The Rise of 'Jobbonär' – Embracing Work After Retirement
After many years of bustling days in the workforce, the prospect of retirement can be appealing, providing an opportunity to enjoy life without the constraints of alarm clocks and daily commutes. However, for a growing number of retirees, this phase is not viewed as a definitive endpoint; rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter where they seek to maintain a connection with their professional lives and leverage the wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years.
Enter the concept of "jobbonär," a term designated as a new word in Swedish by the Language Council in 2021, referring to retirees who choose to continue working, often with a reduced workload alongside their pensions. This trend is gaining momentum. According to Statistics Sweden (SCB), the number of older individuals in the workforce has doubled in the last two decades. A survey conducted by Kantar for a Swedish pension company indicates that approximately 64% of Swedes aged 55 to 65 are considering part-time work during retirement.
The attraction of this flexible work option resonates with both older men and women, who are increasingly opting for roles in areas such as care, business services, or consultancy within their fields of expertise. If you find yourself intrigued by the prospect of becoming a jobbonär, here are some practical steps you can take to embark on this rewarding journey:
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Reflect on Your Skills: Consider what abilities you would like to put to use or further develop. This could range from mentoring and consulting to project management or engaging in creative endeavors.
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Plan Your Pension Withdrawal: You can opt to withdraw your general pension in varying percentages — 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% — and adjust it whenever necessary. Be aware that the occupational pension may not offer the same flexibility, so it’s wise to check with your employer or pension provider about your options.
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Consider Your Desired Workload: Many jobbonärer prefer flexibility in their roles, often opting for shorter assignments that allow them to balance work and leisure effectively.
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Choose the Right Working Arrangement: You don’t have to start a company to work as a freelancer. Utilizing services like Frilans Finans enables you to invoice without the administrative burdens of running a business, providing both security and freedom.
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Financial Planning: Continuing to work may positively impact your overall pension. By working part-time and selectively withdrawing from your pension, you can achieve a level of financial security that extends your resources further.
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Stay Connected: For many jobbonärer, maintaining professional relationships with colleagues is just as significant as the work itself. Engaging in networks and attending events keeps you informed, updated, and inspired.
The jobbonär phenomenon is on the rise, with statistics showing a growth of over 20% in its numbers since 2012, as reported by the Pension Authority. By 2022, there were approximately 263,000 jobbonärer aged 62 to 84, which constitutes 42% of Sweden's working population and 15.5% of the population aged 62 to 74. Notably, more men than women occupy jobbonär positions, and there’s a greater proportion of self-employed individuals among jobbonärer than in the general population. Interestingly, the average age of jobbonärer as of 2022 stood at 70.2 years, with the highest concentration found in Gotland.
As the landscape of retirement evolves, the role of jobbonär is redefining how we view aging and work, encouraging an active and fulfilling retirement life.
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