Perceptions of Second Careers Among Middle-Senior Generations: Survey Findings

Insights from the Second Career Awareness Survey for Middle-Senior Generations

The recent survey conducted by the Japan Industrial Employment Stabilization Center has shed light on the perceptions of the middle-senior generation regarding their second careers. This survey, aimed at employees aged 45 to 59 working in large corporations with a mandatory retirement age of 60 and a re-employment system until 65, gathered responses from 900 individuals.

Key Findings

Future Work Preferences

A significant portion of the respondents, roughly 31%, expressed that they have yet to determine their future work plans. Among the rest, nearly 30% wish to transition into new jobs at or after their retirement, reflecting a high level of desire for change. This indicates that a considerable number of employees in their late career stages are contemplating new opportunities.

Motivation for Job Change

For those who indicated a desire to leave their current job before or at retirement age, key motivations included wanting to pursue new and different work experiences (34%) and wishing to utilize their skills and experiences in either new companies or through independent endeavors (26%). Additionally, concerns about reduced roles and responsibilities post-retirement were also influential, especially for 19% of respondents.

Reasons to Stay with Current Employers

Interestingly, the survey highlighted that 60% of those who preferred to extend their employment with their current employer believe that their skills can be implemented effectively within the same organization. However, 40% expressed anxiety about adapting to a new work environment, showcasing the apprehensions tied to transitioning into different workplaces, particularly among individuals close to retirement.

Interest in Smaller Enterprises and NPOs

Even among those who plan to stop working or remain with their current company, there was an openness to exploring opportunities in smaller firms or non-profit organizations (NPOs), with about 40% of respondents considering such transitions if their expertise was needed and if they found a compatible environment.

Support Desired for Career Transitions

When discussing the support they seek from their employers regarding career transitions, respondents expressed the need for resources such as seminars on asset management (27%), personalized job placement assistance (25%), and access to labor market information (22%). This signals a demand for structured support systems to facilitate smoother transitions.

Future Job Aspirations

Regarding the types of jobs they hope to transition into, over half (51.9%) desired positions that leverage their existing skills and expertise, indicating a strong inclination to continue utilizing their accumulated knowledge in meaningful ways. In terms of work preferences, the majority of respondents leaned towards full-time positions without overtime, underscoring a desire for work-life balance.

Acceptance of Income Variations

Lastly, when evaluating potential income changes upon transitioning jobs, many respondents are willing to accept a 10%-30% reduction in their current earnings. Those keen on transitioning before retirement showed a higher tolerance for income changes compared to other age groups, emphasizing their readiness to seek new paths that align with their aspirations.

Conclusion

The insights from this survey reflect an evolving landscape for the middle-senior workforce in Japan. As attitudes toward employment shift, it becomes crucial for corporations to address the desires and concerns of their employees, ensuring that appropriate support mechanisms are in place to facilitate successful transitions into second careers.