6 Silent Struggles Retirees Face In Finding Employment

Retirement is often envisioned as a well-earned rest, a golden period of relaxation and freedom after decades of hard work. A time to chill out and spend time doing what they have been longing to do for years. However, for many retirees, (including me), this is not the reality. Some have the need for financial stability - to meet their basic needs when their pension payments are not enough. Others find difficulty in transitioning from "doing everything" to "doing nothing." Retirees who have decided to re-enter the job market are faced with the truth that finding employment as a senior citizen is not as welcoming as they have hoped. 

What difficulties do retirees experience in re-entering the workforce?

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1. A Growing Trend, but Limited Opportunity

According to data from labor and aging agencies, the number of retirees seeking employment has steadily increased over the past decade. In the Philippines alone, the percentage of workers aged 65 and above has increased to 38.2% in 2022. Due to the rising costs of living, longer life expectancies, and inadequate retirement savings and/or pension payments, older adults resort to finding ways and means to augment their finances - either through re-entering the workforce or starting a small business. Unfortunately, retirees often encounter unique challenges that make finding suitable employment a frustrating, if not impossible, endeavor.

2. Ageism

One of the biggest challenges retirees encounter is age discrimination or ageism. While it is illegal to discriminate based on age in hiring practices in many countries, the bias often is manifested in subtle ways. Older candidates are unfairly perceived as less adaptable, technologically limited, or too expensive to hire (cost of training/upskilling). In a recent job interview, I was asked, "How do you see yourself in 5 years?" I am 60 years old! What response did they want me to say? "In 5 years I will be dead." (Knock on wood) Nope, I didn't say that. I did my best to answer the question. "I will still have the enthusiasm to continue working, in the same level as a 20 year old fresh graduate on the first day of her first job." Unfortunately, after a day, I got a Letter of Rejection in my email. Other older applicants may hear phrases like “you’re overqualified” or “we’re looking for someone who can grow with the company.” These are subtle manifestations for age-based rejection.

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3. Keeping up with Technology

Some older people who have gone into retirement recently are still up to date with workplace technology. Not every retiree is a tech dinosaur! As an older adult, I understand the fast pace in handling business processes and the rapid evolution of digital technology. Employers are not too keen on hiring someone who they would still need to train to acquire proficiency in digital tools. While many older adults are eager to learn and adapt, employers often underestimate the tech-savviness of older job seekers.

4. Physical Demands and Health Concerns

I understand an employer's decision to not hire retirees seeking employment when a job demands physical labor. Health and safety of workers are among the top priorities of companies engaged in labor intensive work. However, there are other occupations that a retiree may consider that would not significantly impact their health and safety. Careers in accounting, transcription, customer service, to name a few. Work from home jobs are ideal for the 60 years and older population. 

5. Employment Gaps

"Kindly explain the employment gaps I see in your resume," an interviewer asks. Presumably, career breaks raise red flags for hiring managers. Many retirees looking to return to the workforce have been out of the labor market for years. Employers may look for professionals with recent experience and a strong grasp of current industry trends. Updating résumés, crafting cover letters, and navigating modern hiring platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed can be daunting tasks, especially without the guidance or coaching younger job seekers often receive.

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6. The Mental and Emotional Stress of Job Rejections

Facing job rejections can take a significant toll on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Each rejection may feel like a personal failure, leading to self-doubt, decreased self-esteem, and heightened anxiety about the future. Out of 5 job applications, I have been rejected 4 times. The remaining one, I have never heard back from the company. That for sure is another rejection. Honestly, repeated rejections can create a sense of hopelessness. I have paused sending out applications for a week. I need a break. My self confidence took a deep dive and I am taking some time off to heal. 

Searching for a job later in life can take a significant emotional toll. Repeated rejections or being overlooked can feel intensely personal, crushing one's confidence and sense of self-worth. Exactly what I am going through right now. Retirees who once held prestigious roles may now find themselves vying for entry-level positions, only to be quietly dismissed by younger hiring managers who may doubt their relevance.

Can Retirees Still Find Work?

Despite these hurdles, there are still ways to achieve success. Nonprofits and government programs are beginning to offer job training and placement services for retirees and persons with disabilities. I would love to learn of companies that are embracing the value of a multi-generational workforce, appreciating the experience, reliability, and work ethic retirees bring. Freelancing, remote work, consulting, and part-time opportunities also offer alternatives that align with retirees’ goals and lifestyles.

Policymakers, too, have a role to play. I am happy to have learned that House Bill 10985 or the Employment Opportunities for Senior Citizens and Private Entities’ Incentives has been approved by Congress. Now it is the Senate's turn to act and approve this bill. (Please!)

Conclusion: Valuing Experience in the Modern Workforce

The struggle for retirees to find employment is real—and often overlooked. As societies grapple with aging populations and workforce shortages, it’s time to rethink outdated perceptions of retirement. Rather than viewing retirees as liabilities, we should recognize them as assets: seasoned professionals with a wealth of knowledge, patience, and life experience. With the right support and mindset shifts, the workforce can become a more inclusive space—one that honors both youth and age, ambition and experience.

Post Script: I am looking for a remote or work from home job. I can do social media management, data entry, write articles, do customer service through chat or email, quality assurance, typing, and transcription. Hire me please before I rot and die of hunger.