Retirement doesn't mean quitting work for good for a lot of people anymore. Instead, it's turning into a new chapter full of new chances, financial goals, and the need to stay active. According to a recent poll, three out of four Americans plan to keep working in some way after they retire.


Not everyone follows through on those plans, but the reasons people choose not to work after retirement show that retirement jobs aren't just about money; they're often about purpose, fulfillment, and staying connected.

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Why do retirees want to keep working?

According to the 2025 edition of the Employee Benefit Research Institute's (EBRI) Retirement Confidence Survey, which is the oldest of its kind, 75% of participants intend to continue working for pay after they retire. Others yearn for social interaction, while others wish to work in order to keep investing.


This survey has been carried out by the EBRI for many years, and it has consistently shown that fewer people work in retirement than anticipated. That means that some of the 75% who said they intended to work will change their minds. Perhaps after they begin receiving payments from Social Security, annuities, and other sources of income, they decide they are financially secure and can find other ways to meet their emotional and social needs.

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One of the main reasons people do things is to stay busy and not get bored. The survey found that 89% of working retirees said that staying active and involved was a big reason they got a job after they retired. Many retirees are looking for meaningful ways to fill their days now that they don't have the structure and routine of work anymore, as per a report by USA Today.


88% of people who answered said they just enjoy working. These people don't think life would be fun without daily challenges. They don't want to give up their jobs because they give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Is working after retirement about more than just making money?

Apparently, many retirees go back to work because they find it personally rewarding. In fact, 83% said they enjoy the satisfaction of doing something that matters, like working with kids, spending time outside, or following a passion they couldn't pursue earlier in life, as per a report by USA Today.



It's interesting that 56% said they took a job just because an unexpected chance came up. These retirees didn't plan to work, but they couldn't turn down the right opportunity when it came along.

How do worries about money affect retirement decisions?

For a lot of people, money is still a big reason. Around 54% of retirees said they still work so they don't have to use their savings. This "consumption gap" shows that people are afraid to spend their hard-earned retirement money too quickly, as per a report by USA Today.

Also, 26% keep working to keep investing and growing their wealth, and 40% said they need the money to pay for everyday costs. Some people also work to get health care; 16% say they rely on their jobs to keep their insurance until Medicare starts, as per a report by USA Today.

The survey shows that retirement is not the same for everyone. Some people want to slow down, but others feel safe and fulfilled at work. For a lot of Americans, working after they retire isn't a chore; it's a chance to stay active, safe, and connected.

FAQ

Why do so many people who are retired want to keep working?
Many people who are retired want to keep working in order to stay busy, feel good about themselves, and keep their money safe.

Do most people really work in retirement?
Fewer people do it than planned, but a lot still come back for work or money.