it up and take a nice vacation to Yellowstone, or Hawaii or somewhere else.

 

My local lowes resembles an old folks home anymore. About 80% of the workers are older than me.

 

Not sure if the situation is the same in the US, but here in Australia people who lose their jobs in their 50s struggle to find a full time equivalent job.

So a lot either end up on unemployment benefits or taking part time jobs not related to their previous experience.

 

According to the AARP, nearly 70% of American workers over the age of 50 say they have experienced age discrimination in the workplace.

Older workers who have lost their jobs, only 13% find a new job that pays at least equal to their previous employment. Workers over 50 also experience much longer periods of unemployment after losing a job.

Several studies have been done, where two sets of resumes were submitted for an advertised job opening. One set of resumes mentioned the applicant's older age, the second set listed a lower age.

The resumes that listed an older age, received significantly less call-backs from the employer.

 

I have a cousin who works at Home Depot (has for many years--in appliance sales) who is 75 yo. He does it to maintain touch with the community, and does not really have any hobbies etc to fall back on.

I know a number of seniors who cannot make it on social security. We hire a senior to do our cleaning; we pay her $20 an hour. She is a good person, but never had high enough paying jobs to be able to afford to retire. Several of our close friends also use her services--You might say she is part of our "extended family" and someone we can trust.

The work for 45 years for a company and retire--as may my dad did, rarely exist these days. My son is 55. The company he had worked at for 17 years, was shut down after being sold to venture capitalists. It took him a year to find a job which was comperable and paid the same wage. The business is high dollar transfer from point of sale, to credit cards, and bank to bank money transfer security. High tech security, dealing with many millions of dollars a day. A bright young person could do a decent job at half the salary. Companies don't want to pay for that experience that my son has.

 

I retired 3 months before I turned 62. My wife retired from Blue Cross upper management 3 years later, so we have the kind of health insurance deal most retirees don’t have. She didn’t even make it 2 months, and now she’s working full time again (accountant). I’m working 15 or 20 hours a week, and they would let me work as much as I wanted. She‘s doing it because she loves being an accountant, which is damn weird to me, and I’m doing it because I want to buy more stuff. We both have pretty high demand skill sets, and we probably have enough money.

But some old folks I see working look like they’re suffering, to me. At least, they look too old to be on their feet checking groceries or stocking shelves. I think they’re doing it because they have to.

 

When I worked at a warehouse there was a number of older people, all there for various reasons.

I remember one older lady, who was always high strung and complained about everything all day long (even though she had a relatively easy position)... and I don't know why she even came to work. Her husband made like 3 or 4x what she made in a year. But she hated her job. I would have simply stayed home - she had a nice country home, lots of grandkids... like just retire lady!

Another older lady, I think must have made some very poor financial decisions and she needed the money. She'd take every bit of OT they'd let her get.

There was another older man, he had to have been going on 70. And I remember hearing him on the phone once during break and he was talking with his lawyer about bankruptcy (like... with 6 other people within earshot.... the guy wasn't the least bit ashamed or embarrassed!!) and he told the lawyer on the phone yeah my last bankruptcy was 8 years ago, and it's like ??? how many times have you filed bankruptcy??

 

I paid off my house in 7 years after it was built. It was built in 2005 and by 2012 I had it paid off. The cars are paid off. I paid off everything I could while working as an insurance adjuster and making good money. I would probably still be doing it if my diabetes hadn't weakened the bones in my foot and made my foot break when I stepped off of a ladder. So I was forced to retire at 62 was a disability.

I wish I could land an inside desk job working claims after the storms. Those are $500 a day jobs for 2-4 months after a major storm. But after I retired I let my license expire and would have to take the courses again and jump the hoops to get back in the business. Naw, I ain't doing it. I'm Okay where I am at now.

 

- they absolutely need the money to live.

This. I know some of them. It's why they are working.