Should we worry about older workers with nontraditional jobs?

Abstract

The brief's key findings are: Older workers in nontraditional jobs, without health and retirement benefits, could be financially vulnerable to health shocks or inadequate savings. On the other hand, they might use such jobs only infrequently to bridge periods of traditional employment or to extend their careers. In a series of studies on this topic, the CRR found some cause for concern, as most workers ages 50-62 with nontraditional jobs use them frequently. And while such workers often find a way to get health insurance, they generally lack a mechanism to save for retirement. However, nontraditional jobs are not all bad: they allow some people to work into their late 60s and substantially improve their retirement preparedness.