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Abstract

While some workers retire at the time and in the way they have planned, others leave the labor force unexpectedly, unprepared for retirement. The purpose of this research was to investigate whether certain indicators of position in the economic structure affect the probability of leaving the labor force when planned. Data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Mature Men were used for the analysis. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that all three indicators of economic position-occupational status, industrial sector, and self-employment-had significant net effects on the dichotomous dependent variable, expected/unexpected retirement. These effects were mediated, to varying degrees, by pension coverage and health status, the former increasing the chances of retiring when planned, the latter decreasing the probability of retiring when planned. Other research shows that those who retire unexpectedly are less financially prepared for retirement and have lower evaluations of retirement.

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Position in the Economic Structure and Unexpected Retirement

Abstract

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