Is he really at it again? Despite ruling out an NFL encore appearance this fall, rumors continue to circulate among fans that Tom Brady is flirting with the idea.
While the sports star’s plans remain unknown, he has become a highly visible ambassador for unretirement among the broader public after a video was posted on the New England Patriots Twitter recently.
More and more Americans appear to be following Brady’s game plan.
According to a recent Paychex survey, one in six American retirees is considering getting off the benches and back on the professional field. Aspiring unretirees cited a number of key drivers, with “personal reasons” (57%), “needing more money” (53%), “getting bored” (52%), “feeling lonely” (45%), and “inflation” (45%) making up the top five reasons for unretiring.
The shift coincides with a tightening labor market as demand for workers nationwide continues to run high. This article will discuss the phenomenon of unretiring and consider perspectives from financial advisors on how to transition back into the workforce at a late stage of life.
Retirement 2.0
Unretirement may strike some as odd. There are many cultural myths that surround retirement. It is assumed most people want to retire as soon as possible and quit the rat race.
Yet recent years have seen a paradigm shift in the way retirement and the post-work phase of life have evolved and diversified into a multi-faceted stage of life.
“Retirement is no longer a static concept, but a dynamic phase of life…the evolving landscape of retirement reflects changing perspectives and longer lifespans,” says Jorey Bernstein, CEO of Bernstein Private Wealth. “Retirement no longer signifies the end of one’s productive journey; instead, it has become a stepping stone towards new opportunities. Some retirees choose to ‘unretire’ in pursuit of financial stability, personal fulfillment, and social engagement,” Bernstein adds.
Unretiring may be catching on now as a buzzword, but don’t expect it to be a passing fad. The trend has demographics on its side.
The number of elderly workers is predicted to surge through the 2020s. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workforce participation rate for senior citizens of all ages will increase by several percentage points. Nearly a third of all adults aged between 65 and 74 and 11% of those aged 75 and older are expected to still be working by 2031.
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Matter of Choice
Yet not all unretirees are in the same boat. There may be a split in the unretiree demographic between those who can unretire and those who have no choice but to. As Paychex’s survey noted, almost as many people said they were taking up work again due to boredom as due to economic necessity.
The newly-retired academic who teaches Latin to keep his mind sharp is vastly different than the 70-year-old lady who is back stacking shelves as a Walmart employee to pay off her spiraling medical bills.
While for some, it may be fulfilling on a vocation, for others, either due to a lack of planning or unfortunate life circumstances, have the painful realization they cannot afford to really stop working. Those with a degree of financial security will have more freedom to choose what to do, whether that generates extra money.
“If you’re financially independent, focus on what you’re good at, love, and the world needs. If that happens to earn income, all the better,” says Kevin Estes, Financial Planner and Founder of Scaled Finance. “I suggest everyone explore their passions. What energizes you? How could you do more of what you love and less of what you don’t?,” he adds.
There are many part time jobs in retirement that many consider ideal, from consulting to tutoring and from tour guide to security officer. Whether it be to give back to the community or their mild levels of physical exertion, these positions can be a good fit for a newly retired in senior life.
Yet unretirees need to keep their wits about them. Regardless of which field they enter (or re-enter), they must adapt to new realities.
“Returning to the workforce after retirement requires a strategic approach,” says Bernstein. “Updating skills, networking with former colleagues, and exploring part-time or flexible work options are key steps in navigating this transition successfully.”
The rise of unretirees is turning our traditional assumptions about retirement on its head and forcing a rethink of how we should spend the later stages of life. The shifting demographic trends and the evolving nature of the workplace are powering the phenomenon. As people embrace longer lifespans, seek new purposes, and adapt to technological advancements, older workers are redefining the workplace; there can be many pathways to unretire, yet ultimately, those with the financial means will be in a better position to unretire.
As with many things in life, we are much more likely to get satisfaction from something – even work – if we feel we have the freedom to choose it on our own terms.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be considered financial advice. You should consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while collecting Social Security?
Yes, but if you’re under full retirement age, an earnings limit applies. In 2026, Social Security withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $24,480, and in the year you reach full retirement age it withholds $1 for every $3 above $65,160. Once you reach full retirement age, the limit no longer applies and your benefit is recalculated to credit the months that were withheld.
Can I undo my Social Security claim if I go back to work?
You can withdraw your retirement application within 12 months of approval, but only once. You must repay all benefits you and your family received, plus amounts withheld for items like Medicare premiums. Withdrawing treats the application as if it never happened, so you can reapply later for a larger benefit.
Can I contribute to an IRA after I unretire?
Yes, as long as you have earned income. Since 2020 there is no age limit on contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA, but contributions can’t exceed your taxable compensation for the year. For 2026, the limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older.
What is unretirement?
Unretirement means going back to paid work after retiring, whether full time, part time or as a consultant. Some people return because they want purpose, structure or social connection, while others need the extra income because of inflation or a savings shortfall. Having enough savings to make it a choice rather than a necessity gives you more control over the work you take on.
About the author
Contributing Writer, Wealthtender
Liam Gibson is a Taiwan-based freelance journalist who covers tech, geopolitics, and finance. He has written for Al Jazeera, Nikkei Asia Review, South China Morning Post, Straits Times, National Interest, and has appeared in Fortune Magazine, and several other international media outlets.