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Why WestRock Employees Are Embracing Retirement Jobs – It’s Not Just About Money

'Increasingly, WestRock retirees are recognizing that their retirement plans need to evolve with rising costs and changing expectations—side gigs provide not only additional financial security but also a sense of purpose and fulfillment, crucial for a well-rounded retirement experience.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

'Many WestRock retirees are finding that returning to work in some capacity offers more than just extra income; it enhances their mental and social well-being, providing both financial and personal fulfillment during their post-career years.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

The financial challenges retirees are facing, including inflation and rising healthcare costs.
The growing trend of retirees pursuing side jobs or gigs for additional income and personal fulfillment.
The broader benefits of working in retirement, such as maintaining mental health, purpose, and social engagement.

Many WestRock retirees are discovering that their ideal retirement scenario is not as financially stable as they had imagined, especially as the financial landscape continues to shift. The reality of living on a fixed income has brought unexpected challenges for many. A record 11.2 million Americans over 65 are employed today, with this number expected to rise to 14.8 million, or 8.6% of the workforce, by 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Once thought to be uncommon, this trend is becoming more widespread as retirees look for additional income to cover rising living costs and maintain their desired lifestyles.

While many factors contribute to this shift, money concerns are at the core of the challenges retirees face today. A recent D.A. Davidson survey reveals that 60% of retired Americans wish they had a side career or gig, compared to just 8% who already do. A startling two out of five retirees say they can’t afford their dream retirement, emphasizing the growing financial strain on this group, including those who retired from WestRock.

Undoubtedly, inflation has played a significant role in this shift. In recent years, the cost of living, including essentials like groceries and gas, has seen a sharp increase. Many retirees, including those who spent years at WestRock, are finding that their money doesn’t go as far as they had hoped, especially after entering retirement with expectations about their lifestyle. The uncertainty surrounding Social Security only adds to the problem. While the Social Security trust fund is not expected to run out of funds until 2035, many retirees are concerned about the future of this vital financial support, particularly as life expectancies rise and the fund’s long-term viability is questioned.

Retirement planning is also affected by personal factors beyond inflation and Social Security concerns. Many retirees, even those from companies like WestRock, don’t have enough saved for retirement, and some even carry significant debt into retirement. Additional financial pressures, such as supporting aging parents or adult children, can also strain retirement funds. Medical costs only make matters more challenging; according to Fidelity Investments, a 65-year-old retiring in 2024 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 on healthcare throughout retirement. These costs can create a significant gap between expectations and reality, highlighting the need for additional income.

A side job can provide more than just financial stability, even for retirees who aren’t facing immediate financial challenges. Many find that working in retirement helps them stay engaged and gives them a sense of purpose. According to the D.A. Davidson poll, 55% of seniors with retirement gigs cite maintaining social or mental engagement as their primary motivator, and 93% of retirees with side jobs report that they love their work. This highlights the broader reality that employment, even in retirement, provides a framework that supports mental and physical well-being for retirees, including those who worked at WestRock.

Take Andy Roy, a 74-year-old retiree from Saratoga Springs, New York. After a long career working for himself, Roy began mowing the grass at the Albany Rural Cemetery a few days a week four years ago. Roy admits that while the job pays well, the true benefit is the sense of purpose it provides. “It’s beneficial. I feel like I’m helping. It serves as a small anchor during the day and gives me a sense of purpose,” he says. Beyond the work, Roy has formed close friendships with his coworkers and developed an interest in the rural cemetery movement. While the pay is appreciated, he acknowledges that the sense of fulfillment is the true reward, something WestRock retirees may also discover after leaving their careers.

Similarly, 72-year-old Merry Farnum, a retiree from Falmouth, Maine, has taken on a new challenge as a launch driver at Handy Boat, a local boatyard. After working as an Associated Press news photographer, Farnum now spends her days transporting people between land and their boats, a job that keeps her active and outdoors. “The biggest payoff is the challenge and the structure it gives my life,” she says, noting that the money is useful, but the real motivation is the sense of accomplishment. Farnum’s experience demonstrates that working in retirement can offer financial stability while enriching one’s life, just like retirees from WestRock who take on new challenges in their post-career years.

