Editor’s Note: Retirement in America is being redefined—not by policymakers, but by the people living it. As this timely article explores, an overwhelming number of U.S. workers are embracing “flextirement,” choosing to remain active in the workforce beyond the age of 65. Driven by rising living costs, longer life spans, and a search for continued purpose, this shift carries significant implications for professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery. Notably, flextirement offers organizations a unique opportunity to extend institutional experience and operational efficiency by strategically leveraging the expertise of seasoned employees. Understanding these evolving dynamics is essential for building resilient workforce strategies and sustaining competitive knowledge in increasingly complex digital and legal environments.


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Rethinking Retirement: The Rise of Flextirement among U.S. Workers

ComplexDiscovery Staff

Retirement patterns in the United States are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a combination of economic necessity and evolving personal aspirations. Recent surveys and reports indicate a marked shift in the retirement expectations of American workers, with an increasing number expressing intent to remain in the workforce well past the traditional retirement age of 65.

The Rise of “Flextirement”

A pivotal study from HireClix reveals that 80% of U.S. consumers now plan to “flextire,” continuing to work in some capacity even after reaching conventional retirement age. This trend reflects broader economic pressures and lifestyle choices reshaping how retirement is perceived across generations. Notably, 89% of Generation X and 90% of Gen Z express similar intentions, according to HireClix survey data.

Neil Costa, founder and CEO of HireClix, has commented on the economic and personal motives compelling this transition. In a Forbes interview, Costa stated that the rising cost of living, healthcare expenses, and general economic uncertainty, coupled with growing life expectancies, have made financial security in retirement harder to achieve. This sentiment is echoed throughout the U.S. workforce, as 64% of workers express concerns about affording everyday expenses post-retirement, according to HireClix survey findings. Financial considerations, however, tell only part of the story. Many individuals report a desire for continued purpose and engagement, with 41% fearing a lack of fulfillment if they cease working entirely, as documented in the same survey. Consequently, flextirement offers an appealing middle ground, enabling retirees to supplement their income while maintaining a sense of purpose, identity, and community engagement—key components of post-retirement satisfaction.

Shifting Retirement Age Expectations

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, while the median expected retirement age remains at 65, a growing share of workers now plan to retire at 70 or beyond due to economic and personal reasons. EBRI research findings highlight that societal changes in the conception of retirement age are noteworthy, reflecting both financial pressures and evolving personal goals.

Employer Benefits of Flextirement

The shift toward flextirement is not without its benefits for employers. In a company press release, Costa emphasized that flextirement allows for phased transitions that support succession planning and preserve critical institutional knowledge. This approach enables businesses to harness the expertise of seasoned employees while facilitating knowledge transfer and mentorship opportunities. According to Costa, employers who embrace modernized workforce strategies may gain a competitive advantage by supporting flexible retirement pathways.

Economic Pressures and Social Security Concerns

As Americans navigate this new retirement landscape, concerns about the longevity of Social Security and other government programs amplify the need for adaptive approaches. HireClix survey data underscores that nearly 42% of the workforce harbors doubts regarding the future viability of Social Security, urging a reevaluation of savings strategies and retirement plans. Amid these economic pressures, the EBRI 2025 survey indicates that workers remain wary of significant changes to the American retirement system, with 79% expressing apprehension about potential cuts to Social Security benefits and nearly 8 out of 10 concerned about Medicare reductions.

The Path Forward: Flexibility and Engagement

The increased flexibility offered by flextirement emerges as a compelling alternative for many. It addresses financial anxieties while mitigating potential loss of purpose and community engagement. As more Americans embrace this model, it reflects an adaptation to modern financial realities and the desire for a balanced life post-retirement that blends work, purpose, and leisure.

The evolving perspective on retirement calls for proactive dialogues between employers and employees to craft roles that accommodate changing desires and expectations. As Costa noted in a company press release, “Smart employers are strategically engaging workers contemplating retirement, putting their career-long expertise to impactful use,” advocating for early planning and phased transitions to align with employees’ aspirations beyond the typical retirement framework.

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