Second Acts: The Maltese Retiring Later, By Choice

Imagine this: you’ve just been made redundant at 58. You’ve worked hard, saved well, and now, you could retire comfortably. But you don’t want to. This isn’t a midlife crisis; it’s a new chapter. Welcome to the world of the ‘encore careerist’, a phenomenon gaining traction in Malta.

Meet the New Retirees

Meet Joe. A veteran in the finance sector, Joe was made redundant last year. With a healthy pension and savings, he could have kicked back and enjoyed the Mediterranean sun. But Joe has other plans. “I’ve always loved teaching,” he says, sipping his coffee at a bustling café in Spinola Bay. “I want to share my knowledge, give back.” Joe is now a part-time lecturer at the University of Malta.

Joe is not alone. More and more Maltese are choosing to work past retirement age, not out of necessity, but by choice. They’re driven by a desire to stay active, engaged, and relevant. They’re the ‘encore careerists’, and they’re reshaping Malta’s workforce.

Why the Delay?

Why the delay in hanging up the boots? For many, it’s about identity and purpose. “I’ve always defined myself by my work,” says Maria, a former HR manager now volunteering at the Malta National Aquarium. “Retiring would mean losing that sense of self.”

Others see it as an opportunity to give back. “I’ve had a successful career,” says Paul, a former IT consultant now teaching coding to underprivileged youth. “Now, I want to use my skills to make a difference.”

Malta’s Response

Malta’s government is taking note. The recent Budget introduced incentives for those working past retirement age, including tax breaks and increased pension contributions. The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector is also promoting ‘silver volunteering’, encouraging retirees to share their skills and experience.

But more needs to be done. “We need to challenge ageist attitudes and promote lifelong learning,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a sociologist at the University of Malta. “We need to create an environment where people feel valued and relevant, regardless of age.”

For now, though, the ‘encore careerists’ are forging their own path. They’re proving that retirement isn’t an end, but a new beginning. And Malta, it seems, is all the richer for it.

As Joe puts it, “I’m 59, and I’ve never felt more alive. I’m not retiring. I’m just getting started.”