Simon Woodall, a 52-year-old self-employed carpenter and joiner from Plymouth, recently made the decision to go part-time after working long hours for 30 years. Last year, he had a heart attack, which led to a wake-up call about his health. The medical staff warned him that if he continued to work at such a strenuous pace, his life would be cut short, regardless of medication or healthy eating.
Woodall’s case is not unique. Many people aged 50 and over in the UK have decided to go part-time for various reasons. Health issues, a desire for a better lifestyle, caring responsibilities, a lack of flexible job options, and a general disillusionment with work are some of the most frequently cited reasons.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, there has been a significant increase in the number of people in their 50s and older working part-time in the UK. Currently, a quarter of workers in their 50s are working part-time. The data shows that there are 3.6 million older people working part-time in the UK, which represents a 12% increase since 2021. It is also worth noting that 42% of the UK’s part-time workers are over the age of 50.
Woodall’s decision to reduce his working hours has resulted in a 35-40% drop in his income, forcing his family to make adjustments. They have had to cut back on expenses, such as opting for a more basic TV package and selling their caravan. Woodall acknowledges that his pension is not performing well, and retirement seems unlikely. However, he values his health and well-being over financial gain. He believes it is better to work less and have a chance at a longer life than to work excessively and potentially risk his health.
Woodall has noticed a similar sentiment among his social circle since the COVID-19 pandemic. He personally knows around 20 people his age who have decided to prioritize spending time with their families and taking it easy. They have either retired early or reduced their working hours. The pandemic has changed many people’s perspectives on life and work. Woodall himself feels better than ever.
Sue, a 57-year-old from West Yorkshire, made the decision to reduce her hours due to the long and costly commute to work. She used to work full-time in higher education administration but found that working from home during the pandemic made her realize how unnecessary the commute was. However, her organization discourages working from home and has implemented hotdesking, making the commute even more burdensome. Sue believes her pay is not commensurate with her knowledge, experience, and skill set, and she finds it difficult to envision career progression. She refuses to sacrifice her time and soul for an organization that would discard her without hesitation.
In addition to the commute and lack of career opportunities, Sue also considered the high cost and limited availability of childcare in her decision to reduce her hours. She helps take care of her two young grandchildren, as their parents cannot afford full-time childcare. Sue does not regret her decision to work part-time, but she admits that it puts a strain on her family’s long-term financial outlook. She and her husband, like many others, do not have substantial pensions due to low wages and the high cost of living. Sue believes the social contract between workers and employers has been broken, and she worries about the future for the younger generations.
Louise Hirons, a 51-year-old dental hygienist from Banbury, Oxfordshire, chose to go part-time primarily for a better work-life balance. She is hoping to retire fully between the ages of 55 and 60. After turning 50, Hirons realized that retirement was still a long way off. She has been working since the age of 16 and feels like retirement is a distant goal. However, a cancer diagnosis two years ago changed her perspective. She and her husband now understand the importance of enjoying life while they still can. With grown children and a nearly paid-off mortgage, they are able to afford working less. They feel fortunate to have this opportunity.
Hirons believes that her 50s are a good time to start living life more fully. She and her husband can be a bit selfish now after years of putting work first. Her husband, who is also 51, is looking to hire a manager for his wholesale business so that he can have longer holidays and long weekends. They feel they have earned this leisure time and want to make the most of it before they are too old or unfit to enjoy it. However, like others who have chosen to work part-time, Hirons worries about the financial implications. She acknowledges that pensions are a concern and that they have been investing in private pensions. However, the future is uncertain, and their retirement plans depend on the success of their business.
Ultimately, the individuals interviewed for this article emphasize the importance of prioritizing one’s health, well-being, and happiness over monetary gain. They have taken steps to achieve a better work-life balance and live life on their own terms. While there are concerns about retirement and financial security, they believe that there is more to life than money and encourage others not to work themselves too hard because life is too short.
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