1-in-8 Retirees Returning to Workforce; experts give tips to find your new job
For various reasons, from boredom to rising costs of living, retirees are returning to the workforce in 2025. According to a survey by ResumeBuilder.com, 40% of people ages 65 to 85 who are currently working were once retired. Another 13% of retired seniors say they are “likely to start working again next year.”
The majority said they are returning to work for financial reasons, including cost-of-living increases, rising housing costs, or debt. However, 42% said they are looking forward to returning to work to combat boredom, while nearly 30% said they want to “be more social.” (Respondents were allowed to select more than one reason.)
“The long-held assumption that seniors should retire in their 60s is quickly becoming outdated,” Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller said in a report that analyzed survey results. “Many seniors are choosing to remain employed not just for financial reasons, but because they still feel a strong desire to contribute in meaningful ways.”
Find a Second Career You’ll Love
Of the seniors planning to start working again, 13% said they would return to their prior employer, 30% are looking to find a different employer in the same industry, and 57% want to switch industries. All this begs the question: How do you approach a career change later in life to find personal and financial fulfillment in your 50s and beyond?
“Start by defining what success looks like for you,” advised Keith Spencer, Certified Professional Resume Writer and career expert at Resume Now. “Are you looking for structure, income, social connection, or something fulfilling? Being clear about your goals will help guide your search and make the process more rewarding,”
Your Network Truly Is Your Net Worth, Especially Later in Life
To find jobs that match your new goals, Spencer recommended exploring local career resource offices, community centers, and “organizations that help mid-to-late career workers transition back into the workforce.”
He also emphasized old-fashioned, in-person networking. “Let people in your life know you’re looking,” he said. “Reach out to friends, former colleagues, and community groups. Referrals still open doors, which can give you an edge over your competition.”
In addition to the life experience they’ve gained, most adults 50+ have amassed a huge network of people they know from many walks of life, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to change industries. More than half of workers (52%) over age 40 said they’ve worked somewhere that an employer mainly hires younger people, according to Resume Now’s State of Ageism in the Workplace Study. Seeking referrals, rather than responding to random job ads, can improve your odds of getting an interview and also help you find a company that might be a better fit for an older worker.
“By using your network, you can connect with companies that truly value experience,” Spencer said.
Deal with that Pesky ‘Resume Gap’
Whether you’re seeking a new job post-retirement or you’re an empty nester who spent the past two decades raising children, you might have concerns about a gap in employment on your resume.
“You don’t need to over-explain the gap,” Spencer said. “Focus your resume on your relevant skills, experience, accomplishments, and the unique value you can bring to a specific role.”
Let AI Work For You
If you held the same job for decades before retiring, you might be surprised by how much has changed when it comes to job hunting.
“The majority of applications now happen online,” Spencer pointed out. “Companies often use applicant tracking systems to collect, organize, and scan resumes before anyone reads them.”
AI streamlines the hiring process on both sides. Hiring managers, recruiters, and jobseekers, alike, all use AI, and the majority find it helpful, according to Resume Now’s research. “At the same time, 66 percent say AI has increased competition. More people are applying faster, so standing out takes more effort,” Spencer said.
Don’t let this deter you. Enlist the help of resume experts who understand AI to help with formatting and keywords. But don’t lean on AI too much. If you pass the first phase, a human being will ideally read your resume and cover letter; you want to stand out.
“Personalize every application. Your voice, your story, and your relevant experience are what employers will remember,” Spencer said. “They want to hear from you, not just an algorithm.”
Know Your Worth
Whatever your reason for returning to the workplace, you want to make sure you’re being compensated fairly and in line with your experience and skills. Nearly half (49%) of mid-life and older workers report earning less than younger colleagues in similar roles, according to Resume Now. Similarly, 48% reported “lower earning potential due to age-related discrimination.”
First, go into an interview knowing what someone in the role should earn. Use tools like Glassdoor.com and the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics website to find out the average pay at specific companies and median salaries in various industries.
Studies show that the majority of millennials (75%) and Gen Z (81%) support pay transparency as a step toward pay equity. So it might be worth asking younger connections for their thoughts on salary expectations within a specific company or industry.
Once you’ve got solid numbers to back you up, don’t hesitate to negotiate. “Advocating for yourself is essential,” Spencer said. “You bring experience, reliability, and a strong work ethic to the table. Many companies are actively looking for exactly that.”