In recent years, the demand for such opportunities has surged. With the growth of the gig economy, retirees, including those who spent years with WestRock, can now pursue work that aligns with their interests and abilities, free from the constraints of the 9–5 schedule. Thanks to platforms that facilitate side jobs—like tutoring, freelancing, pet sitting, and driving for ride-sharing services—retirees can find work that is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. This flexibility allows retirees to decide how much they want to work, balancing their financial needs with the desire for leisure and personal time.

It’s important to consider the potential benefits of side gigs beyond just the financial stability they provide. Many retirees, including former WestRock employees, seek a sense of purpose and belonging after leaving the workforce, which can be found through freelance or part-time employment. Maintaining an active lifestyle can also boost cognitive function and lower the risk of depression, issues that are common among retirees who may feel isolated or disconnected.

However, retirees considering whether to pursue a side job should also be aware of potential impacts on taxes, health benefits, and Social Security. Income from a side job may affect Social Security benefits depending on when an individual starts receiving them and how much they earn. It is also crucial to consult a financial advisor to fully understand the tax implications of extra income and how it fits into the broader retirement strategy, especially for WestRock retirees looking to get the most out of their post-career years.

In conclusion, more and more retirees are incorporating side gigs or retirement jobs into their retirement plans. While financial strains, like inflation and rising healthcare costs, are pushing many to seek additional income, the benefits of working in retirement go beyond just financial gain. Retirement jobs help retirees maintain an active and rewarding lifestyle, offering social interaction, mental stimulation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s for debt repayment, growing retirement savings, or simply staying involved, retirement work is an essential component of a fulfilling post-career life for former WestRock employees, as well as other retirees.

A recent AARP study reveals that many seniors over 65 are working not only for extra income but for mental and social engagement as well. According to the report, nearly 60% of part-time working retirees cite the opportunity to stay active and connected with their communities as a primary motivator. Work provides an organized way to maintain mental sharpness and social connections, crucial elements for well-being as individuals live longer. AARP’s December 2024 article, 'The Benefits of Working in Retirement,' discusses these findings, which also resonate with WestRock retirees.

Examine how more and more retirees are seeking side employment for mental stimulation, purpose, and social interaction in addition to extra income. With inflation, healthcare costs, and concerns about Social Security, many retirees—including those who worked for WestRock—are turning to flexible work options to stay active and enhance their retirement experience. Discover how part-time jobs, such as driving a boatyard launch or working at a local cemetery, are helping retirees reach financial stability while maintaining fulfilling, structured lives. The growing trend of working in retirement offers advantages that go far beyond financial gain.

Retirement is like a car that’s been sitting idle in the driveway for years. It runs fine, but without regular maintenance and direction, it may start to feel uninspired. Just like a car needs fuel, upkeep, and a destination, retirees are finding that side gigs provide more than just extra income—they give a sense of purpose, a chance to connect with others, and an opportunity to maintain both physical and mental health. Rediscovering purpose is more important than simply reentering the workforce, something many WestRock retirees are discovering as they explore new roles after their careers.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Source:

Riquier, Andrea. 'Why a Record Number of Adults Over 65 Are Working – And It’s Not Just About Money.' MarketWatch , 30 Apr. 2025, pp. 1-2. marketwatch.com .
'Financial Impact of Side Jobs on Retirement Savings.' AARP Research , 2018, pp. 3-4. aarp.org .
'How Side Gigs Can Improve Mental Health for Retirees.' RL Communities Blog , 2023, pp. 1-2. rlcommunities.com .
'The Benefits of Social Engagement for Seniors.' Baptist Retirement Community Blog , 2024, pp. 2-3. baptistretirement.org .
Barron's Staff. 'Retirees Face Sticker Shock on Healthcare Costs If They Don’t Prepare.' Barron's , 8 Aug. 2024, pp. 1-2. barrons.com .

How does the WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan specifically calculate the Normal Retirement Benefit for its employees, and what considerations should employees be aware of regarding the Final Average Pay calculation used by WestRock Company?

