Rising costs push retirees into flexible work, survey finds

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Rising living costs are reshaping retirement income patterns, with more retirees in the United States and United Kingdom turning to flexible jobs to cover basic expenses, according to a new survey from Indeed Flex as reported by Staffing Industry Analysts that underscores how the future of work is increasingly extending beyond traditional working age.

The March poll of 1,000 retirees, including 600 in the U.S., released by staffing platform Indeed Flex, found that flexible work is no longer just supplemental income for many older adults but a financial necessity amid persistent inflation pressures and higher fuel costs.

Retirees lean on gig-style work to cover essentials

The survey shows that 71% of retirees rely on flexible work as a primary or consistent secondary income source, while 42% said it is now their main income. 

The data suggests a structural shift in retirement economics, where gig-style and shift-based work is becoming a core part of household survival.

Rising costs are a major driver of this change. According to the survey, “78% of respondents said rising gas prices have led them to take on more flexible work,” while the same share reported becoming more selective about jobs they accept. 

In addition, 66% said they have reduced how far they are willing to travel for work, signaling how cost pressures are reshaping even job geography.

Flexible work is increasingly tied to everyday survival. More than two-thirds of respondents said they use it to pay for groceries (69%), while 54% use it for gas and 34% for rent or mortgage. 

Only 4% said flexible work is not a meaningful part of their income, highlighting its broad reliance across respondents.

Employers adapt as flexible work becomes the new norm

The findings point to a labor market where flexibility is no longer just a worker preference but a structural requirement. Half of retirees surveyed said they would struggle or be unable to cover basic expenses without flexible work, while 85% believe they would be financially impacted if such work were unavailable.

This growing dependence is prompting employers to rethink hiring strategies. Indeed Flex noted that companies may need to prioritize competitive pay, proximity to workers, and scheduling flexibility to attract talent in an increasingly selective workforce.

“This is a clear shift in how people think about work,” Indeed Flex CEO Novo Constare said in a press release. 

“Flexible work is no longer just about earning extra income. For many, it is a reliable way to cover essential expenses and maintain financial stability, especially as everyday costs like gas continue to rise,” Constare added.

As retirement becomes less financially secure for many, the survey highlights a broader transformation in the future of work—one where flexibility is not just reshaping how people work, but who continues to work well into later life.