Many of us envision retirement as an eternal vacation with unlimited time to spend on hobbies, social events, and self care. However, more and more people are leaning toward a working retirement. Though the money factor can’t be ignored, there are numerous other reasons to keep working after retirement.
For many people, continuing to work part time is a way to bring more purpose and meaning to an otherwise unstructured schedule. Personal time is important, but the human mind can also benefit from regular activity. Let’s break down the top reasons to keep working that have nothing to do with making money.
It’s not all about money
Many of the reasons to keep working after retirement link back to personal growth and satisfaction. Some people enjoy working because of the social environment, the impact on others, or the purpose it can infuse into your life. Volunteer work is also an attractive option for retirees who want to give back to a cause or community. In addition to the emotional fulfillment that contributing to a collective effort provides, it’s also good for your health.
Studies show that even partial employment is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, including improved cognitive function. If you’re in a new role or field at work, the process of learning new skills and routines will also help to slow cognitive decline.
And money isn’t bad either
There are many personal reasons to keep working after retirement, whether you want to continue within a successful career or branch out into something new. That being said, padding your savings in retirement doesn’t hurt either. Whether or not you continue to keep working after retirement ultimately comes down to how much time and effort you want to have for yourself and your family. If your day as a retiree is already packed with activity, the workplace may not be for you. But if you find yourself wanting something more than the weekly crossword puzzle or football game to look forward to, going back to work could make all the difference.