Malta’s Unretired: The New Wave of Midlife Careerists

Imagine, if you will, a bustling morning in Paceville. The sun is barely up, but already, the aroma of fresh pastizzi wafts through the air. Among the early risers, you might spot Joe, a man in his late fifties, unlocking the door to his café. He’s not your typical retiree, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper. Joe was made redundant at 58, but instead of hanging up his apron, he’s busier than ever. “I have enough money to retire,” he says, “but I don’t want to.”

Joe is part of a growing trend of Maltese midlifers who, despite having the financial means, choose not to retire. They’re not just keeping busy; they’re starting businesses, learning new skills, and giving back to their communities. Welcome to the world of the ‘unretired’.

Malta’s strong economy and strong pension system have enabled many to retire early. But with life expectancy increasing, some find themselves with decades of active life ahead. “Why sit at home when you can still contribute?” asks Maria, a former HR manager who now runs a successful food blog from her Sliema apartment.

the pandemic has sparked a global re-evaluation of work-life balance. Many midlifers, like Joe and Maria, have used this time to reassess their priorities. “I was tired of the rat race,” Joe admits. “When I was made redundant, I saw it as an opportunity to do something I love.”

Malta’s compact size and strong sense of community make it an ideal breeding ground for unretirement. From Mdina’s medieval streets to the bustling markets of Marsaxlokk, there’s no shortage of opportunities for the unretired to engage.

Take Anthony, a former engineer who now runs a popular street art tour in Valletta. “I’ve always loved art,” he says. “Now, I get to share that passion with others, and I’m learning so much more about our history and culture.”

Meanwhile, in Rabat, former teacher Rosanne has started a successful pottery business. “I’ve always been creative,” she says. “Now, I’m finally doing something I love, and I’m supporting my community too.”

As life expectancy continues to rise, unretirement is set to become an increasingly significant part of Malta’s workforce. But what does this mean for the future of work?

For one, it could help address the island’s skills shortage. With many unretirees bringing decades of experience to new roles, they’re filling gaps in the market and mentoring younger workers. their entrepreneurial spirit is boosting local businesses and driving innovation.

However, it also raises questions about pensions, healthcare, and workplace rights. As the unretired continue to work, they’re drawing on these services for longer. The government is taking note, with plans to review pension rules and workplace legislation.

“We’re living longer, and we want to work longer,” says Michael, a former IT consultant who now runs a successful online retail business. “But we need policies that support this.”