Episode 6: Unretirement - Why More People Are Going Back to Work on Their Terms
The Retirement Navigator
What if retirement didn’t have to mean stopping work completely? In this episode, we explore a growing idea called “unretirement”—a more flexible, balanced approach to life after full-time work.
Our guest shares how many older adults are choosing to work part-time, volunteer, or start something new while still enjoying more freedom. With longer life expectancies and rising costs of living, retirement today can last 25 to 40 years. That makes thoughtful planning more important than ever—especially for those living on a fixed income or relying on Social Security.
We also walk through practical concerns many seniors face, including when to claim Social Security, how to think about Medicare, planning for long-term care, and ways to stay engaged and purposeful. The goal is simple: help you feel more confident and prepared for the years ahead.
Key Topics Covered
- What “unretirement” means and why more people are choosing it
- How to create additional retirement income through part-time work or flexible opportunities
- Important Social Security updates, including when it may make sense to delay benefits
- Why saving is still important, even in your 60s and beyond
- Understanding Medicare basics and common mistakes to avoid
- Planning ahead for long-term care costs and coverage gaps
- How to find purpose, structure, and connection after leaving full-time work
- Simple mindset shifts to help you adapt to a longer retirement
Who This Episode Is For
- Are age 55+ and thinking about retirement or already retired
- Rely on or plan to rely on Social Security or a fixed income
- Feel unsure if your savings will last
- Are open to part-time work, consulting, or new opportunities
- Want clear, practical guidance on senior benefits and planning decisions
Why This Matters Now
Retirement is changing. People are living longer, pensions are less common, and many households depend heavily on Social Security. At the same time, costs—especially healthcare—continue to rise. Understanding your options now can help you make more confident, informed decisions for the future.
About Richard Eisenberg
Richard Eisenberg is an "unretired" journalist and podcaster. He writes The View From Unretirement column for MarketWatch, co-hosts the Friends Talk Money personal finance podcast and freelances for Kiplinger and the Stanford Center on Longevity Magazine. Before unretiring in 2022, he was Managing Editor of Next Avenue, the PBS site for people 50+, and editor of its Money and Work channels. Previously, he was Executive Editor of Money Magazine, Front Page Finance Editor at Yahoo! and Special Projects Director/Money Editor at Good Housekeeping. He has also run the NYU Summer Publishing Institute's Digital Media Strategies program and taught a MasterClass in Unretirement for NYU. He is the author of How to Avoid a Midlife Financial Crisis and the Money Book of Personal Finance.
Connect with Richard
MarketWatch column Richard writes: https://www.marketwatch.com/author/richard-eisenberg
Friends Talk Money podcast: https://friendstalkmoney.org/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardeisenberg/
Twitter: @richeis315
X.com: https://x.com/richeis315
Phone Number: 908-456-2089
Email Address: richardeisenberg@usa.net
If you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing to The Retirement Navigator so you don’t miss future conversations.
You might also share this episode with a friend or family member who is planning for retirement. These are important topics, and having support makes a difference.
