Unretired: The New Wave of Malta’s Mature Job Seekers

Imagine this: You’re 58, you’ve just been made redundant, and you find yourself at a crossroads. You have enough money to retire, but the thought of spending your days in leisure makes you cringe. This is the reality for an increasing number of Malta’s mature workforce, who are choosing to ‘unretire’ and re-enter the job market. But what does this mean for our island’s employment scene?

Meet Malta’s Unretirees

Meet Joseph, a 58-year-old former manager at a leading Maltese software company. After 30 years in the industry, he was made redundant last year. “I was expecting it,” he says, sipping his coffee at a bustling café in Sliema. “But I didn’t expect to feel so… restless.” Joseph has a comfortable pension and enough savings to retire. Yet, he’s not ready to hang up his metaphorical boots just yet.

Joseph is not alone. According to a recent survey by the Malta Employers’ Association, 65% of redundant workers aged 50 and above are looking for new jobs, not retirement. They’re the ‘unretirees’ – Malta’s mature workforce who, despite having the option to retire, choose to keep working.

Why Unretire?

Why are Malta’s mature workers choosing to unretire? The reasons are as varied as the individuals themselves. For some, like Joseph, it’s about staying mentally active. “I’ve always been a busy person,” he says. “I can’t imagine spending my days at home, watching TV.”

For others, it’s about financial security. Despite having savings, many unretirees want to ensure a steady income stream. “I have enough to retire,” says Maria, a 62-year-old former HR manager from Birkirkara. “But I want to maintain my standard of living, and that means working.”

Then there are those who simply love their jobs. “I’ve been a teacher for 35 years,” says 59-year-old Anthony from Msida. “I can’t imagine not being in a classroom, not inspiring young minds.”

Malta’s Changing Employment scene

Malta’s unretirees are part of a global trend. As life expectancy increases and retirement ages rise, more people are choosing to work longer. But what does this mean for our island’s employment scene?

On the one hand, it’s a boon for employers. Unretirees bring a wealth of experience and skills to the table. They’re often reliable, hardworking, and less likely to job-hop than younger employees. “We’ve seen a significant increase in applications from older workers,” says John, the HR manager at a leading Maltese logistics company. “They bring a maturity and stability that’s invaluable.”

On the other hand, it could lead to ageism in the workplace. With more mature workers competing for jobs, there’s a risk that younger job seekers could be overlooked. It’s a concern that’s not lost on Malta’s youth. “I understand why they want to work,” says 25-year-old Sarah from St. Julian’s. “But it’s tough out there for us youngsters too.”

Ageism: The Elephant in the Room

Ageism is a real concern for Malta’s unretirees. Despite their skills and experience, many face age-related discrimination when job hunting. “I’ve been told I’m ‘overqualified’ or ‘too experienced’ for jobs I’m perfectly suited for,” says Joseph. “It’s a euphemism for ‘you’re too old’.”

Malta’s Employment and Industrial Relations Act prohibits age discrimination, but enforcement is patchy. The Malta Union of Teachers has called for stronger legislation to protect older workers. “Ageism is a real issue in Malta,” says MUT President Marco Bonnici. “We need tougher laws and better enforcement to protect our mature workers.”

Unretiring with Dignity

So, what can be done to support Malta’s unretirees? For starters, we need to challenge ageist attitudes and promote the benefits of hiring mature workers. We also need better job training and retraining programs to help unretirees adapt to new technologies and work environments.

Policy changes could also help. The government could introduce tax incentives for employers who hire older workers, or provide financial incentives for unretirees to keep working. “We need to make it easier for people to unretire with dignity,” says economist Gordon Cordina. “It’s good for them, it’s good for employers, and it’s good for the economy.”

In the meantime, Malta’s unretirees are forging their own paths. They’re starting businesses, taking on freelance work, and even retraining for new careers. They’re proving that age is just a number, and that Malta’s mature workforce is here to stay.

Quotes from the Street

Here’s what some of Malta’s unretirees had to say:

• “I’ve been a teacher for 35 years, and I can’t imagine not being in a classroom. I love inspiring young minds.” – Anthony, 59, Msida
• “I have enough to retire, but I want to maintain my standard of living. That means working.” – Maria, 62, Birkirkara
• “I’ve been told I’m ‘overqualified’ or ‘too experienced’ for jobs I’m perfectly suited for. It’s a euphemism for ‘you’re too old’.” – Joseph, 58, Sliema

Call to Action

Malta’s unretirees need our support. Whether it’s challenging ageist attitudes, advocating for policy changes, or simply hiring a mature worker, we can all play a part in helping them unretire with dignity. Let’s make Malta a place where age is no barrier to work.