Retired workers are turning to ‘returnships’ and loving it

Looking to combat ageism, boredom or just to enjoy themselves, some retirees are getting back into the workforce in part-time capacities in the form of “returnships”, Bloomberg reported June 23. 

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About 3 million Americans retired during the pandemic, some of whom are seeking contract work, part-time work and project work to fill their days. These returnships provide flexible working arrangements for older, experienced Americans, benefiting both the retiree and the organization that employs them. 

One retiree, Chris Emhardt, told Bloomberg he has returned to work, completing short-term projects in his work surveying voting sites. 

“The difference is I’m not trying to build or advance my career,” he said. “I don’t mind going 110 percent for a month, but I wouldn’t want to do that as a full-time job.”

They are also in demand. According to Jody Greenstone Miller, chief executive officer of Business Talent Group, the demand for interim, experienced workers has more than doubled over the past year.

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