Baby Boomers at Work: Met Life Study Finds Boomers Extended Working Expectations Unrealistic

While many Baby Boomers have adopted the attitude that they will work until they drop or at least a lot longer than they had planned, a new Met Life study reveals how these expectations may be unrealistic given the realities of many older workers seeking employment.

The study indicates that “… there is a compelling disconnect between the growing size and availability of the aging labor pool and the historical lack of success those in this age group looking for work have had in finding paid employment.”

The study goes on to say that “Aging Boomers face different challenges, depending on the type of work situation they are seeking. There is a consensus among Boomer job coaches and employment experts that by age 58 it becomes very difficult, though not impossible,
to find full-time positions with benefits, particularly in large organizations. That is why
small- to medium-sized companies and nonprofits, as well as self-employment, often become
more realistic options for older job seekers.”

However, as this column has been exploring “The individual’s level of adaptability and
resilience is a critical factor in determining success in the job market. Part of adaptability
is reflected in a job seeker’s or worker’s willingness to invest in additional training.”

This would suggest that a look in the mirror in terms of creatively exploring options such as the Boomer Reboot column of several weeks ago is the key to extending Boomers’ working lives and even enhancing their satisfaction with working longer.

There are resources that this column will explore such as employment and staffing agencies targeted specifically to Boomers as well as Boomer coaches are avenues that can assist with the need or desire that Boomers have to extend and enhance their working lives.