According to LinkedIn News Editor Taylor Borden, writing in The Work Shift, more professionals are reinventing retirement by continuing to work into their golden years, a trend often referred to as “unretirement.” Driven by financial pressures, longer life expectancies, and a desire for purpose, this shift is reshaping how Americans view life after their primary careers. Research from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph shows the share of retirees returning to the workforce surged to 5.5 percent in 2023 before dipping to 4.4 percent in 2024. The figure remains well above pre-pandemic levels of 2 to 3 percent, suggesting the trend is here to stay.
The story of Jeanne Bellew, a former consultant who retired at 58 but soon realized she wanted to “reboot” rather than stop working, highlights the movement. Now 63, she works as a digital nomad, coaching other baby boomers on freelancing. “I wanted to travel, but still wanted to make money and stay purposeful,” she told LinkedIn News. Like Bellew, many baby boomers are choosing flexible work, self-employment, or digital income streams instead of traditional retirement.
Financial challenges are a major driver. Morningstar research shows 45 percent of U.S. households risk running out of retirement savings, while baby boomers face a 52 percent higher risk of shortfalls compared to younger generations. Fidelity data puts the average boomer’s 401(k) at $249,300, well below the $1.26 million many believe is needed for security. As a result, 40 percent of boomers fear outliving their savings, and Northwestern Mutual reports the average expected retirement age has climbed to 72.
Experts also note the psychological side of retirement. Chris Littlefield of Principal Financial Group says shifting health, tax policy, and market volatility make planning increasingly difficult. Leadership expert Adam Bryant adds that slowing down can be “disorienting,” as many retirees struggle with the loss of structure and purpose. That is why some, like Bellew, see their later years as a chance to launch side businesses, consult, or learn emerging skills such as AI to stay engaged.
Still, returning to the workforce is not always smooth. A LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey found that job seekers over 50 worry about skill gaps and age discrimination. Nearly three-quarters believe age is a barrier to hiring, and half report direct experiences of bias according to AARP. Yet opportunities exist. Sun Belt cities such as Cape Coral, Charleston, Austin, and Phoenix are hiring baby boomers at higher rates, and many are finding success through self-employment.
Ultimately, “unretirement” is less about going backward than creating a new path forward. For many, working in their 60s and 70s is about blending financial stability with a renewed sense of purpose. As Borden concludes, Americans are not simply retiring in the traditional sense. They are reinventing what retirement looks like in the 21st century.