Should You Retire before Exploring Your Dream Career?
With the cost of living increasing and the job market margins decreasing, it’s hard to know if you’ll have the means to retire by the time you hit 65. Or perhaps, you can’t give up working and the structure it brings to your life. Maybe it’s that you simply want to continue learning, exploring, and contributing.
Either way, according to Newsweek, the percentage of working Americans of retirement age has hit 51 percent, which reflects both the economy and fluid opinions on retirement. This increase is followed by older adults reentering the workforce, longer life expectancies, or funding lifestyle needs.
This begs the question: Should you retire before exploring or working your dream job?
And the answer is you totally shouldn’t if you want to give your dream one final go. It’s never too late in life, and with age comes decades of lived and work experience which you can leverage.
With the lack of job security, dwindling work benefits, industry layoffs, and the reliance on AI, many job seekers are planning a career change. Many are looking for more flexibility, a challenge, or are looking to start something or their own.
This AARP article breaks down how 24 percent of Americans aged 50 and older sought to make a career change in 2025. People want to work, but most importantly, they want to be valued for the work they do.
Some are able to work a job that they don’t like because of the money, but there are few who can tolerate that. It ultimately comes down to money, and why wouldn’t it in this pricey economy. But at the end of the day, you have control over your life and should think about things you deserve as you age.
The National Council on Aging shares effective tips for job-hunting older adults and ways to use your resources. If you can’t find your dream role, you can still find a job in something you enjoy.
It’s never too late to try out for your dream role, it may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. You might worry you can’t keep up with your younger peers or the latest trends or technology, but employers are realizing age is an asset and remember your willingness to learn and your value. Most importantly, make sure to be bold and confident when you show up for yourself in ways you couldn’t before.
Bianca Mestiza is based in New York City and enjoys writing about beauty, arts and culture.