Challenges aplenty in working after retirement

MAKING the switch from permanent employment to contract work can be a scary and difficult experience, especially for people who have had a steady and secure job for a long time.

My own experience was a challenging and agonising journey, complicated by the fact that I am a retiree.

One feels more at ease, secure, and stable when they have a permanent job. Payroll stability, extensive benefits, and a well-defined career trajectory offered a feeling of assurance and tranquility. The reciprocal trust and friendship of colleagues and the feeling of belonging within the organisation added to my overall job satisfaction.

I had imagined a life of leisure and independence upon retirement, but personal goals and financial realities forced me to re-enter the workforce. I was hired on contract and found myself navigating uncharted territory as a non-permanent employee.

The days of generous benefits were over, and instead of receiving a fixed monthly salary, my income became variable. Financial insecurity became a harsh reality, with the constant pressure to secure new employment contracts adding to the stress.

My confidence and job satisfaction were undermined by the feeling that I was expendable and that I didn't really belong to the organisation.

The social aspect of work also changed significantly. As a permanent employee, I was part of a team that worked on long-term projects and strategic plans. As a contract worker, I was frequently and conveniently excluded and felt like an outsider, missing out on the team dynamics and corporate culture.

It seemed that my age had become a liability rather than an asset. I no longer received invitations to meetings and workshops, as if being older made me less capable of contributing or learning new things.

Facial appearance was also a liability. An old face, it seemed, was not a picture to be seen in company brochures or promotional materials, and I refrained from getting involved in any photography session to promote the company's activities.

This ageism became a sharp reminder of how older workers' knowledge and expertise are often dismissed in society. It was a sobering blow to my sense of identity and purpose, and a heartbreaking reminder of how society frequently undervalues the experience and insight that older workers bring to the table.

As people age, they are more likely to experience medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression, dementia, back and neck discomfort, cataracts, refractive errors, hearing loss, and osteoarthritis. But insurance coverage for contract workers is not provided even if the person has been with the same company for decades. It was disheartening to realise that our years of dedicated service were insufficient to justify continued coverage when we needed it most.

To make things worse, we are required to undergo medical checks if we want to renew our contract.

Then come the bonuses, which all employees look forward to. But for contract workers, this is not a given especially for those whose employment ends on Dec 31 irrespective of when it started. If their contract is not renewed, they will not be entitled to a bonus in January despite working the whole year. It’s frustrating to think that after working diligently throughout the year, the timing of the contract could prevent us from getting the bonus we’ve earned.

But I refuse to give up. I recognise that my experience and skills are still valuable assets even if they didn't fit the traditional mould. I choose to focus on building relationships with those who appreciate my expertise rather than compete with younger workers.

Many senior citizens did not have the chance to put away significant savings for retirement because we dedicated our incomes to raising and supporting our families. Furthermore, after years of being the primary earners, we still want to strive for financial autonomy.

It is also said that we should step down and make way for the younger generation, and we have been accused of denying them job opportunities. Nonetheless, the reality is more complicated. With the rising cost of living, the younger generation often finds it difficult to provide financial support for their elderly parents at home.

Retirees deserve respect, dignity, and inclusivity in the workplace. We may have lost our looks and physical shape, but we remain physically capable and mentally sound, ready to be productive members of the workforce.

So please allow us to continue working while we are still capable. Let us remain self-sufficient, independent, and active. We’ll know when it’s time to stop.

I hope for better employment regulations to safeguard senior citizens from being shortchanged by the double standards in employment benefits. Offering incentives to companies that hire retired people might encourage more inclusive hiring practices, thus ensuring that senior employees receive fair treatment and recognition for their contributions.

ANONYMOUS WORKING SENIOR CITIZEN

Kuala Lumpur