Jayne Burns is still a fabric cutter at 101, while Melba Mebane is still selling cosmetics in a department store at 91.
In 2002, only about 5% of Americans were still working past age 75, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By last year, that number had risen to 8%. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2032, the number will be 10%.
More Americans are still working into their 80s and even 90s, thanks to rising life expectancy, changing attitudes about retirement and insufficient savings. Others say they simply love what they do and have no intention of quitting.
On CNBC , three Americans share the secret to keeping them working into their 90s.
Turn your hobby into a job
Jayne Burns in her Ohio craft store. Photo: Elizabeth HusVar
Jayne Burns (Cincinnati) turned 101 in July. She has worked part-time as a fabric cutter at a craft store in Mason (Ohio, USA) for the past 26 years.
Every day, she maintains the same schedule: she wakes up at 5 a.m., has a cup of coffee and a donut, does a few other chores, and drives 20 minutes to the store. She works there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., three to four days a week.
“I love what I do and I want to continue doing it as long as I can and they still need me,” she told CNBC.
Burns, a seamstress, started out as a customer. But she quickly became acquainted with the staff and enjoyed introducing different fabrics to other customers.
In 1997, just months after her husband died, the shop needed someone to cut fabric. Her daughter, who was working part-time at the shop at the time, recommended the job to her mother.
Burns doesn't see it as a chore, but rather as an opportunity to explore her interests and meet "kind, interesting people." "Keeping busy helps you forget the pain and move on," she says.
Don't be afraid to ask for what you want at work.
Melba Mebane continued working as a cosmetics saleswoman until she was 91. Photo: Terry Mebane
Melba Mebane (91 years old) just retired in July, after working as a saleswoman at Dillard's shopping center in Tyler (Texas) for more than 7 decades.
Mebane began working at Mayer & Schmidt in 1949, at the age of 17, through Tyler High School's work-study program. In 1956, the department store was purchased by the retail chain Dillard's. Mebane moved through departments ranging from men's clothing to cosmetics, and remained there until his retirement.
To be happy at work, “it’s important to invest in relationships,” says Mebane. That way, you can make your job better suited to your interests and have a more successful career.
Mebane was close to Dillard's founder William T. Dillard, so she was able to suggest many changes to better suit her needs during her tenure.
For example, at age 65, she considered retiring. But Dillard convinced her to stay, after agreeing to Mebane’s suggestion that she not work after 5 p.m. or on Sundays. A few years later, she also convinced her manager to install soft carpeting behind the cosmetics counter, making standing all day more comfortable.
During her time at Dillard's, Mebane had several opportunities to become a manager, but she turned them all down. "Being a manager requires making tough decisions. I like the people I have at work and just want to focus on being the best salesperson I can be," she said. Mebane credits these friendships for making her job at Dillard's "the best job" she's ever had.
Work with people you like
Bob Rohloff cuts his wife's hair in his shop. Photo: Mark Karweick
Bob Rohloff (Wisconsin) has been a barber for 75 years. At 91, he has no plans to retire. He started in 1948, under the guidance of his father, also a barber.
"Can you believe it? We made a lot of money every week and had great trips. My dad was my best friend. Working with him was really fun," Rohloff said.
He credits much of his success to his father, who introduced him to many barbers who were hiring, and always gave him honest advice on "how to become a real barber and how to improve your skills."
The job also taught Rohloff the importance of working with people you like, whether they’re your boss, your co-workers, or your customers. He tried to retire 15 years ago, but returned to work a few months later because he missed the job.
"Retirement is not that easy. You always need to do something, whether it is a hobby or a job. I love my job. Going to work is fun, I enjoy working and feel comfortable. So why should I retire?", he said.
Rohloff says the best part of the job is meeting new people. “They’re not just customers, they’re my friends. Some people bring us vegetables, maple syrup, or homemade food,” he says with a smile.
When asked what his father would think if he knew Rohloff was still cutting hair at 91, he said: "He probably wouldn't believe it. But my father still worked until he was 85. So I think he would be very proud of his son," he said.
Ha Thu (according to CNBC)
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