Normal Retirement Benefit Calculation: The WestRock Company calculates the Normal Retirement Benefit based on the employee's Final Average Pay. This is defined as the average of the employee's highest five years of earnings over the last ten years of employment before termination. Earnings included in the Final Average Pay are most wages, bonuses, commissions, and amounts deferred under the company’s 401(k) plan. Employees should be aware that earnings after December 31, 2015, are excluded unless they qualify under the Rule of 75(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the specific eligibility requirements for the Disability Retirement Pension under the WestRock Company plan, and how does this differ for Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants within the WestRock Company workforce?

Disability Retirement Pension Eligibility: To qualify for a Disability Retirement Pension, an employee must have earned at least five years of Vesting Service and be deemed "totally and permanently disabled" according to specific criteria. Legacy Mead and Legacy Westvaco participants are subject to special rules detailed in the Legacy Supplement. Legacy Mead employees must apply separate criteria from Legacy Westvaco employees(WestRock Company_Issued…).

In what ways can employees at WestRock Company manage and maximize their Vesting Service to ensure they receive the full benefits from the companyâ€™s pension plan, particularly for those with interrupted service or re-employment?

Vesting Service Maximization: WestRock employees can manage their Vesting Service by ensuring that they complete at least five years of service, which guarantees their right to pension benefits. Employees with interrupted service can still receive credit for Vesting Service if they return within five years. Additionally, employees who leave and return within a year will receive credit for the time they were absent(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company handle the transition of benefits for employees who transfer between different positions within the company, and what impacts could this have on their eventual retirement benefits?

Transfer Between Positions: When WestRock employees transfer between different positions, their retirement benefit is calculated based on the greater of two methods. The first method calculates the benefit accrued at each position separately, while the second method applies the total benefit service across positions. Vesting Service is always combined, regardless of location or position(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company plan ensure that pension benefits are protected, particularly through the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and what should employees know about their rights and guarantees under this insurance?

Pension Benefit Protection (PBGC): The WestRock Pension Plan is insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). This federal insurance guarantees that employees will receive their vested pension benefits even if the plan is terminated. Employees should understand that PBGC coverage has limits, and benefits might be reduced under certain circumstances(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What are the consequences for WestRock Company employees who choose to withdraw from their pension plan or to rollover their benefits upon retirement or termination? How can they navigate these options effectively to avoid penalties?

Withdrawals and Rollovers: Employees can withdraw or roll over their pension benefits upon retirement or termination. Lump-sum withdrawals may be subject to taxes unless rolled over into a qualifying retirement account. Employees should consult the WestRock Benefits Center to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with federal tax regulations(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How does the WestRock Company maintain compliance with federal regulations and best practices under ERISA, and what specific rights do employees have concerning their pension benefits?

ERISA Compliance: WestRock complies with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), ensuring that employees' pension rights are protected. Employees have the right to receive information about their benefits, act prudently, and enforce their rights through the claims and appeals process outlined in the plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

What resources are available to employees of WestRock Company for understanding their benefits under the Consolidated Pension Plan, and how can they utilize these resources to ensure they make informed decisions about their retirement?

Resources for Understanding Benefits: WestRock provides employees access to the WestRock Benefits Center, where they can obtain information on their pension plan. Employees are encouraged to review the Summary Plan Description and consult with the Benefits Center for clarification on their benefits and to make informed retirement decisions(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How will the integration of employee benefits from various company acquisitions impact current staff at WestRock Company, and what steps is the company taking to communicate these changes effectively to its employees?

Impact of Acquisitions on Benefits: WestRock has acquired various companies over time, and employees from these acquisitions may have different pension rules applied to them. WestRock takes steps to integrate these employees and communicates any changes through the WestRock Benefits Center. Special rules may apply based on the previous employer’s pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).

How can employees of WestRock Company get in touch with the WestRock Benefits Center to seek clarification about the Summary Plan Description, and what are the best practices to follow when requesting information regarding their pension plan?

Contacting the Benefits Center: Employees can contact the WestRock Benefits Center for clarification on the Summary Plan Description. Best practices include having detailed questions prepared, reviewing the SPD in advance, and requesting copies of documents or forms that clarify specific aspects of their pension plan(WestRock Company_Issued…).