Aging and the Meaning of Work
Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes and Michael A. Smyer

This study was initiated as a result of a subcontract from the Center on Retirement Research at Boston College. The investigation was a mixed methods study, involving primary data collection (focus groups) as well as secondary analyses (NSCW and HRS). The study gathered information about older workers past and current work experiences, and their preferences with regard to future employment.

Key Research Questions:

To what extent is paid employment important to workers aged 40 and older?And why?

What experiences enhance the meaning of work?

What experiences detract from the meaning of work?

Study Status:

Data collection still in progress .

Selected Findings:

In a sample of the HRS from 1994-2004 (n=26,882), most older workers report that they enjoy their work (89%). Hispanic respondents (especially women) are more likely than non-Hispanic whites to say they enjoy their work (93% vs. 88%). Of all occupation groups, the greatest percentage of health services workers (31%) say that they do not enjoy their work. In contrast, only 6% of members of the Armed Forces indicate that they do not enjoy their work.

In a sample of 3,504 older workers (ages 50 and over) from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce, 91% indicated that the work they do is meaningful to them. This perception did not vary by gender or by racial or ethnic background. It did vary somewhat by employment status: 97% of small business owners indicated that their work was meaningful to them, compared to 93% of self-employed and 90% of those employed by others. When asked why they would leave their current job, less than 2% indicated they would leave because their work was boring or meaningless. In contrast, 21% said they would leave because of poor pay or benefits.

In June, 2006, RetirementJobs.com released an on-line survey of 400 workers ages 50 and over. They found several elements were important in assessing potential jobs: flexibility (69% rated this important); security and stability (67%); independence and autonomy (65%); service and dedication (58%); cash compensation (53%); benefits (48%); and pure challenge (46%).

Two focus groups - one with low and middle income individuals 40 years and older seeking retraining for work and one with middle and upper income older workers who are members of a community group focused on career planning during the “third age†- reiterated many of these themes. When asked what they were looking for in work, they focused on making a contribution, keeping social connections, and being able to use their skills and experience. Even in the low income group, income and health benefits were mentioned only sparingly in the conversation.

Publications:

Working Paper, Issue Brief, and an article entitled, "The Meanings of Work for Older Workers," in the Spring 2007 Generations edition, "The Aging Workforce: Are We Ready?"