Rethinking Retirement: The Surprising Benefits of a Part-Time Job

By Zach Lundak | June 12, 2025

It's Not Just About No Alarm Clocks Anymore

When most people envision retirement, they picture endless days of freedom – no commute, no boss, no alarm clocks. But what if I told you one of the best things you could do for your retirement plan is to actually get a part-time job?

It might sound counterintuitive, but a recent video that blew up on social media (garnering over 100,000 views) made a compelling point: maybe having a part-time job isn't the worst idea. I'm Zach, an hourly financial planner, and today I'm looking at some surprising, non-financial benefits of working part-time in retirement.

Beyond the Savings: Unexpected Benefits of a Part-Time Retirement Job

While a part-time job can certainly provide extra income to bolster your retirement savings or cover expenses, the benefits extend far beyond your bank account. The viral video highlighted several crucial aspects often overlooked in traditional retirement planning:

1. Bolster Your Social Well-Being

Loneliness in retirement is a very real challenge, and frankly, a growing concern in society at large.
A part-time job offers a built-in solution:

  • Regular Interaction: It provides a consistent time and place where you regularly encounter co-workers and customers.

  • New Connections: It's a great opportunity to meet new people and even make new friends.

  • Health Benefits: Alongside diet and exercise, social interaction is incredibly important for long-term physical and mental health. A part-time job can be a fantastic way to avoid the isolation that can creep into retirement.

2. Embrace Gentle Activity

You don't need to join a CrossFit gym at 5 AM, but light physical activity throughout the day adds up.

  • Subtle Movement: Whether it's walking the floor, helping customers, or picking up a few light
    boxes, these small movements can have a big impact.

  • Stave Off Age-Related Issues: Regular, gentle activity can help prevent some of the common physical problems associated with aging, keeping you more mobile and active for longer.

3. Cultivate a Healthy Routine

After decades of following a routine, having 100% total freedom of your entire day can
actually be disorienting for some people.

  • Structure and Purpose: A part-time job can provide a much-needed
    sense of structure and routine without being overwhelming.

  • Something to Look Forward To: Having a regular schedule and responsibilities can give you something concrete to plan around and look forward to, contributing to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.

4. Stay Connected and Current

While we might not always love being around younger generations, their perspective can
be valuable.

  • Fresh Perspectives: Interacting with younger colleagues can offer new ways of looking at the world.

  • Learn New Trends: You could pick up on new trends and technologies.

More Than Just Money:
A Longer, Healthier Life

The link between social interaction, physical activity, and longevity is supported by research. In his newsletter, Rob Berger shared a link to a life expectancy calculator by Thiago Forte, which lists various factors impacting life expectancy, including social interaction and stress levels. A part-time job can positively influence both of these.

A part-time job in retirement, ultimately, isn't just about the financial boost. It could also provide benefits that help you live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Ready to Rethink Retirement?

The traditional view of retirement is evolving, and it's worth considering all the options that could lead to a healthier and happier future.

At Barrett FP LLC, we offer expert financial planning on an hourly basis, focused entirely on helping you achieve your goals.

Learn more about how we can help you navigate your retirement plans and see if we're a good fit.