Economist John Maynard Keynes is best known for shaping the Welfare State, France's Social Security system, and modern pensions. Less famously, in 1930 he forecasted a 15-hour workweek, powered by productivity gains from technological advances. While his ideas reduced hours during his lifetime, they've since stalled. France's 35-hour week looks generous against neighbors' 40-hour norms—and draws fierce political pushback.
Since the 1980s, neoliberal policies have ramped up austerity and worker demands. Post-2008, counter-movements drew on Marxist and socialist ideas: shorter hours, critiques of bullshit jobs that alienate to prop up artificial full employment, even universal basic income. Yet austerity reigns, with recent pension reforms hiking retirement ages further.
With longer contribution periods and rising retirement ages, seniors work more than ever—hardly Keynes' vision. Full employment chases stats, ignoring multi-job jugglers or those denied peaceful retirement, the system's core promise. Precariousness isn't just numbers; it erodes well-being.
Despite job market bias against older workers, some choose post-retirement work. A 2020 DREES study pegs it at 3.4%—482,000 people—likely undercounting undeclared gigs like DIY or childcare.
Most declared cases involve employment-pension cumulation: collecting full or partial pensions alongside any job, prior role irrelevant. Earnings incur contributions (no pension accrual since 2015). Reasons range from work attachment to income gaps.
Alternatives include bonuses for extra quarters via longer work, or phased retirement blending part-time jobs with partial pensions. Cumulation dominates odd jobs, flagging precariousness—bonuses signal low base pensions, phasing hints at burnout as retirement recedes.
Germany's lauded low unemployment stems from 'minijobs' capped at €450 monthly—ideal for students or the needy, including seniors. France sees 30% of 60-64-year-olds working; Germany's rate doubles, tied to later retirements.
Motivations are elusive, but job platforms spotlight necessities from meager pensions: childcare, pet care, tutoring, personal services, repairs, flyer drops. These suit CESU, self-employment, or off-books work—unlike elite consulting.
Family babysitting fosters bonds; paid stranger care exposes pension shortfalls. Amid aging populations, senior insecurity looms large. Forcing the frail into precarious gigs betrays welfare state ideals, signaling societal failure.
Time to ditch austerity, heed Keynes: productivity has soared since 1930.
