More than 25,000 pensioners in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are working additionally - and the trend is rising
Additional income and the desire to stay active
For many pensioners in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, working in retirement is an important supplementary source of income. Due to the high inflation rate, more and more pensioners are looking for additional jobs to supplement their pensions. According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 25,000 pensioners in the state were employed in the first quarter of 2023, an increase of around 3,000 compared to the previous year.
One of them is Peter Schmidt from Rostock. The 68-year-old worked as a teacher before retiring three years ago. Now he works part-time in a bookstore. "I need the extra money to make ends meet," says Schmidt. "But it's not just about the money. I also enjoy working and being around people."
The trend towards working in retirement is increasing
Schmidt is not alone. The trend towards working in retirement is increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. According to a study by the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research (IAB), the proportion of working pensioners in Germany has risen from 10.7 percent in 2010 to 14.9 percent in 2022. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the increase was even more pronounced, from 11.3 percent to 17.1 percent.
There are several reasons for this trend. On the one hand, the statutory retirement age has been raised in recent years, so that many people are now working longer than before. On the other hand, the pension level has been falling for years, so that many pensioners have to work additionally to make ends meet.
Work in retirement has advantages and disadvantages
Working in retirement has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include the additional income, the social contacts and the structure that work provides. However, there are also disadvantages, such as the physical and mental strain and the fact that less time is available for leisure activities.
Ultimately, the decision to work in retirement is a personal one. For some pensioners, it is a good way to supplement their pension and stay active. For others, it is simply too much of a burden.
Conclusion
The trend towards working in retirement is likely to continue in the coming years. Due to the demographic change, there will be fewer and fewer working-age people in the future. At the same time, the number of pensioners is increasing. This means that more and more pensioners will have to work to make ends meet.
It is therefore important to create the right framework conditions for working in retirement. This includes, for example, flexible working hours, age-appropriate working conditions and tax incentives. In this way, pensioners can continue to make a valuable contribution to society even after retirement.
