Title | The Psychosocial Meaning of Bridge Employment |
| Author(s) | - Amberyce Ang, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
- Kalyani Mehta, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
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| Publication Name | Asia Pacific Career Development Journal, Vol 4, No 2 |
| Publication Date | September, 2021 |
| Download | Full text (PDF) |
| Abstract | This study examines the motivations behind bridge employment for retirees, the meaning of extended work life to retirees and retirees’ desired bridge employment. This study shows that older adults who have involuntary retirement are more likely than older adults who had voluntary retirement, to desire bridge employment. The data suggests that retirees are primarily motivated by the social interactions in bridge employment, rather than financial rewards. Extended work life through bridge employment is viewed by retirees as a productive use of time and yet allowing them to balance between “self and work”, and “self and others”. To the retiree, bridge employment increases self-esteem because being able to secure a job after retirement meant that the individual is still competent and wanted by the economy. Bridge employment also serves as a coping mechanism for retirement transitions. Participants who have involuntary retirement desire bridge employment more than participants who have voluntary retirement. They want to stay in touch with the working world and are not ready to entirely fade into the retirees’ world. They view the retirees’ world as one that is redundant and undesired by society and the economy. Regardless of retirement type, retirees who desire bridge employment prefer work that is less stressful and are willing to accept massive pay reduction to work on a part-time basis. |
