Why are Aussies working longer?

For many Australians, the traditional concept of a linear career path ending at 65 is no longer the reality. Recent research by SEEK has found that 32% of Australians expect to work into their 70s - and for a lot of people, that’s not by choice.  

Australians are living longer, starting families later, and spending more time in the workforce than ever before.  In 2025, the average Australian can expect to live to 83.2 years. To put this in perspective, that’s 12 years more than life expectancy in 1960. Women today can expect to live to 85.3 years, with men at 81.2 years.  

The financial reality of retirement 

Many Australians simply can’t afford to buy a house in their 20’s, while women are delaying having children for a combination of factors, including prioritising education, career aspirations and financial stability.    

The main reason most Australians are planning to work longer is simple: finances. A staggering 60% of those surveyed said they just don’t think their financial circumstances will stretch far enough to allow them to retire at 67. 

More than money 

For some, it’s not all bad news. Around 12% said they actually want to keep working beyond retirement age because they feel it gives them a sense of purpose or helps them stay engaged. This is underpinned in the research with 18% of people aged 61 to 79 years old saying they plan on working past retirement age because “I just enjoy my job”. 

While financial concerns are a big factor, plenty of people genuinely enjoy their work and are choosing to stick around because of it. 

The surprising amount of career regret 

On the flip side, many Australians are not exactly thrilled about their current career path. In fact, over half (52%) regret their career choices - particularly when it comes to the financial aspect. Around 47% of people said they wished they had picked a job that paid better. 

That said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Nearly half (47%) of people are optimistic about their career futures. And interestingly, 44% of people said they’d be open to making a career change, which shows that many Australians are still hopeful about what comes next. 

Is a career pivot really possible? 

If you’re feeling a little stuck, wondering if it’s too late to switch gears, you’re not alone. Many people feel like it’s too late to change careers or take on a new challenge. In fact, 43% of Australians feel like it’s just too late for a career pivot. But the reality is, it’s never too late. 

Take Johnson, for example. He’s a recent SEEK graduate who went from being a dentist to a software engineer. 

"It wasn’t an easy decision," he says. "But I realised my interests and passions had shifted. I wanted to be part of a rapidly evolving industry and challenge myself with new technologies. Now, I feel more fulfilled in my work than ever." 

Johnson’s story is a good reminder that it’s never too late to make a career change. Whether you’re interested in upskilling, trying something entirely new, or simply exploring a different industry, the possibilities are endless. 

Read more about recognising the signs that it's time for a career change: Feeling stuck? You might be in ‘career limbo’.

Redefining retirement: Fleur’s journey from the corporate world to counselling 

When Fleur first entered the corporate world, she never imagined she’d be a marriage counsellor one day. Like many Australians, she assumed that her career would follow a clear, steady path. But life can be surprising. 

SEEK’s research found that 32% of Australians expect to still be working into their 70’s. For many, financial security is the main driver. But for others, like Fleur, the story isn’t so much about the paycheck - it’s about finding purpose. 

"I used to be so stressed and unfulfilled in the corporate world," Fleur reflects. "When I transitioned to being a marriage counsellor, everything changed. Helping people navigate their relationships gave me a sense of fulfilment I never had before. It’s not about money anymore; it’s about the impact I make." 

For Fleur, working longer isn't just a necessity - it’s a choice to do something she truly cares about. 

Career pivot: Jake’s journey from childcare to video production 

Jake also knows what it’s like to switch careers later in life. He spent more than a decade working in childcare before deciding to take a leap into video production. 

"I loved working with kids, but I always had a passion for storytelling and creativity," Jake says. "I started experimenting with editing videos as a hobby, and before I knew it, I was running a video agency. Now, I get to do something I love every day." 

For Jake, the transition wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. He partnered with the right people, built up his portfolio, and slowly gained the confidence to leave his old career behind. 

So, what can you do to make it work? 

If you’re thinking about working longer or even making a career change, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• It’s never too late to pivot: There are plenty of resources and opportunities for those willing to make a change - whether that’s through training, volunteering, or freelancing. 

• Reflect on your strengths: Spend some time thinking about what really excites you. What are you good at? What do you enjoy? These can be great guides when figuring out your next steps. 

• Career mobility is real: Australians have more career mobility than ever. Explore new roles or industries, or even look into remote or flexible work options. 

• Set small goals: If you want to switch careers or work longer, setting goals is essential. Start small - take a course, learn a new skill, or network with people in your desired field. 

• Work-life balance is key: If you’re planning to extend your career into your 70s, finding a work-life balance is crucial. Look for roles that allow flexibility, like part-time or remote work. 

Key takeaway: With the right mindset and strategy, it’s possible to extend your career or pivot into something new, even if you’re unsure where to start. 

The bottom line 

Whether you’re planning to work longer for financial reasons or because you love what you do, the key to a fulfilling career is being open to change. The world of work is evolving, and there’s never been a better time to embrace new opportunities. 

Just ask people like Johnson, Fleur, and Jake - who all took the leap and proved that it’s never too late to follow your passion and find fulfilment in your work. 

So, are you ready to make your next move? No matter where you’re at in your career, there’s always time to pivot, explore, and grow. 

Explore SEEK jobs. 

Check out the full report here.

Sources:

Independent research conducted by Nature of behalf of SEEK between October 2024 and February 2025. Over 5000 responses collected from Australians and Kiwis currently in the workforce (either employed or looking for work), aged 18 to 64. 

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021-2023). Life expectancy. ABS.