Unretired and Undervalued: How My Dad’s Garage Can Restore Purpose and Income for Retirees

Retirement was once considered the long-awaited reward after a lifetime of hard work. But for many older Americans today, that promise is slipping further out of reach. Rising inflation, medical costs, and insufficient retirement savings are forcing a growing number of retirees back into the workforce—not by choice, but out of necessity.

According to recent data, 13% of retirees plan to return to work in 2025, and more than 3 million men over the age of 70 are already clocking in again. This phenomenon, often dubbed “unretirement,” is more than just a statistic—it’s a symptom of a broken system. The cost of living has outpaced pensions and savings for countless seniors. Social Security, while essential, rarely stretches far enough. And while many retirees still have the skill and drive to contribute, few opportunities offer meaningful, flexible, and dignified ways to do so.

Enter My Dad’s Garage—a vision designed to offer more than just another job to the Unretired and Undervalued. It’s a community-based workshop that provides paid roles for experienced tradespeople without requiring them to take on the physical demands of daily labor. Instead of turning wrenches under a car or standing on a welding line for hours, retirees can pass on their knowledge to the next generation. They can mentor, supervise, troubleshoot, and guide others who are hungry to learn—earning income while preserving their health and independence.

In this model, retirees are not treated as obsolete but honored as essential. They become shop instructors, project reviewers, quality control advisors, or even remote consultants—roles that draw from decades of wisdom while providing flexibility and respect. For many, it’s not just about money—it’s about meaning, pride, and staying connected.

My Dad’s Garage bridges the gap between financial need and personal fulfillment, turning a crisis of retirement into a renaissance of relevance. In a world where older workers are often sidelined, this initiative proves that skills don’t expire—and that teaching may be the most valuable form of labor of all.