Retirees Find Flexibility and Community in Gig Work

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As retirement savings fall short and living costs rise, a growing number of Americans over 50 are 'unretiring' and finding work through gig economy apps and platforms. Retirees like Stu Goldberg, Barbara Baratta, and LisaKay 'LK' Foyle are drawn to the flexibility of jobs like Uber driving, pet care, and laundry services, though the work comes with its own challenges like limited benefits and unpredictable income.

Why it matters

The trend of older Americans returning to the workforce, often in gig jobs, highlights the financial pressures many retirees face as well as the desire to stay active and engaged. It also raises questions about the tradeoffs of gig work, including lack of protections and unstable earnings, versus the benefits of flexibility and social interaction.

The details

Stu Goldberg, 74, has a Ph.D. in neuropsychology and decades of business experience, but now drives for Uber at night to supplement his retirement income. Barbara Baratta, 72, retired as a pediatric nurse in 2018 but later signed up with the pet care app Rover to walk dogs and administer medication to cats. LisaKay 'LK' Foyle, 64, uses the laundry app Poplin to choose high-paying express orders that fit her schedule. While they appreciate the flexibility, the retirees also face challenges like unpredictable earnings, lack of benefits, and physical demands of the work.

• Goldberg began driving for Uber after concluding his decades-long career.
• Baratta retired as a pediatric nurse in 2018 and later signed up with Rover.
• Foyle, 64, uses the Poplin app to supplement her retirement income.

What they’re saying

What’s next

As more retirees turn to gig work, policymakers and companies may need to consider ways to provide better protections and benefits for this growing segment of the workforce.