The Unretirement Phenomenon: Why Leaders Are Calling It Quits on Retirement (and Why That’s a Good Thing)
An estimated 1.5 million retirees have re-entered the U.S. labor market over the past year. What's to be gained when someone "unretires?"
By | Sam Reese | www.entrepreneur.com
An estimated 1.5 million retirees have re-entered the U.S. labor market over the past year, according to an analysis of Labor Department data. As someone who left the corporate world for retirement and then changed my mind, I have a first-hand perspective of what’s to be gained when someone “unretires.”
At my company, Vistage, I also see the wisdom our executive coaches (many of whom are unretirees) bring to the table, both in group meetings and one-on-one conversations with CEOs who are looking for advice from those who have navigated difficult terrain before them. Many of these Chairs are leaders who took the leap of faith to reenter the workforce, because — after taking some time to recharge and explore hobbies — they just knew they still had more to offer the business world. In conversations with colleagues, friends and Chairs throughout the years, many unretirees have expressed similar thinking behind their decision to re-enter the workforce and bring their skills, wisdom and experience back to the table on their own terms. Here are four reasons more and more leaders are calling it quits on retirement:
Related: A Modern Retirement Mindset: Elevate Meaning and Purpose By Becoming ‘Job-Optional’
1. To find purpose and relevance
Time and time again, retirees who choose to re-enter the workforce cite the same central reason: They want to quench their burning desire to be a part of something larger than themselves again and miss the thrill of feeling impassioned about their purpose. By nature, humans strive for a sense of relevancy and desire to leave a lasting impact; when someone retires, that switch doesn’t automatically turn off. Seasoned executives who are able to do inspiring and meaningful work on their own terms find the best of both worlds. They discover they can be more productive than ever before, while leading balanced lives.
