Working in old age: tips you should consider
Some people are counting the years until they can finally retire. Some even cross off the individual days they have taken on this arduous journey. But more and more often, working in old age is coming into focus on the other side as well. This refers to employees who do not want to retire immediately when they reach retirement age, but want to continue participating in working life in various forms. But what needs to be taken into account and how can you convince your employer that you still have the qualifications and capabilities needed to do a good job?? We give some tips..
Working in old age: why is it an issue?
For some, it's hard to comprehend, while for others it's an important matter of the heart: working in old age. The number of employees who are still working at retirement age has continued to rise in recent years. Although this is still a small minority, the number of those who want to continue working after retirement is steadily increasing.
The statistics can be interpreted quite differently. When you consider the increased number of older workers, there is certainly a socio-political aspect to it. In many cases, working in old age is due to the fact that, due to insufficient pensions, additional income is vital even in old age.
If the pension is not sufficient to cover the costs incurred or to be able to maintain one's own accustomed standard of living, in many cases there is no other option than to take on a job even in old age. Mostly these activities amount to few hours per week, in order to improve the own finances.
However, it would be wrong to assume that this is the only trigger. In many cases, the initiative comes from the worker himself/herself. Many of them don't want to give up their jobs just like that when they reach retirement age. On the contrary, these so-called silver workers see a part of their identity in continuing to work.
Quite a few employees still feel fit and spry enough to stay active in their jobs. In addition, they are motivated to continue providing their knowledge and experience to the company.
This is also reflected in the figures and statistics on working in old age: the proportion of academics and self-employed people who would like to continue working after reaching retirement age is particularly high. Either because they want to continue managing their own company or because they are still very attached to their profession.
Working in old age: not possible for many seniors
Although working in old age has increased, it still remains an exception for the entire workforce. The majority of employees even retire early.
Health reasons are often the decisive factor for early retirement. Especially those who have worked physically hard throughout their entire working life are seldom in a position to continue doing so in their old age.
This is how the actual retirement age differs from the statutory retirement age. For male employees, it is around 64 years, for female employees around 63 years.
Nevertheless, a trend toward working in old age is discernible. More than 60 percent of retirees can imagine continuing to be active in a professional or honorary capacity. Forecasts predict that this number will increase in the future.
Regional differences in retirement jobs
In addition to educational attainment and type of employment, where people live also has a demonstrable impact on working in retirement. Therefore, there are clearly measurable differences between the federal states.
In particular, there is a clear contrast between east and west: In the east of the country, significantly fewer people work in old age than in the west. Saxony-Anhalt has the lowest rate, with around twelve percent of the workforce between the ages of 65 and 70.
In Baden-Württemberg, on the other hand, just under twenty percent, or almost one in five, continue to work at least part-time after retirement, thus postponing the date of permanent retirement.
Such differences are primarily explained by the general conditions on the labor market of the respective region: The better the economic situation and the more jobs that can be filled in a region as a result, the more opportunities there are to seek employment even in old age.
In addition, the cost of living is another factor. Particularly in expensive regions, they are a reason to continue working.
Working in old age: The job market for seniors
Many companies have recognized the developments towards working in old age. Despite recognizing this trend, they often lack a clear model that systematically enables and supports working in old age.
Those who are thinking about continuing in employment instead of retiring immediately need to consider the options available to them in this context. Full-time work is only possible or desired in the rarest of cases.
So especially those who want to earn something in addition to their pension must observe an important limit in this context: The so-called additional earnings limit. This is currently at 6.300 Euro per year, i.e. 525 Euro per month.
Up to this sum you do not have to consider any deductions with the pension. Anything above this is counted towards the pension at 40 percent.
Therefore, it is advisable to look closely at employment before accepting it. We present three possible alternatives:
Work on a voluntary basis
Continue working part-time
Look for marginal employment
PS: Take a look at our online job exchange right now. Perhaps you will find a suitable job for seniors or retirees in your area right here..
Working in old age: Possible jobs for seniors
There are various possibilities to be able to work in old age. Older people often find suitable offers on special job boards. Jobs in old age can be found, for example, on sites such as the German Seniors Portal or on Rent-a-Rentner.
These offers provide the opportunity to search specifically for jobs for retirees and tasks for seniors. For example, the following jobs are possible:
- Babysitter
- Consultant
- Garden Help
- Home help
- Dog sitter
- Inventory Help
- Cleaner
- Sales assistance
- Newspaper Delivery Man
In addition, seniors can also do valuable work for nonprofit organizations, church and social service agencies, neighborhood watch groups or similar organizations on a volunteer basis or for a small fee. Many retirees appreciate the gratitude and human interaction in these areas and therefore like to use their labor for a good cause.
Still working at 80: What do I need to consider?
Who still wants to work in old age, can do this theoretically unlimited long, as long as the health allows it and the joy of the activity is present. Although it sounds extreme to still be working at 80, it is said to have happened in the past.
However, most older workers will find that they become increasingly less efficient and should take it easy and slow down more often. This is their right and should therefore also be clearly demanded by them.
However, there is one important point that employees of retirement age must take into account: after the official retirement age, health insurance no longer pays sick pay. In contrast, however, the contributions also fall.
In addition, in the event of prolonged incapacity for work, the health insurance company may require the insured person to apply for a pension and to stop working.
How to convince your employer
If you have decided that you would like to continue working for your current employer, then the question is how to convince them of your plans. As long as you do not announce anything else, they will assume that you are no longer available to them as planned on the date of your retirement.
Therefore it is advisable that you should be active in good time. Make sure you talk to the person before the job is advertised again. However, in order to convince your supervisor of your plans, you should be able to answer some important questions convincingly in this context.
What distinguishes me?
What makes me special?
Why do I want to continue?
Working at night: a trend throughout Europe
Outside Germany, too, there is an increasing trend toward working in old age. While the proportion of working retirees in Germany has increased in recent years, the number is still at a comparatively low level, working in old age seems to be becoming almost the norm in some other European countries in particular.
Especially in the far north, many employees still have both feet on the job even when they are over 65 years old. In Estonia, for example, almost every third person is still working in old age. In Sweden and the UK, the figure is also over 20 percent.
Germany is currently just above the European average with a rate of around 15 percent. However, it can be assumed that these developments of recent years will continue and are expected to increase further.