Why are Retirees Returning to the workforce in droves?

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As of late 2023, there were nearly twice the percentage of Americans over age 65 working compared to the 1980s, according to Pew Research.

Carly Roszkowski of AARP says that given the tight labor market, it makes good business sense for employers to hire older workers.

“We have seen an increased interest in hiring older workers nationally,” she said.

A major reason is inflation, which is battering the value of their 401k and monthly Social Security checks.

What to know before you apply

Roszkowski says a majority of older workers feel age discrimination can hurt their chances of getting a new job. So, in your resume, highlight your skills, not your age, she says.

“Make sure you are highlighting your most recent experience. And while you want to include your credentials, you don’t have to include graduation dates,” she said.

And if you’re hanging on to an old Hotmail or AOL email account, upgrade to something more modern like Gmail. She also says it’s never too late to create a LinkedIn profile.

Millions of retirees like Rooch are now working again, whether for the money or to stay active.

“It’s something to do, or I wouldn’t know what to do,” he said.

Source: Scripps News©

Photo credit: Denise LaBuda