A generation or two ago, retirement marked the end of a career and the start of a very long vacation. Retirees worked hard for many years often to just make ends meet, spent little time looking after their health and fitness, and certainly didn’t prioritize leisure.  The idea was that, after years of hard work, they had earned the right to rest, travel, or simply enjoy the fruits of their labor. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the reality. Many retirees found themselves facing financial insecurity or a loss of purpose after leaving the workforce. The absence of work left a void in their identity and daily routine.

But today’s retirees are flipping the script—they’re healthier, more tech-savvy, and more active than ever.

They’re not slowing down; in fact, they’re continually learning, growing, and enjoying their work. For many, including me, work is a large part of who we are because we enjoy it and yes, it sustains us and our families too. It’s a good thing!

UnRetiring, coming back into the workforce after retiring, offers enormous benefits, financial flexibility, social connections, opportunities for personal growth, mental fulfillment to name a few obvious ones. Whether it’s part-time project work, consulting projects, or entirely new careers, the advantages of staying engaged in the workforce are undeniable.

 For me, the greatest benefit is the ability to continue doing what you love. The flexibility to take on projects, make decisions, share your knowledge through teaching and mentoring, contribute to a team, and, above all, produce—these are the things that make work valuable to anyone, especially retirees.

So why stop doing what you love? UnRetirement is the key to a fulfilling next chapter. Stay tuned for my next article on why UnRetired workers are an employer’s secret weapon!